Windcatcher

Windcatcher is an innovative floating wind power technology developed by Wind Catching Systems. It consists of multiple small, low-complexity wind turbines arranged on a single floating structure, designed to maximize energy yield and operational efficiency in offshore environments.

The system uses direct-drive permanent magnet turbines that are standardized for mass production in any market region. Unlike traditional single large-rotor turbines, Windcatcher scales capacity by increasing the number of identical smaller turbines rather than individual turbine size. This approach avoids technological barriers associated with increasing blade length and generator capacity.

A key feature is the integrated operations and maintenance system. An elevator platform can access any turbine position for inspection, maintenance, or replacement without specialized vessels or cranes. This enables a "swap over repair" approach where turbines can be easily replaced offshore and repaired onshore, significantly improving power availability and reducing O&M costs.

The largest Windcatcher unit has a 126MW capacity, potentially generating 5 times the electricity of a 15MW standalone turbine in North Sea conditions. By co-locating multiple turbines on one floater, it maximizes energy yield per ocean area used and reduces the number of units needed for large-scale power generation.

The system is designed for a 50-year structural lifespan and offers high redundancy, as the failure of a single turbine has minimal impact on overall power production. This design provides project owners with flexibility in maintenance scheduling and enhanced performance security over the project lifetime.