Since OceanX, the largest single-capacity floating wind platform in the world, was introduced, Mingyang Smart Energy has caused quite a stir. Now, this enormous construction is sailing to the Qingzhou IV Offshore Wind Farm in Yangjiang, Guangdong, from Guangzhou, China. After traveling 191 nautical miles (220 miles, 354 kilometers) over the course of the next three days, OceanX will arrive at its ultimate offshore destination, where it will demonstrate its state-of-the-art dual-rotor design.OceanX is an impressive feat of engineering, weighing in at 15,000 tonnes and featuring two MySE16.6(T) wind turbines with blade diameters of 597 feet (182 meters).
This floating platform can generate over 16 MW of power from its dual rotors, and it is intended to anchor in waters deeper than 115 feet (35 meters). OceanX was constructed as a joint venture between Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding Company and China State Shipbuilding Corporation. Its wind-tuning design maximizes power generation and minimizes stress on the structure by keeping OceanX facing downwind at all times.
The platform is designed to survive harsh weather, including gusts as high as 161 mph (260 km/h), which are characteristic of typhoons or Category 5 hurricanes. Its robustness in severe weather is increased by its downwind orientation and single-point mooring, which permit the rotors to bend safely without colliding with the supporting framework.
There have been some claims that OceanX can generate power even during a hurricane. However, this assertion is debatable. The turbine’s rated wind speed is about 22 mph (36 km/h), far below hurricane levels. Experts note that at extremely high wind speeds, turbines are more likely to feather their blades to survive rather than generate power, as attempting to do so could lead to catastrophic failure. This discrepancy suggests that there may be some optimism in Mingyang’s marketing or a possible translation error.