DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS ON SEMI-SUBMERSIBLE COLUMNS AND PONTOONS FOR FLOATING WIND
Journal
Proceedings of the International Conference on Offshore Mechanics and Arctic Engineering - OMAE
Journal Volume
8
ISBN
9780791886908
Date Issued
2023-01-01
Author(s)
Abstract
Floating Offshore Wind Turbine (FOWT) is an innovative technology with little industry guidance for its hull design. Various FOWT floaters with different hull shapes claim to support the same turbines. Structural integrity and material expense analyses of different pontoon shapes were conducted, and it was found that some configurations, such as those with every two columns connected by one pontoon, have advantages over others. However, it is important to note that the choice of pontoon shape should be based on the wave loading conditions the floater will be exposed to. While a T-shaped pontoon provides a cost-effective solution under certain wave loading scenarios, it may not be the best option for all conditions. Specifically, ring pontoon designs with full bracing were found to be necessary for withstanding certain wave loads. Therefore, it is important to consider different Dominant Load Parameters (DLP) and ensure that a FOWT floater can withstand all applicable DLPs. An uneven hexahedral column shape, which combines the best attributes of square and round shapes, is proposed as a better alternative. It offers ease of manufacture and relatively good hydrodynamics, while bracing is found to be necessary for withstanding the wind turbine’s incurred moment and forces. The conclusion is that column design should prioritize manufacturing costs over hydrodynamic performance.
Subjects
Bracing | Floating Offshore Wind Turbines | FOWT | Hull design | Manufacturing | Offshore Wind | Scalability | Structural analysis | Wave Load
Type
conference paper