Dynamic Analysis of a 10 MW Floating Offshore Wind Turbine Considering the Tower and Platform Flexibility

Recently,semisubmersible floating offshore wind turbine technologies have received considerable attention.For the coupled simulation of semisubmersible floating offshore wind energy,the platform is usually considered a rigid model,which could affect the calculation accuracy of the dynamic responses.The dynamic responses of a TripleSpar floating offshore wind turbine equipped with a 10 MW offshore wind turbine are discussed herein.The simulation of a floating offshore wind turbine under regular waves,white noise waves,and combined wind-wave conditions is conducted.The effects of the tower and platform flexibility on the motion and force responses of the TripleSpar semisubmersible floating offshore wind turbine are investigated.The results show that the flexibility of the tower and platform can influence the dynamic responses of a TripleSpar semisubmersible floating offshore wind turbine.Considering the flexibility of the tower and platform,the tower and platform pitch motions markedly increased compared with the fully rigid model.Moreover,the force responses,particularly for tower base loads,are considerably influenced by the flexibility of the tower and platform.Thus,the flexibility of the tower and platform for the coupled simulation of floating offshore wind turbines must be appropriately examined.

Dynamic Response Analysis of Semi-Submersible Floating Wind Turbine with Different Wave Conditions

To address the problem of poor wave resistance of existing offshore floating wind turbines,a new type of semisubmersible platform with truncated-cone-type upper pontoons is proposed by combining the characteristics of offshore wind turbine semi-submersible floating platforms.Based on the coupled hydrodynamic,aerodynamic,and mooring force physical fields of FAST,the surge,heave,pitch,and yaw motions responses of the floating wind turbine under different wave heights and periods are obtained,and the mooring line tension responses are also obtained;and compare the dynamic response of the new semi-submersible platform with the OC4-DeepCwind platformat six degrees of freedom.The results show that different wave conditions have obvious effects on the heave and pitch motions of the new floating wind turbine,and fewer effects on the surge and yaw motions;the tensegrity response of the mooring system is more affected by the wave conditions;compared with the OC4-DeepCwind floating wind turbine,the pitch and roll response of the new floating wind turbine has been significantly reduced and has good stability.

Coupled Time-Domain Investigation on a Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Supported on a Floating Platform

The dynamic responses of a floating vertical axis wind turbine(VAWT)are assessed on the basis of an aero-hydro-mooring coupled model.The aerodynamic loads on the rotor are acquired with double-multiple stream tube method.First-and second-order wave loads are calculated on the basis of 3D potential theory.The mooring loads are simulated by catenary theory.The coupled model is established,and a numerical code is programmed to investigate the dynamic response of the semi-submersible VAWT.A model test is then conducted,and the numerical code is validated considering the hydrodynamic performance of the floating buoy.The responses of the floating VAWT are studied through the numerical simulation under the sea states of wind and regular/irregular waves.The effects of the second-order wave force on the motions are also investigated.Results show that the slow-drift responses in surge and pitch motions are significantly excited by the second-order wave forces.Furthermore,the effect of foundation motion on aerodynamic loads is examined.The normal and tangential forces of the blades demonstrate a slight increase due to the coupling effect between the buoy motion and the aerodynamic loads.

Floating Production Platforms and their Applications in the Development of Oil and Gas Fields in the South China Sea

This paper studies the current available options for floating production platforms in developing deepwater oil fields and the potential development models of future oil and gas exploration in the South China Sea. A detailed review of current deepwater platforms worldwide was performed through the examples of industry projects, and the pros and cons of each platform are discussed. Four types of platforms are currently used for the deepwater development: tension leg platform, Spar, semi-submersible platform, and the floating production system offloading. Among these, the TLP and Spar can be used for dry tree applications, and have gained popularity in recent years. The dry tree application enables the extension of the drilling application for fixed platforms into floating systems, and greatly reduces the cost and complexity of the subsea operation. Newly built wet tree semi-submersible production platforms for ultra deepwater are also getting their application, mainly due to the much needed payload for deepwater making the conversion of the old drilling semi-submersible platforms impossible. These platforms have been used in different fields around the world for different environments; each has its own advantages and disadvantages. There are many challenges with the successful use of these floating platforms. A lot of lessons have been learned and extensive experience accumulated through the many project applications. Key technologies are being reviewed for the successful use of floating platforms for field development, and potential future development needs are being discussed. Some of the technologies and experience of platform applications can be well used for the development of the South China Sea oil and gas field.

