Abstract
Parametric Finite Element Analysis (FEA) modelling is a powerful design tool often used for offshore wind. It is so effective because key design parameters (KDPs) can be modified directly within the python code, to assess their effect on the structure’s integrity, saving time and resources. A parametric FEA model of offshore wind turbine (OWT) support structures (consisting of monopile (MP), soil-structure interaction, transition piece (TP), grouted connection (GC) and tower) has been developed and validated. Furthermore, the different KDPs that impact on the design and scaling-up of OWT support structures were identified. The aim of the analyses is determining how different geometry variations will affect the structural integrity of the unit and if these could contribute to the turbine’s scale-up by either modifying the structure’s modal properties, improving its structural integrity, or reducing capital expenditure (CAPEX). To do so, three design cases, assessing different KDPs, have been developed and presented. Case A investigated how the TP’s and GC’s length influences the structural integrity. Case B evaluated the effect of size and number of stoppers in the TP, keeping a constant volume of steel; and Case C assessed the structure’s response to scour development. It is expected that this paper will provide useful information in the conceptual design and scale-up of OWT support structures, helping in the understanding of how KDPs can affect not only the structure’s health, but also its CAPEX.
Highlights
In 2007 the European Union set particular and challenging goals to all Member States, establishing that by 2020 the UK must produce 15% of its energy consumption from renewable energy sources
The four stopper distribution is again characterised by bad results, showing much higher Maximum Utilisation Rates (MUR) than the six stopper configuration, which are very close to the yielding point of the steel and not safe
The stress range remains almost equal to the baseline’s. These results show that, the eight stopper configuration fails in the enhancement of fatigue life, it has a very positive effect on the structure’s behaviour against extreme loads
Summary
In 2007 the European Union set particular and challenging goals to all Member States, establishing that by 2020 the UK must produce 15% of its energy consumption from renewable energy sources. Wind energy is probably the most promising technology contributing to decarbonisation within the UK; its growth over the last decade confirms this. According to Renewable UK [1], 1.4 GW were installed offshore in 2015 in the UK, making the total Wind Energy capacity 13.3 GW. Nowadays and for the few years mature fixed-bottom technology will dominate, exploiting shallow and close-shore sites, which can be installed at low cost. Beyond 20 GW, fixed-bottom turbines will be forced to move further from shore to access suitably shallow waters, creating numerous challenges. Floating wind (FW) would mitigate some of these challenges, making deep water sites close to shore suitable. A contribution between 8 and 16 GW of floating is expected if the 40GW of offshore wind deployment is
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