Dynamic responses of a semi-submersible integrated wind-energy-aquaculture structure under regular and irregular waves

Abstract

Offshore aquaculture has expanded significantly, and offshore wind energy is more abundant and stable than it is on land. The integration of aquaculture facilities and offshore wind-turbine technology to build a comprehensive platform has both scientific and theoretical significance. To further investigate an integrated wind-energy and aquaculture structure and its dynamic response characteristics, we performed physical model experiments to investigate the motion response properties of the new wind-energy-aquaculture integrated structure. Regular and irregular wave experiments were conducted on a wave flume. The motion responses and mooring line tensions of the platform modules were obtained. Under regular wave conditions, the three degree-of-freedom motion response of the model under two different mooring configurations exhibit the similar trend as the wave height and wave frequency increased. The heave responses under different mooring configurations were generally consistent, whereas the surge responses exhibited low-frequency characteristics. The mooring line tensions of the taut mooring configuration changed significantly with the wave parameters, whereas those with catenary mooring exhibited minor changes. Under irregular wave conditions, structures with catenary mooring systems exhibited smaller motion responses, thereby maintaining their stability.