Cost and financial evaluation model for the design of floating offshore wind farms

Abstract

A cost and financial evaluation model is proposed for floating wind farm designs. The model evaluates the cost of the offshore farms depending on the required capacity, technical aspects, and technology implemented, among other aspects. The costs involved in the different phases of the farm construction are studied. The main equations developed for the model construction are simplified and presented in this document. This study presents a comparison of several financial indicators for the following floating concepts: Spar-Buoy (TELWIND), Tension-Leg-Platform (CENTEC-TLP) and Semi-Submersible (SATH). The model is applied to a farm composed of thirty-four 10 MW floating turbines in a Life Cycle Analysis perspective. The model allows the determination of the optimal floating platform for a site and identifies the optimal solution for a floating farm depending on the economic and financial aspects associated.