Wind Catching Systems is developing the Windcatcher, a floating wind energy solution that utilizes standard 1MW direct-drive permanent magnet turbines to enhance scalability and reduce the levelized cost of energy (LCoE) for offshore wind projects. The technology maximizes electricity production per unit while minimizing acreage use, addressing the inefficiencies of current floating wind systems.
Funding
$13.3M raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Founders
Product
Problem
Current floating offshore wind solutions are inefficient in their use of acreage and often rely on large, complex turbines, leading to supply chain vulnerabilities and hindering standardization within the industry. The levelized cost of energy (LCoE) for offshore wind projects remains a barrier to wider adoption.
Solution
Wind Catching Systems is developing the Windcatcher, a floating wind energy system designed to maximize electricity production per unit while minimizing acreage use. The Windcatcher utilizes multiple standard 1MW direct-drive permanent magnet turbines on a single floating platform, enhancing scalability and enabling local mass production in any market region. An elevator system provides access to each turbine position for streamlined inspection, maintenance, and unit replacement. This approach allows for capacity scaling based on the number of turbines rather than the size of individual units, offering floating solutions from 40MW to 126MW adaptable to various project conditions.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes offshore wind project developers and operators seeking to reduce the LCoE of floating wind, as well as energy companies and grid operators looking for scalable and efficient offshore wind energy solutions.
Features
- Floating wind solution utilizing multiple 1MW direct-drive permanent magnet turbines
- Scalable design, ranging from 40MW to 126MW, adaptable to different offshore wind project conditions
- Maximizes electricity production per floating unit, improving acreage utilization
- Elevator system for easy access to each turbine for inspection, maintenance, and replacement
- Design promotes standardization and enables local mass production of turbines
- Hydrodynamic performance validated through tank testing
- Advanced simulation model used to evaluate and verify loads and performance