The down-scaled 1:6 test model met the full scale extreme weather and sank during extreme storm “Berit”.
This extreme wave height combined with a storm surge (high water level) caused water to enter into the tower through the inlet pipe for the power cable (the J-tube) causing the tower to fill with water. The J-tube will be extended to eliminate this risk before the 1:6 scale model is re-deployed.
The model is now lifted ashore and stored for dismantling and repair.
The structure is intact, but electrical components must be replaced. Time to re-installation is estimated to 8-12 weeks.
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Offshore WIND staff, December 09, 2011; Image: sway