Overall Strength Analysis of Floating Offshore Wind Turbine Foundation

Abstract

The loads on the floating offshore wind turbine foundation are complex, and the evaluation of its overall structural strength is particularly important. This paper establishes a new type of semi-submersible floating wind power infrastructure finite element model based on the three-dimensional potential flow theory. The long-term forecast design wave method is used to carry out a long-term forecast of the wave load under the control parameters of the characteristic sections, with the wind pressure load superimposed and combined. Finally, the overall strength of the floating foundation under self-existing conditions is analyzed. The research shows that the max Von-Mises stress of the mid-transverse section is 115.6% higher than that of the mid-longitudinal section in the most dangerous state, and the overall strength of the structure meets the requirements of the standard. The high-stress areas appear at the connection between the lower floating body, including the cross brace and the column, while the max stress appears at the connection between the cross brace and the column supporting the wind turbine. Attention should be paid to such key parts in the detailed design stage of the floating foundation. The numerical analysis method and research conclusions can also provide a reference for the analysis and optimization of the same type of floating foundation.