A reduced order/simplified method for uncertainty quantification on the floating wind turbine design basis

The cost of floating wind turbines (FWTs) is currently higher than onshore and bottom fixed offshore wind turbines. An important step towards more cost-efficient FWT structures is understanding the uncertainties and how they affect the design performance. On the path towards developing a fully probabilistic design approach, an important initial step is defining the variables and uncertainties that significantly impact the final design performance. This study aims to conduct a design sensitivity analysis on a FWT system consisting of the VolturnUS Semisubmersible floater coupled with an IEA 15 MW turbine. First, a Python-based design evaluation framework is implemented that computes operational limit states as a function of design input parameters defining the floater design. The system responses and the loads are obtained using Horizontal Axis Wind turbine simulation Code 2nd generation (HAWC2). Time domain outputs of the design evaluation framework are compared to a frequency domain response using Quick Load Analysis of Floating Wind Turbines (QuLAF). Initial results provide that buoyancy column diameter and the floater radius have the highest effects on the general floater response.