MotionXP designed custom actuators capable of moving at 800 mm/s

Floating wind turbines offer a promising solution for harnessing wind energy in areas where the water depth makes the installation of fixed turbines impossible. In the Mediterranean or the Atlantic, where wind resources are excellent, they allow for a significant increase in the share of renewable marine energy. However, because they float, these turbines move with the waves and wind, which influences their performance as well as the wake generated. Understanding these effects is essential to optimize their design and efficiency.

One approach is to conduct wind tunnel tests using a scale model of the turbine mounted on a robotic platform, like the one from MotionXP. On a small scale, to faithfully reproduce the real movements of a floating wind turbine, it's necessary to accelerate time, which requires a platform capable of moving very quickly, up to 10 Hz, with large amplitudes relative to the model's size (up to 10 cm).

In exploring various solutions, we discovered the work of Hervé at MotionXP. After some discussions, MotionXP designed custom actuators capable of moving at 800 mm/s with sufficient stroke. Once assembled into a six-actuator system forming a Stewart platform, they can accurately reproduce the complex movements of a floating wind turbine. This custom platform thus allows for a precise study of the impact of these movements on aerodynamic performance, all for a budget of €13k. In addition to an excellently crafted product, MotionXP offers highly responsive and top-quality after-sales service.