Session: Hydrodynamic and Coupled Analyses-1

Paper Number: 165270

165270 - Evaluation of Reduced Order Models for an Initial Assessment of Floating Wind Turbine Dynamics 

Abstract: 

The technical development of Floating Offshore Wind Turbines (FOWTs) relies on understanding their dynamics under critical environmental conditions. Unlike other types of floating offshore units, for which the limiting loading cases are usually related to extreme environmental conditions, FOWTs may face additional challenges due to the rotor thrust, which can result in critical loadings even in operational conditions. Therefore, during a FOWT design it is necessary to assess a broad range of environmental conditions typically based on extensive time-domain simulations. In this context, the present study investigates the accuracy of frequency-domain and quasi-static models in estimating the dynamic responses of FOWTs hull and mooring system tensions, comparing the results with those obtained from time-domain simulations and model scale experimental data. More specifically, the performance is assessed in terms of mooring loads, maximum platform offsets and nacelle's accelerations. The case-study is based on a catenary moored semisubmersible FOWT supporting the RWT IEA15MW in a water depth of 233m. Time-independent models adopted for mooring characterization and platform’s offset estimation are based on analytical formulation, while the floater dynamics is evaluated in the frequency-domain from estimated RAOs. Time-domain simulations were performed in OpenFAST for more than 300 environmental conditions, and the model-scale data were obtained through a dedicated experimental campaign including a wide range of wave and wind conditions. Results indicate that time-independent models may offer significant advantages during the early design stages, allowing faster analysis, optimization and identification of environmental conditions that can lead to critical loadings.

Presenting Author: Jordi Mas Soler Universidade de São Paulo

Presenting Author Biography: Jordi Mas Soler is an assistant professor at Universidade de São Paulo and a researcher at the Numerical Offshore Tank-USP. His expertise lies in theoretical and experimental hydrodynamics of offshore structures, with emphasis on the field of floating offshore wind turbines.

Authors:

Jordi Mas Soler Universidade de São Paulo
Giovanni Aiosa Do Amaral Universidade de São Paulo
Pedro Cardozo De Mello Universidade de São Paulo
Alexandre Nicolaos Simos Universidade de São Paulo
Daniel Fonseca De Carvalho E Silva Petróleo Brasileiro S.A.