Long-term global response analysis of a vertical axis wind turbine supported on a semi-submersible floating platform: Comparison between operating and non-operating wind turbine load cases

This study continues [1] the examination of the long-term global response of a floating vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) situated off the Portuguese coast in the Atlantic Ocean. The VAWT, which consists of a 5-MW 3-bladed H-type rotor developed as part of the EU-FP7 H2OCEAN project, is assumed to be mounted on the OC4 semi-submersible floating platform. Adding a non-operational load case (wind speed 35m/s), the sea states identified are used to carry out coupled dynamics simulations using the FloVAWT design tool, for which an improved wave elevation and relative force/moment time signals approach is adopted, as well as also taking into account the drag generated by the wind turbine tower. Short-term turbine load and platform motion statistics are established for individual sea states that are analysed. The long-term reliability yields estimates of 50-year loads and platform motions that takes into consideration response statistics from the simulations as well as the metocean (wind-wave) data and distributions. The results show that it is not necessarily the load cases associated with the highest wind speed that lead to the highest displacements and tensions in the mooring lines; differences among the highest values in some load cases are too similar to establish which one should be considered in a conceptual/preliminary design phase. Also, the aerodynamic drag model needs to be further developed to improve its accuracy. These results and insights contribute to the development of improved floating VAWT design guidelines for reducing the cost of offshore wind energy generation.