The Marine Environment Impacts on the Supporting Structure of the Offshore Wind Turbines and Discussions on the Protective Measures

Offshore wind turbine supporting structure long term works in the harsh marine environment, suffering from a variety of negative factors such as the seawater corrosion, marine growths, water scour, collision of sea ice and ship, etc.. Through numerical analysis software SACS and ANSYS, the marine environment impacts on the supporting structure and protective measures were put forward. The study found that such adverse environmental factors might easily result in a whole or partial component damage of the foundation support structure, and eventually lead to the reduction of security and durability. Reasonable preventive measures to ensure the security of the offshore wind turbine supporting structure were proposed and theoretical guidance for the design of future offshore foundation was provided.

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On the Modeling of Nonlinear Waves for Prediction of Long-Term Offshore Wind Turbine Loads

Volume 6: Nick Newman Symposium on Marine Hydrodynamics; Yoshida and Maeda Special Symposium on Ocean Space Utilization; Special Symposium on Offshore Renewable Energy ◽

10.1115/omae2008-57855 ◽

2008 ◽

Author(s):

P. Agarwal ◽

L. Manuel

Keyword(s):

Wind Turbine ◽

Wind Turbines ◽

Return Period ◽

Wave Model ◽

Offshore Wind ◽

Offshore Wind Turbine ◽

Offshore Wind Turbines ◽

Irregular Wave ◽

Inflow Turbulence

In the design of wind turbines—onshore or offshore—the prediction of extreme loads associated with a target return period requires statistical extrapolation from available loads data. The data required for such extrapolation are obtained by stochastic time-domain simulation of the inflow turbulence, the incident waves, and the turbine response. Prediction of accurate loads depends on assumptions made in the simulation models employed. While for the wind, inflow turbulence models are relatively well established, for wave input, the current practice is to model irregular (random) waves using a linear wave theory. Such a wave model does not adequately represent waves in shallow waters where most offshore wind turbines are being sited. As an alternative to this less realistic wave model, the present study investigates the use of irregular nonlinear (second-order) waves for estimating loads on an offshore wind turbine, with a focus on the fore-aft tower bending moment at the mudline. We use a 5MW utility-scale wind turbine model for the simulations. Using, first, simpler linear irregular wave modeling assumptions, we establish long-term loads and identify governing environmental conditions (i.e., the wind speed and wave height) that are associated with the 20-year return period load derived using the inverse first-order reliability method. We present the nonlinear irregular wave model next and incorporate it into an integrated wind-wave-response simulation analysis program for offshore wind turbines. We compute turbine loads for the governing environmental conditions identified with the linear model and also for an extreme environmental state. We show that computed loads are generally larger with the nonlinear wave modeling assumptions; this establishes the importance of using such refined nonlinear wave models in stochastic simulation of the response of offshore wind turbines.

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Research of lightning transient potential on the jacket foundation offshore wind turbines

E3S Web of Conferences ◽

10.1051/e3sconf/20199502006 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 95 ◽

pp. 02006 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Shiqi Tao ◽

Ximei Yao ◽

Bojing Liu ◽

Xiaoqing Zhang ◽

Yaowu Wang

Keyword(s):

Wind Turbine ◽

Marine Environment ◽

Wind Turbines ◽

Efficient Algorithm ◽

Circuit Model ◽

Offshore Wind ◽

Lightning Strike ◽

Offshore Wind Turbine ◽

Offshore Wind Turbines ◽

Tall Structures

Offshore wind turbines are often struck by lightning due to their tall structures and the harsh marine environment. The high transient potential from lightning strike can cause serious damage for the devices of offshore turbines. For analysing the effect of transient potential, a complete transient circuit model is established and an efficient algorithm is also presented to evaluate the circuit parameters of blade, tower, and jacket foundation. On the basis of the circuit model, the transient potential at the different locations of the offshore wind turbine can be carried out during direct lightning strike by PSCAD. Finally, the circuit model is used by a numerical example of an actual Chinese-built offshore wind turbine.

