DNV awards C-Level certificate for Smart PU Slip-Joint prototype
DNV, the international classification society, has awarded the C-Level certificate for our offshore windmill foundation connection system, the Smart PU Slip-Joint. This certification confirms that our 1:10 scale prototype has successfully met all design and documentation requirements during the development phase.
Offshore wind turbines are being installed further from the coast, and the turbines themselves are becoming larger. Pile foundation connections must withstand increasing challenges and loads. The Smart PU Slip-Joint, made of high-performance polyurethane (PU) elastomer plates, reduces, installation costs and enables unlimited scalability costs.
The certification was conducted in accordance with ‘DNV-SE-0441:2021-10 Type and Component Certification of Wind Turbines’ and includes the innovative new connection method between the monopile (MP) and tower or transition piece (TP), or between split monopiles. The test was carried out in collaboration with the TTH Institute in Hanover, Germany.
Next step: 1:1 prototype
"We have gained valuable insights since our last certification. We have learned how to plan, execute and evaluate large-scale tests, further refined our simulation models, extensively tested materials and collaborated with external partners to develop production and application methods," explains Dr. Judith Weigold, Head of Advanced Offshore Components at Rosenxt. "We should all be proud of what we have achieved. Now, it’s time to move forward and prepare for the next step: testing our solution as a full-scale, 1:1 prototype."
The next phase involves building a 1:1 prototype of an offshore wind turbine with the Smart PU Slip-Joint, which has been deemed feasible by DNV. The team, in collaboration with various wind farm developers, operators and suppliers, is now working on the next steps towards commercial production and market entry.