Session: 09-01-08 Wind Energy: Design and Process II

Submission Number: 179604

Development of the Floating Axis Wind Turbine for Reducing the Cost of Offshore Wind Energy in Japan 

Japan possesses significant potential for floating offshore wind turbine development due to its extensive and deep coastal waters. However, the country faces severe supply-chain challenges in scaling up large offshore wind farms. The domestic market remains relatively small, and the geographical distance from major European and U.S. manufacturers limits Japan’s purchasing power and access to advanced technology. Furthermore, the scarcity of shallow coastal areas forces Japan to advance directly toward floating wind technology, largely bypassing the bottom-fixed development phase experienced elsewhere. This unique situation demands innovative solutions tailored to Japan’s industrial and logistical constraints.

This paper introduces the Floating Axis Wind Turbine (FAWT), a novel floating vertical-axis wind turbine (VAWT) concept designed to overcome these challenges. FAWT employs a rotational spar-type floater supporting a vertical-axis rotor, integrated with multiple modular power take-off (PTO) units. This modular approach enables scalable generator capacity and facilitates offshore maintenance or replacement without relying on large installation vessels, significantly reducing costs and operational risks.

Two ongoing projects are presented: (1) a feasibility study for a multi-megawatt-class floating VAWT, and (2) a nearshore small-scale demonstrator currently under design and preparation. These initiatives aim to establish a pathway toward cost-effective, locally manufacturable floating wind systems optimized for Japan’s deep-water environment, contributing to the nation’s energy transition and offshore wind industrialization.

Presenting Author: Hiromichi Akimoto Albatross Technology Inc.

Presenting Author Biography: Completed the doctoral program at the University of Tokyo Graduate School of Engineering (Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering), earning a Ph.D. in Engineering. Served as a university faculty member in Japan and South Korea, engaging in education and research. Following the Great East Japan Earthquake and the 2011 nuclear power plant accident, founded a company to commercialize marine renewable energy and held concurrent roles until 2019. In 2022, reorganized the company as Albatross Technology Inc., assuming the position of CEO. Currently leading preparations for small-scale offshore experiments of floating vertical-axis wind turbines in collaboration with multiple electric power companies, shipping firms, and heavy industry manufacturers. His goal is to commercialize and industrialize large-scale, cost-effective, domestically produced floating vertical-axis wind turbines in Japan.

Authors:

Hiromichi Akimoto Albatross Technology Inc.
Koji Fukami Albatross Technology Inc.
Masaya Inoue Albatrosss Technology Inc.
Koichi Wada Albatross Technology Inc.