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On the Modeling of Nonlinear Waves for Prediction of Long-Term Offshore Wind Turbine Loads

Journal of Offshore Mechanics and Arctic Engineering ◽

10.1115/1.3160647 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 131 (4) ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

P. Agarwal ◽

L. Manuel

Keyword(s):

Wind Turbine ◽

Wind Turbines ◽

Return Period ◽

Wave Model ◽

Offshore Wind ◽

Offshore Wind Turbine ◽

Offshore Wind Turbines ◽

Irregular Wave ◽

Inflow Turbulence

In the design of wind turbines—onshore or offshore—the prediction of extreme loads associated with a target return period requires statistical extrapolation from available loads data. The data required for such extrapolation are obtained by stochastic time-domain simulation of the inflow turbulence, the incident waves, and the turbine response. Prediction of accurate loads depends on assumptions made in the simulation models employed. While for the wind, inflow turbulence models are relatively well established; for wave input, the current practice is to model irregular (random) waves using a linear wave theory. Such a wave model does not adequately represent waves in shallow waters where most offshore wind turbines are being sited. As an alternative to this less realistic wave model, the present study investigates the use of irregular nonlinear (second-order) waves for estimating loads on an offshore wind turbine with a focus on the fore-aft tower bending moment at the mudline. We use a 5 MW utility-scale wind turbine model for the simulations. Using, first, simpler linear irregular wave modeling assumptions, we establish long-term loads and identify governing environmental conditions (i.e., the wind speed and wave height) that are associated with the 20-year return period load derived using the inverse first-order reliability method. We present the nonlinear irregular wave model next and incorporate it into an integrated wind-wave response simulation analysis program for offshore wind turbines. We compute turbine loads for the governing environmental conditions identified with the linear model and also for an extreme environmental state. We show that computed loads are generally larger with the nonlinear wave modeling assumptions; this establishes the importance of using such refined nonlinear wave models in stochastic simulation of the response of offshore wind turbines.

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The Influence of Foundation Modeling Assumptions on Long-Term Load Prediction for Offshore Wind Turbines

Volume 6: Nick Newman Symposium on Marine Hydrodynamics; Yoshida and Maeda Special Symposium on Ocean Space Utilization; Special Symposium on Offshore Renewable Energy ◽

10.1115/omae2008-57893 ◽

2008 ◽

Author(s):

Erica Bush ◽

Puneet Agarwal ◽

Lance Manuel

Keyword(s):

Wind Turbine ◽

Offshore Wind ◽

Offshore Wind Turbine ◽

Load Prediction ◽

Offshore Wind Turbines ◽

Extreme Loads ◽

Foundation Model ◽

Flexible Foundation ◽

Ultimate Limit

In evaluating ultimate limit states for design, time-domain aeroelastic response simulations are typically carried out to establish extreme loads on offshore wind turbines. Accurate load prediction depends on proper modeling of the wind turbulence and the wave stochastic processes as well as of the turbine, the support structure, and the foundation. One method for modeling the support structure is to rigidly connect it to the seabed; such a foundation model is appropriate only when the sea floor is firm (as is the case for rock). To obtain realistic turbine response dynamics for softer soils, it is important that a flexible foundation is modeled. While a single discrete spring for coupled lateral/rotational motion or several distributed springs along the length of the monopile may be employed, a tractable alternative is to employ a fictitious fixed-based pile modeled as an “equivalent” cantilever beam, where the length of this fictitious pile is determined using conventional pile lateral load analysis in combination with knowledge of the soil profile. The objective of this study is to investigate the influence of modeling flexible pile foundations on offshore wind turbine loads such as the fore-aft tower bending moment at the mudline. We employ a utility-scale 5MW offshore wind turbine model with a 90-meter hub height in simulations; the turbine is assumed to be sited in 20 meters of water. For a critical wind-wave combination known to control long-term design loads, we study time histories, power spectra, response statistics, and probability distributions of extreme loads for fixed-base and flexible foundation models with the intention of assessing the importance of foundation model selection. Load distributions are found to be sensitive to foundation modeling assumptions. Extrapolation to rare return periods may be expected to lead to differences in derived nominal loads needed in ultimate limit state design; this justifies the use of flexible foundation models in simulation studies.

