Britannia: A Mega-Scale Offshore Wind Turbine

Designing a Wind Turbine for the Future

Créa Inc Design drew inspiration from the nautical heritage of Clipper ships, infusing Britannia with elements reminiscent of these majestic vessels. The galley-like rear end forms and streamlined shape pay homage to the Clipper's iconic design. CEO and Founder Jim Dehlson, often referred to as "the father of modern Windpower," envisioned Britannia as a sculpture inspired by the "Winged Victory of Samothrace." The exterior design captures the essence of this inspiration, with arched wings and other elements that transform the turbine into a mega-sized inspirational sculpture.

What sets Britannia apart from other wind turbines is its integration of function and form. The placement of radiators for cooling the large generators not only ensures optimal performance but also serves as a stylistic element with air scoops. The interior architecture of the turbine is optimized to provide comfortable working and sleeping spaces for the crew responsible for servicing the generators.

With a power output of 10MW, Britannia is set to become the largest wind turbine in the world. This immense energy generation is equivalent to providing electricity for the instantaneous demand of 7,500 homes. Standing at a height of 180m and with a bladespan of 145m, Britannia is a true engineering marvel.

The realization of Britannia required the expertise of various teams. Engineering teams developed the generators, gearing, blades, and steel structure, which served as the starting point for the exterior design and interior crew architecture. The placement of radiators was carefully considered to ensure efficient cooling and minimize the risk of fires, a common issue in wind turbines. The turbine's interior was designed to accommodate the removal, servicing, and replacement of the large generators, with windows, walkways, and sleep areas strategically positioned for crew comfort. The inclusion of bomb-bay doors allows for easy access for maintenance and repairs, while a helipad on the roof provides convenient transportation options.

During the construction of Britannia, modular pieces were transported via highways and ships to the assembly site. The tower was built first, followed by the hoisting of modular parts into place. Internal cranes were used to lift the generators and radiators into position, with the cone and blades added as the final steps. The modular construction facilitated the assembly process, considering the large scale of the turbine.

The Britannia project started in December 2008, with design and development taking place in Santa Barbara, California, San Francisco, California, and Bristol, UK. The industrial design phase was completed in March 2010, marking a significant milestone in the creation of this groundbreaking wind turbine.

Créa Inc Design's research for Britannia focused on addressing common concerns associated with wind turbines, such as their visual impact and noise. By developing a mega-scale turbine, the number of turbines required can be reduced, minimizing their visual impact. The large size of Britannia also presented challenges related to friction and heat, which were overcome through the strategic placement of radiators. The aim of the industrial design was to create an iconic shape in the sky, representing Clipper's commitment to renewable power while incorporating efficient engineering solutions.

The engineering challenges faced during the development of Britannia were significant due to the large scale of the turbine. Fabrication, assembly, mechanics, and other factors had to be carefully considered to ensure the turbine's success. Créa Inc Design's expertise and innovative approach allowed them to overcome these challenges and create a truly groundbreaking wind turbine.

Britannia has received recognition for its exceptional design. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in 2019 in the Energy Products, Projects, and Devices Design category. This prestigious award recognizes well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. Britannia's design integrates industry best practices and competent technical characteristics, contributing to a better world.

With its impressive power output, unique styling, and commitment to renewable energy, Britannia is set to make a significant impact in the field of offshore wind power. Créa Inc Design's innovative approach and attention to detail have resulted in a wind turbine that not only generates clean energy but also stands as a symbol of beauty and efficiency in the sky.