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The Hexicon platform survives all conditions<p /> Has Hexicon just solved all of the issues surrounding <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/2010/01/20/330000-football-fields-of-wind-turbines-planned-in-britain/">offshore wind farms</a> with a floating platform? Let's see - Wind farms are only feasibly installed in shallow water, there is a concern about underwater soil erosion and <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/2010/03/03/common-herbicide-causes-a-sex-change-in-frogs/">disruption of marine life</a>, and the maintenance costs of a <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/12/15/nyc-mayor-bloomberg-looks-to-danish-offshore-windfarms-for-inspiration/">large windmill</a> anchored to bedrock well below the water's surface are quite pricey. Hexicon's buoyant solution seems to tick off all of these boxes. Read on to see how.1
The Hexicon wind platform can survive huge stormsThey've solved all of these problems with their adaptable, floating offshore wind and wave generation platform - the <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/2010/03/04/sweden-aims-for-2000-new-wind-turbines-50-renewable-energy-by-2020/">renewable energy plant</a> of the future.2
The platform uses waves to balanceThe platform is designed to deal with <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/2010/03/02/moma-exhibit-offers-real-solutions-to-nyc-rising-tides/">extreme conditions</a> by redirecting waves through a special design in its hull that uses the water's force to keep the platform stable.3
Wave generators can also be attached.It can be equipped with up to seven <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/02/12/germany-plans-960-megawatt-wind-farm/">windmills</a> and seven <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/2010/02/23/oregon-wave-power/">underwater wave generators</a>.4
They've constructed the windmill attachments to be easily switched out for newer technology as it becomes available.They've constructed the windmill attachments to be easily switched out for newer technology as it becomes available.5
The platform's maintenece is easier than other offshore windmills.The cost of the platform is the same as other <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/11/13/michael-jantzens-awe-inspiring-monument-to-wind-power/">off-shore wind farms</a> but it decreases maintenance costs in the future by keeping the entire structure above water.6
Cost for the platform is low.The designers say the platform will be functional for up to 60 years.7
Conventional wind farms need to be anchored deep in the bedrock under the ocean.Conventional wind farms need to be anchored deep in the bedrock under the ocean.8
The cost of building the windmills increases as the depth of the ocean increases and the installation process negatively impacts marine life around it.The cost of building the windmills increases as the depth of the ocean increases and the installation process negatively impacts marine life around it.9
There are concerns about bedrock with conventional windfarms.There are also concerns that <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/2010/01/28/obamas-state-of-the-union-pushes-green-but-will-congress-budge/">drilling into the ocean's shelf</a> could cause underwater soil erosion.10
The platform is stable and cost effective.Hexicon has solved all of these problems by creating a <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/2010/03/02/port-au-prince-could-be-recycled-and-rebuilt-from-itself/">stable, cost effective solution</a>.11
We hope that the platform is easily put into production.We hope that the platform is easily put into production.12
The platform can be assmbled on site which decreases transportation impacts and costs.The platform can be assmbled on site which decreases transportation impacts and costs.13
Cheers to Hexicon for a great design!Cheer's to Hexicon for a great design!14