Research on the Influence of Helical Strakes on Dynamic Response of Floating Wind Turbine Platform

The stability of platform structure is the paramount guarantee of the safe operation of the offshore floating wind turbine. The NREL 5MW floating wind turbine is established based on the OC3-Hywind Spar Buoy platform with the supplement of helical strakes for the purpose to analyze the impact of helical strakes on the dynamic response of the floating wind turbine Spar platform. The dynamic response of floating wind turbine Spar platform under wind, wave and current loading from the impact of number, height and pitch ratio of the helical strakes is analysed by the radiation and diffraction theory, the finite element method and orthogonal design method. The result reveals that the helical strakes can effectively inhibit the dynamic response of the platform but enlarge the wave exciting force; the best parameter combination is two pieces of helical strakes with the height of 15%D （D is the diameter of the platform） and the pitch ratio of 5; the height of the helical strake and its pitch ratio have significant influence on pitch response.

Dynamic Coupled Analysis of the Floating Platform Using the Asynchronous Coupling Algorithm

This paper discusses the numerical modeling of the dynamic coupled analysis of the floating platform and mooring/risers using the asynchronous coupling algorithm with the purpose to improve the computational efficiency when multiple lines are connected to the platform. The numerical model of the platform motion simulation in wave is presented. Additionally, how the asynchronous coupling algorithm is implemented during the dynamic coupling analysis is introduced. Through a comparison of the numerical results of our developed model with commercial software for a SPAR platform, the developed numerical model is checked and validated.

Sensitivity Analysis of Air Gap Motion with Respect to Wind Load and Mooring System for Semi-Submersible Platform Design

A design of semi-submersible platform is mainly based on the extreme response analysis due to the forces experienced by the components during lifetime. The external loads can induce the extreme air gap response and potential deck impact to the semi-submersible platform. It is important to predict air gap response of platforms accurately in order to check the strength of local structures which withstand the wave slamming due to negative air gap. The wind load cannot be simulated easily by model test in towing tank whereas it can be simulated accurately in wind tunnel test. Furthermore, full scale simulation of the mooring system in model test is still a tuffwork especially the stiffness of the mooring system. Owing to the above mentioned problem, the model test results are not accurate enough for air gap evaluation. The aim of this paper is to present sensitivity analysis results of air gap motion with respect to the mooring system and wind load for the design of semi-submersible platform. Though the model test results are not suitable for the direct evaluation of air gap, they can be used as a good basis for tuning the radiation damping and viscous drag in numerical simulation. In the presented design example, a numerical model is tuned and validated by ANSYS AQWA based on the model test results with a simple 4 line symmetrical horizontal soft mooring system. According to the tuned numerical model, sensitivity analysis studies of air gap motion with respect to the mooring system and wind load are performed in time domain. Three mooring systems and five simulation cases about the presented platform are simulated based on the results of wind tunnel tests and sea-keeping tests. The sensitivity analysis results are valuable for the floating platform design.

Impact Analysis of Air Gap Motion with Respect to Parameters of Mooring System for Floating Platform

In this paper, the impact analysis of air gap concerning the parameters of mooring system for the semi-submersible platform is conducted. It is challenging to simulate the wave, current and wind loads of a platform based on a model test simultaneously. Furthermore, the dynamic equivalence between the truncated and full-depth mooring system is still a tuff work. However, the wind and current loads can be tested accurately in wind tunnel model. Furthermore, the wave can be simulated accurately in wave tank test. The full-scale mooring system and the all environment loads can be simulated accurately by using the numerical model based on the model tests simultaneously. In this paper, the air gap response of a floating platform is calculated based on the results of tunnel test and wave tank. Meanwhile, full-scale mooring system, the wind, wave and current load can be considered simultaneously. In addition, a numerical model of the platform is tuned and validated by ANSYS AQWA according to the model test results. With the support of the tuned numerical model, seventeen simulation cases about the presented platform are considered to study the wave, wind, and current loads simultaneously. Then, the impact analysis studies of air gap motion regarding the length, elasticity, and type of the mooring line are performed in the time domain under the beam wave, head wave, and oblique wave conditions.

