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Press Release
NSK has been selected to join a major research project funded by the Japanese Government's New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). The project will pursue research to enable the rapid large-scale deployment of floating offshore wind turbines in Japan.
NSK, Kyushu University (Multiscale Offshore Wind Research Division), Toshiba Energy Systems Corporation, and Hitachi Zosen Corporation. The project will be led by Professor Takanori Uchida of Kyushu University.
Research and Development of Evaluation Technology for Floating Wind Turbine Wake Effect Phenomena Using Large Wind Tunnel Facilities
The Japanese government has set a goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, and offshore floating wind power generation is expected to be a part of this goal. In wind turbines, a phenomenon called the wake effect* occurs downwind of the turbine as the blades rotate. In large-scale offshore wind farms consisting of multiple wind turbines, this effect causes negative effects such as increased turbulence and a decrease in the amount of electricity generated by wind turbines on the downwind side and an increase in the load acting on the wind turbine.
In order to realize large-scale offshore wind farms in Japan as quickly and appropriately as possible, an important issue is developing technology to accurately understand and precisely predict the wake effect and establishing innovative optimal design methods for Japan's geographical context.
Using a large wind tunnel facility at Kyushu University, the research will aim to accurately understand the wake effect unique to floating wind turbines and their mutual interference phenomena, to develop technology for their prediction and evaluation, and to propose necessary technology development for the future with an eye toward industry-academia collaboration. The wake effect in floating wind turbines is mostly unstudied and this research is expected to sequentially solve technical issues for large-scale floating offshore wind farms and make a significant contribution to enabling their introduction at scale.
Through the research in this project, NSK aims to improve the reliability of bearings for wind turbines by understanding the characteristics of load changes acting on wind turbines due to the wake effect, thereby contributing to the future spread of wind power generation. The NSK Group is promoting ESG management and will pursue opportunities for business growth and contribute to a sustainable society by leveraging its technological capabilities that contribute to global environmental conservation.
NSK began its journey manufacturing the first bearings in Japan in 1916, and has since developed into a global organization researching, designing, and manufacturing Motion & Control™ solutions essential for mobility and industrial applications. NSK is the top supplier of bearings in Japan and is the third largest supplier in the world by market share.
Our responsive products and technologies enhance automotive performance and industrial productivity while reducing energy consumption to unprecedented low levels. In the early 1960s, we set our sights outside Japan and have established over 200 business locations in 30 countries alongside a vast network of joint ventures and partnerships in all corners of the world.