Numerical Study of a Novel Procedure for Installing the Tower and Rotor Nacelle Assembly of Offshore Wind Turbines Based on the Inverted Pendulum Principle

Current installation costs of offshore wind turbines(OWTs) are high and profit margins in the offshore wind energy sector are low, it is thus necessary to develop installation methods that are more efficient and practical. This paper presents a numerical study(based on a global response analysis of marine operations) of a novel procedure for installing the tower and Rotor Nacelle Assemblies(RNAs) on bottom-fixed foundations of OWTs. The installation procedure is based on the inverted pendulum principle. A cargo barge is used to transport the OWT assembly in a horizontal position to the site, and a medium-size Heavy Lift Vessel(HLV) is then employed to lift and up-end the OWT assembly using a special upending frame. The main advantage of this novel procedure is that the need for a huge HLV(in terms of lifting height and capacity) is eliminated. This novel method requires that the cargo barge is in the leeward side of the HLV(which can be positioned with the best heading) during the entire installation. This is to benefit from shielding effects of the HLV on the motions of the cargo barge, so the foundations need to be installed with a specific heading based on wave direction statistics of the site and a typical installation season. Following a systematic approach based on numerical simulations of actual operations, potential critical installation activities, corresponding critical events, and limiting(response) parameters are identified. In addition, operational limits for some of the limiting parameters are established in terms of allowable limits of sea states. Following a preliminary assessment of these operational limits, the duration of the entire operation, the equipment used, and weather-and water depth-sensitivity, this novel procedure is demonstrated to be viable.

Dynamic analysis of an offshore pipe laying operation using the reel method

A system designed for a rigid and flexible pipe laying purposes is presented in the paper.Mathematical and numerical models are developed by using the rigid finite element method（RFEM）.The RFEM is an efficient solution in the time domain.Static and dynamic problems related to pipe installation are solved by taking the advantage of simple interpretation and implementation of the method.Large deformations of the pipe during spooling and when it is reeled out at sea are considered.A material model implemented is used to take into consideration nonlinear material properties.In particular,the full elasto-plastic material characteristics with hardening and Bauschinger effect are included.Dynamic analyses are performed and the results attached in this work demonstrates how the sea conditions influence the machinery and pipeline,assuming a passive reel drive system. The influence of several other operational parameters on dynamic loads is verified.An active system,implemented as a part of the mathematical model,improves the system performance.Some results are presented as well.

European Offshore Wind Gravity Foundation

The development history of the offshore wind gravity foundation in Europe is briefly introduced.Sumnarized in which the equipment relates to offshore wind power installation,including ships and special equipment related to wind power installation.And the installation method and technology of gravity foundation are analyzed.The development trend of the offshore wind power gravity foundation is put forward.

Overview of development, design, testing and application of compact gas-insulated DC systems up to ±550 kV

The development of high-voltage direct current gas-insulated switchgear assemblies(DC GIS)of rated voltages up to±550 kV has been completed.DC GIS provide a compact technical solution with a high functional density,optimized for projects with limited space as in offshore HVDC converter platforms,onshore HVDC converter stations and transition stations between different transmission media.Up to now,no standards for testing of gas-insulated DC systems are available,although pre-standardization work is in progress within CIGRE.Some tests can be performed as required in AC GIS standards.Special aspects of DC voltage stress,like the electric field distribution of insulators influenced by the accumulation of electrical charge carriers and the operation-related inhomogeneous temperature distribution,must be considered by additional electric and thermoelectric tests.For DC GIS,the experience of long-term performance is limited today.Although ageing is expected to be of lower importance,tests are recommended.This contribution summarizes the physical and technical background to design and develop compact DC switchgear assemblies using gas-insulated technology.It explains the developed modules of the substation and gives an overview of the performed tests.Furthermore,it provides an insight in the on-going standardization activities and describes applications in converter and transition stations,showing its space-saving characteristics.