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A Forward-Looking Assessment of Robotized Operation and Maintenance Practices for Offshore Wind Farms

Author

Listed:
  • Henrique Vieira

    (Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal)

  • Rui Castro

    (INESC-ID/IST, University of Lisbon, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal)

Abstract

Operation and maintenance (O&M) activities represent a significant share of the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) for offshore wind farms (OWFs), making cost reduction a key priority. Robotic-based solutions, leveraging aerial and underwater vehicles in a cooperative framework, offer the potential to optimize O&M logistics and reduce costs. Additionally, the deployment of persistent autonomous robotic systems can minimize the need for human intervention, enhancing efficiency. This study presents the development of an O&M cost calculator that integrates multiple modules: a weather forecast module to account for meteorological uncertainties, a failure module to model OWF failures, a maintenance module to estimate costs for both planned and unplanned activities, and a power module to quantify downtime-related losses. A forward-looking comparative economic analysis is conducted, assessing the cost-effectiveness of human-based versus robot-based inspection, maintenance, and repair (IMR) activities. The findings highlight the economic viability of robotic solutions in offshore wind O&M, supporting their potential role in reducing operational expenditures and improving energy production efficiency.

Suggested Citation

  • Henrique Vieira & Rui Castro, 2025. "A Forward-Looking Assessment of Robotized Operation and Maintenance Practices for Offshore Wind Farms," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(6), pages 1-25, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:6:p:1508-:d:1615148
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Maienza, C. & Avossa, A.M. & Ricciardelli, F. & Coiro, D. & Troise, G. & Georgakis, C.T., 2020. "A life cycle cost model for floating offshore wind farms," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 266(C).
    2. Niemi, Arto & Skobiej, Bartosz & Kulev, Nikolai & Sill Torres, Frank, 2024. "Modeling offshore wind farm disturbances and maintenance service responses within the scope of resilience," Reliability Engineering and System Safety, Elsevier, vol. 242(C).
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