The V-shaped design of the OceanX twin turbine provides 16.6 MW, generating 54,000 MWh of electricity annually, enough to supply power to 30,000 households in China.
Minh Dương Smart Energy Company has begun the journey of installing the world’s largest floating wind turbine platform, setting sail from the port of Guangzhou in southern China to its final destination at the Qingzhou IV offshore wind farm in the Yangtze River, Guangdong, Interesting Engineering reported on August 13. According to the company, the 354 km journey is expected to be completed in 72 hours.
Ocean X being towed to the Qingzhou IV wind farm. (Photo: Interesting Engineering).
Ocean X features a V-shape with twin turbines and a total capacity of 16.6 MW. This floating platform can produce 54,000 MWh of electricity annually, meeting the needs of approximately 30,000 households. The draft of the OceanX design is 5.5 m, with a total weight of around 12,000 tons. To ensure safe movement, engineers have adjusted the large blades of the turbine to reduce bulkiness.
Wind turbines can operate continuously, although power output may fluctuate, whereas solar farms are limited as they cannot produce electricity at night. Over the years, wind turbines have gradually increased in size, generating more electricity with each rotation. Initially, the goal was to move wind turbines offshore to save land for agricultural activities. However, the benefits of harnessing stronger winds at sea have led to the rapid development of the offshore wind energy industry.
Minh Dương aims to support the world’s transition to sustainable energy with advanced offshore floating wind technology, including the MySE 5.5MW and MySE 7.25MW systems, along with the premium 16.6 MW turbine (the OceanX dual-rotor floating wind turbine). Minh Dương manufactures the OceanX platform in collaboration with Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding Company and the China Shipbuilding Group.
Atop the V-shaped structure of OceanX are two counter-rotating rotors, each powered by the MySE16.6(T) wind turbine with a blade diameter of 182 m. To ensure optimal stability, this structure is mounted on a Y-shaped floating platform and reinforced with high-tension cables. The floating platform, weighing approximately 15,000 tons, is designed to operate in waters deeper than 35 m, maximizing the utilization of offshore wind resources.
According to Minh Dương, the construction of the floating platform employs ultra-high-performance concrete to enhance durability and cost-effectiveness. OceanX utilizes a single-point mooring system to minimize environmental impact and increase stability during severe storms. Additionally, the floating platform can withstand wind speeds of up to 260 km/h and waves as high as 30 m in Category 5 storm conditions while maintaining electricity production.