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Improving the Strategy of Maintaining Offshore Wind Turbines through Petri Net Modelling

Applied Sciences ◽

10.3390/app11020574 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. 574

Author(s):

Rundong Yan ◽

Sarah Dunnett

Keyword(s):

Wind Turbine ◽

Wind Turbines ◽

Petri Net ◽

Offshore Wind ◽

Offshore Wind Turbine ◽

Maintenance Costs ◽

Offshore Wind Turbines ◽

Major Repair ◽

Wind Turbine System ◽

Periodic Maintenance

In order to improve the operation and maintenance (O&M) of offshore wind turbines, a new Petri net (PN)-based offshore wind turbine maintenance model is developed in this paper to simulate the O&M activities in an offshore wind farm. With the aid of the PN model developed, three new potential wind turbine maintenance strategies are studied. They are (1) carrying out periodic maintenance of the wind turbine components at different frequencies according to their specific reliability features; (2) conducting a full inspection of the entire wind turbine system following a major repair; and (3) equipping the wind turbine with a condition monitoring system (CMS) that has powerful fault detection capability. From the research results, it is found that periodic maintenance is essential, but in order to ensure that the turbine is operated economically, this maintenance needs to be carried out at an optimal frequency. Conducting a full inspection of the entire wind turbine system following a major repair enables efficient utilisation of the maintenance resources. If periodic maintenance is performed infrequently, this measure leads to less unexpected shutdowns, lower downtime, and lower maintenance costs. It has been shown that to install the wind turbine with a CMS is helpful to relieve the burden of periodic maintenance. Moreover, the higher the quality of the CMS, the more the downtime and maintenance costs can be reduced. However, the cost of the CMS needs to be considered, as a high cost may make the operation of the offshore wind turbine uneconomical.

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Impact of Typhoons on Floating Offshore Wind Turbines: A Case Study of Typhoon Mangkhut

Journal of Marine Science and Engineering ◽

10.3390/jmse9050543 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (5) ◽

pp. 543

Author(s):

Jiawen Li ◽

Jingyu Bian ◽

Yuxiang Ma ◽

Yichen Jiang

Keyword(s):

Wind Turbine ◽

Wind Turbines ◽

Safety Evaluation ◽

Offshore Wind ◽

Offshore Wind Turbine ◽

Motion Response ◽

Offshore Wind Turbines ◽

Floating Offshore Wind Turbines ◽

Coupling Motion

A typhoon is a restrictive factor in the development of floating wind power in China. However, the influences of multistage typhoon wind and waves on offshore wind turbines have not yet been studied. Based on Typhoon Mangkhut, in this study, the characteristics of the motion response and structural loads of an offshore wind turbine are investigated during the travel process. For this purpose, a framework is established and verified for investigating the typhoon-induced effects of offshore wind turbines, including a multistage typhoon wave field and a coupled dynamic model of offshore wind turbines. On this basis, the motion response and structural loads of different stages are calculated and analyzed systematically. The results show that the maximum response does not exactly correspond to the maximum wave or wind stage. Considering only the maximum wave height or wind speed may underestimate the motion response during the traveling process of the typhoon, which has problems in guiding the anti-typhoon design of offshore wind turbines. In addition, the coupling motion between the floating foundation and turbine should be considered in the safety evaluation of the floating offshore wind turbine under typhoon conditions.

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Physical Modelling of Offshore Wind Turbine Foundations for TRL (Technology Readiness Level) Studies

Journal of Marine Science and Engineering ◽

10.3390/jmse9060589 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (6) ◽

pp. 589

Author(s):

Subhamoy Bhattacharya ◽

Domenico Lombardi ◽

Sadra Amani ◽

Muhammad Aleem ◽

Ganga Prakhya ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Wind Turbine ◽

