Digital twin technology can reduce materials by up to 30 percent

The project proves that predictive digital twin technology can reduce the steel weight and associated costs of offshore wind jacket foundations by up to 30 per cent. The results were achieved thanks to Akselos’ MIT-licenced simulation technology Reduced Basis Finite Element Analysis (RB-FEA), that allows for unprecedented speed and accuracy through real-time data feeds. 

For Lamprell, that enables highly accelerated design workflows where multiple design alternatives can be tested against thousands of scenarios in minutes, and in high fidelity. The company will now apply the findings to reduce the amount of steel it uses to construct its offshore foundations.

Lamprell’s Chief Executive Officer, Christopher McDonald, said: “We are delighted at the results we’ve seen with Akselos’ digital twins which provide a true step-change in our design process. With their state-of-the-art high-fidelity models, we’ve been able to reduce the steel weight in jacket foundation design and construction by up to 30%. This represents a significant reduction and saving; providing substantial value for our customers and wider stakeholders.

Through our Digital business unit we are focused on harnessing digital technologies to optimise multiple aspects of our operations.  This is a great example of that strategy delivering results. The innovative ways in which we are able to offer such efficiencies for our customers is what will continue to give us a competitive edge.”

The research will continue by creating a full digital loop from design to operations, bringing together parametric simulations, machine learning and optimization routines to enable engineers to use relevant operational data to understand how designs behave under operating conditions, allowing for resilient, optimal designs based on real-world data.

The European Union awarded Akselos E1.4m in 2018 to conduct the research and pilot project GODESS. The research was conducted with Eurostars which is co-funded by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation and the European Union. The funding is designed to support emerging enterprises that have shown excellence in R&D. Aimed at accelerating the development of innovative and rapidly marketable products, the funding award is the latest in a series of endorsements of the technology from major players in the energy world.