Dynamic Responses of a 1:5-Scale Ocean Current Energy Converter

Abstract

The objective of this study is to numerically evaluate the dynamic responses of the Floating Kuroshio Turbine (FKT)—an ocean current energy converter—installed for field testing. In autumn 2022, the FKT was installed and tested at a 1:5 scale in the open sea area, located 1 kilometre off the LiuQiu Island coast, Taiwan. Because of unfavourable site conditions, the mooring and power cable systems for the FKT had to be customarily designed for the testing conditions. An investigation of the dynamic motions and structural responses of the mooring and cable systems was performed prior to physical testing to ensure the integrity of the testing campaign. The numerical analyses were performed using the commercial software DNV SIMA, where the prospect of the surfaced FKT and the mooring entanglement were evaluated and compared. This paper details the modelling process and the evaluation of the dynamics of the entire FKT system. Finally, the challenges and potential improvements for numerical assessments of a testing-oriented offshore marine energy system are identified and discussed.