Numerical Prediction and Field Verification Test of Wind-Power Generation Potential in Nearshore Area Using a Moored Floating Platform

The offshore turbine system was installed on a floating platform moored in Hakata Bay, offshore of Fukuoka, Japan. An identical turbine system was also installed at the adjacent waterfront. The separation of the two turbines was 3.7 km. Wind flow tends to be more stable and the average wind speed is often larger in offshore areas than adjacent land areas at typical wind turbine hub height. This study focused on the wind condition of a nearshore area to clarify the advantages of nearshore wind farming. Prior to field experiment, wind conditions were predicted by using numerical simulation. It is useful for estimating topographical effect in nearshore areas. Next, field verification test was done by directly comparing wind data obtained from the identical wind turbine systems installed at an offshore location and the adjacent waterfront over the same extended period. The corresponding power output of these turbines was also compared. The data set exhibits 23% larger annual average wind speed at the offshore location and smaller turbulent intensity, resulting doubled annual power production.

Dynamic Response of Offshore Wind Turbine on 3×3 Barge Array Floating Platform under Extreme Sea Conditions

Offshore wind farm construction is nowadays state of the art in the wind power generation technology.However,deep water areas with huge amount of wind energy require innovative floating platforms to arrange and install wind turbines in order to harness wind energy and generate electricity.The conventional floating offshore wind turbine system is typically in the state of force imbalance due to the unique sway characteristics caused by the unfixed foundation and the high center of gravity of the platform.Therefore,a floating wind farm for 3×3 barge array platforms with shared mooring system is presented here to increase stability for floating platform.The NREL 5 MW wind turbine and ITI Energy barge reference model is taken as a basis for this work.Furthermore,the unsteady aerodynamic load solution model of the floating wind turbine is established considering the tip loss,hub loss and dynamic stall correction based on the blade element momentum(BEM)theory.The second development of AQWA is realized by FORTRAN programming language,and aerodynamic-hydrodynamic-Mooring coupled dynamics model is established to realize the algorithm solution of the model.Finally,the 6 degrees of freedom(DOF)dynamic response of single barge platform and barge array under extreme sea condition considering the coupling effect of wind and wave were observed and investigated in detail.The research results validate the feasibility of establishing barge array floating wind farm,and provide theoretical basis for further research on new floating wind farm.

Investigation of the Hydrodynamic Performance of a Novel Semi-Submersible Platform with Multiple Small Columns

This paper presents a novel semi-submersible(SEMI) platform concept, called the multiple small columns(MSC) SEMI that improves upon the hydrodynamic performance of the conventional SEMI. Unlike the conventional SEMI, the proposed MSC SEMI utilizes multiple small circular columns to support the deck and a large pontoon that increases the structural displacement. The novelty of the MSC SEMI is its reduction of the hydrodynamic load on the structure and suppression of its motion response, particularly in the heave direction. The MSC SEMI has the advantages of increasing the added mass, radiation damping, and natural period of the structure. A comprehensive investigation of the hydrodynamic performance of the novel MSC SEMI is conducted in both the time and frequency domains with a special focus on the resulting hydrodynamic load and motion response. Numerical simulation results demonstrate that the MSC SEMI concept can reduce the hydrodynamic load and motion response and improve the hydrodynamic performance of SEMIs as expected.

A Prediction Method of Internal Solitary Wave Loads on the Semi-Submersible Platform

An investigation into the prediction method for internal solitary waves(ISWs)loads on the columns and caissons of the semi-submersible platform found on three kinds of internal solitary wave theories and the modified Morison Equation is described.The characteristics of loads exerted on the semi-submersible platform model caused by the ISWs have been observed experimentally,and the inertial and drag coefficients in Morison Equation are determined by analyzing the forces of experiments.From the results,it is of interest to find that Reynolds number,KC number and layer thickness ratio have a considerable influence on the coefficients.The direction of incoming waves,how-ever,is almost devoid of effects on the coefficients.The drag coefficient of columns varies as an exponential function of Reynolds number,and inertia coefficient of columns is a power function related to KC number.Meanwhile,the drag coefficient of caissons is approximately constant in terms of regression analysis of experimental data.The results from different experimental conditions reveal that the inertia coefficient of caissons appears to be exponential correlated with upper layer depths.

