AbstractThis study aims to accurately predict the hydrodynamic performance and motion responses of offshore wind turbines on the basis of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) theory. Continuous and Navier-Stokes (N-S) equations are employed as control equations, and the k-ε
model is used as a turbulence model. The finite difference method is utilized to discretize the equation. The Semi-Implicit Method for Pressure-Linked Equations (SIMPLE) algorithm is applied to solve the control equation, and the volume-of-fluid (VOF) method is used to capture the free surface.
The numerical wave tank of irregular wave is also established. The hydrodynamic performances and motion responses of the offshore wind turbines under regular waves are studied. First, we assume a floating foundation without the influence of a rotational fan and examine its motion responses
and wave force in three typical sea conditions, namely, Levels 5, 6, and 7. Thereafter, we use a series of force and torque acting on the rotating center of the offshore to substitute for the influence of the rotational fan on the floating foundation. Then, we study the hydrodynamic performance
influenced by blade rotation of the floating foundation in various sea conditions and three wind speeds, namely, 5, 8, and 11 m/s. Research results can provide usable theoretical principle and technical support for the investigation of the hydrodynamic performance and motion responses of similar
offshore wind turbines.