Wind Turbines ◽

Prior Experience ◽

Physical Modelling ◽

Offshore Wind ◽

Offshore Wind Turbine ◽

Foundation Design ◽

Offshore Wind Turbines ◽

Sea Bed ◽

Geological Conditions

Offshore wind turbines are a complex, dynamically sensitive structure due to their irregular mass and stiffness distribution, and complexity of the loading conditions they need to withstand. There are other challenges in particular locations such as typhoons, hurricanes, earthquakes, sea-bed currents, and tsunami. Because offshore wind turbines have stringent Serviceability Limit State (SLS) requirements and need to be installed in variable and often complex ground conditions, their foundation design is challenging. Foundation design must be robust due to the enormous cost of retrofitting in a challenging environment should any problem occur during the design lifetime. Traditionally, engineers use conventional types of foundation systems, such as shallow gravity-based foundations (GBF), suction caissons, or slender piles or monopiles, based on prior experience with designing such foundations for the oil and gas industry. For offshore wind turbines, however, new types of foundations are being considered for which neither prior experience nor guidelines exist. One of the major challenges is to develop a method to de-risk the life cycle of offshore wind turbines in diverse metocean and geological conditions. The paper, therefore, has the following aims: (a) provide an overview of the complexities and the common SLS performance requirements for offshore wind turbine; (b) discuss the use of physical modelling for verification and validation of innovative design concepts, taking into account all possible angles to de-risk the project; and (c) provide examples of applications in scaled model tests.

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PyraWind™: An Innovative Floating Offshore Wind Turbine (FOWT) Global Performance Analysis

10.1115/omae2021-62640 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Zhiyong Yang ◽

Xiaoqiang Bian ◽

Yu Shi

Keyword(s):

Wind Turbine ◽

Hydrodynamic Model ◽

Coupled System ◽

Offshore Wind ◽

Offshore Wind Turbine ◽

Floating Offshore Wind Turbine ◽

Offshore Wind Turbines ◽

Ongoing Work ◽

Heavy Lift ◽

Solid Foundation

Abstract In the near future, the offshore wind industry will experience a significant increase of turbine size and of floating wind development activities. A floating offshore wind turbine foundation offers many advantages, such as flexibility in site selection, access to better offshore wind resources, and quayside integration to avoid a costly heavy lift vessel offshore campaign. PyraWind™ is a patented three canted column semisubmersible floating foundation for ultra large offshore wind turbines. It is designed to accommodate a wind turbine, 14 MW or larger, in the center of the interconnected columns of the hull with minimal modifications to the tower, nacelle and turbine. The pyramid-shaped hull provides a stable, solid foundation for the large wind turbine under development. This paper summarizes the feasibility study conducted for the PyraWind™ concept. The design basis for wind turbine floating foundations is described and the regulatory requirements are discussed. Also included are the hydrodynamic analysis of the hull and ongoing work consisting of coupling hull hydrodynamics with wind-turbine aerodynamic loads. The fully coupled system was analyzed using OpenFAST, an aerodynamic software package for wind turbine analysis with the ability to be coupled with the hydrodynamic model. Due to the canted columns, a nonlinear analysis was performed using the coupled numerical hydrodynamic model of the platform with mooring system in extreme sea states.

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Comparison of Spar and Semisubmersible Floater Concepts of Offshore Wind Turbines Using Long-Term Analysis

Journal of Offshore Mechanics and Arctic Engineering ◽

10.1115/1.4031312 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 137 (6) ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Hasan Bagbanci ◽

D. Karmakar ◽

C. Guedes Soares

Keyword(s):

Wind Turbine ◽

Wind Turbines ◽

Transfer Functions ◽

Probability Distributions ◽

Offshore Wind ◽

Short Term ◽

Offshore Wind Turbines ◽

Floating Wind Turbine ◽

Offshore Floating Wind Turbine

The long-term probability distributions of a spar-type and a semisubmersible-type offshore floating wind turbine response are calculated for surge, heave, and pitch motions along with the side-to-side, fore–aft, and yaw tower base bending moments. The transfer functions for surge, heave, and pitch motions for both spar-type and semisubmersible-type floaters are obtained using the fast code and the results are also compared with the results obtained in an experimental study. The long-term predictions of the most probable maximum values of motion amplitudes are used for design purposes, so as to guarantee the safety of the floating wind turbines against overturning in high waves and wind speed. The long-term distribution is carried out using North Atlantic wave data and the short-term floating wind turbine responses are represented using Rayleigh distributions. The transfer functions are used in the procedure to calculate the variances of the short-term responses. The results obtained for both spar-type and semisubmersible-type offshore floating wind turbine are compared, and the study will be helpful in the assessments of the long-term availability and economic performance of the spar-type and semisubmersible-type offshore floating wind turbine.

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