Platform motion minimization using model predictive control of a floating offshore wind turbine

Wind turbines are installed offshore with the assistance of a floating platform to help meet the world’s increasing energy needs.However,the incident wind and extra incident wave disturbances have an impact on the performance and operation of the floating offshore wind turbine(FOWT)in comparison to bottom-fixed wind turbines.In this paper,model predictive control(MPC)is utilized to overcome the limitation caused by platform motion.Due to the ease of control synthesis,the MPC is developed using a simplified model instead of high fidelity simulation model.The performance of the controller is verified in the presence of realistic wind and wave disturbances.The study demonstrates the effectiveness of MPC in reducing platform motions and rotor/generator speed regulation of FOWTs.

Structural Stress Monitoring and FEM Analysis of the Cutting Operation of the Main Bracket of A Semi-Submersible Platform

For a semi-submersible platform in repair, the eight old main brackets which connect columns with pontoons need to be replaced by new ones. In order to ensure the safety of the cutting operation of the old main bracket and calculate the initial stress condition of new main bracket, the structural stress monitoring of eight key spots is carried out, and then the calibrated finite element model is established according to the field monitoring results. Before cutting the main bracket and all associated structures, eight rectangular rosettes were installed, and a tailored cutting scheme was proposed to release the initial stress, in which the main bracket and associated column and pontoon plates were partly cut. During the cutting procedure, the strains of the monitoring spots were measured, and then the structural stress of the monitored spots were obtained. The stress variation characteristics at different spots during the initial cutting operation were shown and the initial stress condition of the monitored spots was figured out. The loading and support conditions of the semi-submersible platform were calibrated based on the measured initial stress condition, which made the finite element model more credible. The stress condition with the main bracket and associated structures being entirely cut out is analyzed by the Finite Element Method (FEM), which demonstrates the cutting operation to be safe and feasible. In addition, the calibrated finite element model can be used to calculate the initial stress condition of the new main bracket, which will be very helpful for the long-term stress monitoring on the main bracket.

An Overview of Structural Design,Analysis and Common Monitoring Technologies for Floating Platform and Flexible Cable and Riser

Offshore oil and gas development plays an important part in the global energy sector.Offshore platforms and flexible pipes are the key equipments in the whole offshore oil and gas development system.Because of the randomness and uncertainty of wave and current loads in the ocean environment,the structural design and mechanical analysis of the marine equipment can be highly complicated.Therefore,this paper reviews the recent works of the theoretical model,numerical simulation,and experimental test in three research areas:hydrodynamic analysis of offshore platforms,structural mechanics analysis of flexible pipe and cable,and monitoring technology of offshore floating structures under marine loads.By analyzing their main research methods and key technical difficulties,this paper provides theoretical basis and technical support for the reliability engineering application of offshore platforms and flexible pipelines.Also,China is relatively backward in the design of marine floating platform,the design,analysis and testing of flexible pipeline and cable,as well as the marine equipment prototype monitoring technology research.Calling for breakthroughs at the earliest possible stage in the above fields,prime research should be focused on and strategic planning should be made to deal with“key areas and stranglehold problems”.It is of great significance for the development of China's deep-sea energy and resource development of independent technology and on time to achieve the“carbon peak”national strategic objectives.

Effect of Failure Mode of Taut Mooring System on the Dynamic Response of A Semi-Submersible Platform

Mooring system failure can lead to largely different dynamic response of floating structures when compared to the response under the condition of intact mooring system.For a semi-submersible platform with taut mooring system under extreme environmental conditions,the typical mooring system failure includes anchor line breaking failure due to the broken anchor line,and the anchor dragging failure caused by the anchor failure in the seabed soil due to the shortage of the anchor bearing capacity.However,study on the mooring failure caused by anchor failure is rare.The current work investigates the effect of three failure modes of taut mooring system on dynamic response of a semi-submersible platform,including one line breaking failure,two lines breaking failure,and one line breaking with one line attached anchor dragging failure.The nonlinear polynomial mooring line model in AQWA was used with integrating the load and displacement curve from the anchor pulling study to characterize the anchor dragging behavior for mooring system failure caused by the anchor failure.The offsets of the platform and the tension of mooring lines were analyzed for mooring system failure with 100-year return period.It is found that the mooring failure of one line breaking with one line attached anchor dragging is a case between the other two mooring failures.The traditional mooring analysis considering only the damaged condition with one line breaking is not safe enough.And the simple way of mooring analysis of two lines breaking is too conservative for the costly offshore engineering.

Application of a Newly Built Semi-submersible Vessel for Transportation of a Tension Leg Platform

紧张腿站台(TLP ) 的交通组织因为长距离总是与一个重半运输容器的使用被联系了。这类容器的要求总是是特殊的，并且他们的可获得性是有限的。为华南海深海的工程的未来发展准备，中国近海油工程公司最近造了重电梯运输 vessel-Hai 杨实你 278。这个半能沉入水中的容器有 42 米的 50k DWT，和呼吸的一个排水量能力。理解容器适用性并且在未来为使用准备它深海的工程正在成为逼近的需要。这份报纸考察与 TLP 交通联系的当前的关键问题并且在装载外面和交通期间执行设计 TLP 的详细分析。新建 COOEC 交通容器 HYSY 278 被使用在华南在 Qingdao 从 COOEC 制造院子弄干 TLP 结构的运输到一块油地海。全部进程从制造院子，从容器，在长距离上的 TLP 的干燥运输，并且平台的最后的卸载卸载和平台的漂浮上的 landsite 包括了 TLP 结构的装载外面。水动力学和结构分析被执行评估运输容器和 TLP 结构的行为。特殊注意对与这个新容器的使用联系的批评区域被给予，与任何潜在的限制一起。结果证明 HYSY 278 能有效地被用于与合适的安排和准备得好的操作搬运结构。过程和细节根据学习结果被介绍。特殊注意也从分析基于结果被给未来使用的讨论。

A new bracing system for improvement of seismic performance of steel jacket type offshore platforms with float-over-deck

In this paper, the seismic response of a newly designed steel jacket offshore platform with a float over deck （FOD） system in the Persian Gulf was investigated through incremental dynamic analysis. Comparison of incremental dynamic analysis results for both directions of the platform shows that the lateral strength of the platform in the float over direction is less than its lateral strength in other direction. Dynamic characteristics measurement of a scale model of platform was also performed using forced vibration tests. From experimental measurement of the scaled model, it was observed that dynamic characteristic of the platform is different in the float over direction compared to the other direction. Therefore, a new offshore installed bracing system for the float over direction was proposed for improvement of seismic performance of this type of platform. Finally, the structure with the modified system was assessed using the probabilistic seismic assessment method as well as experimental measurement of its dynamic characteristics. It was observed that the proposed offshore installed bracing system improves the performance of platforms subjected to strong ground motion.

Predictive Control and Implementation of Mooring Automatic Positioning System for Deepwater Semi-Submersible Platform

The automatic positioning control of mooring system for deepwater semi-submersible platform has become a key issue in the research and development field of deep-sea resources. The Dual-Stage Actuator (DSA) proposed in this paper can replace the single actuator to achieve the high speed and high precision positioning by cooperative control. The relative model and control algorithm of motion trajectory (CAMT) are designed and validated, which proves that the method proposed in this paper is effective.

Implementation of Mooring Automatic Positioning System for Deepwater Semi-Submersible Platform Based on Dual-Stage Actuator

The automatic positioning control of mooring system for deepwater semi-submersible platform has become a key issue in the research and development field of deep-sea resources. The Dual- Stage Actuator (DSA) proposed in this paper can replace the single actuator to achieve the high speed and high precision positioning by cooperative control. The relative model and control algorithm of motion trajectory (CAMT) are designed and validated, which proves that the method proposed in this paper is effective.