Offshore Systems Research Articles

Control Structures for Combined H2/Electricity from Offshore Wind Turbines

Wind energy proves to be a highly favourable choice for electricity generation due to its clean and renewable nature, and is playing a significant role in reducing global greenhouse gas emissions. Offshore wind turbine systems have gained widespread popularity as they can capitalise on elevated and consistent wind speeds surpassing those found in onshore locations, resulting in increased energy efficiency. Furthermore, offshore wind power possesses the potential to emerge as a significant electricity source for the production of green hydrogen. As water electrolysis technology for hydrogen production continues to advance, utilizing offshore wind power for hydrogen generation is becoming more economically viable and practical. Offshore wind power with higher wind speeds in combination with efficient control structures presents an attractive option for electricity generation and hydrogen co-production. This paper aims to present and evaluate four different production structures for combined H2/energy generation from offshore wind turbines. Previous research studies in this area often overlook control structures and lack information on power converter operations. In contrast, this article studies control structures that enable proper functionality and ensure adequate interoperability, enhancing the reliability of renewable energy integration. Each structure, including both wind turbines and electrolyser, is described in detail, along with the corresponding controllers. Simulation results are presented for each structure and controller to demonstrate their effective operation.

The Method of the Natural Frequency of the Offshore Wind Turbine System Considering Pile–Soil Interaction

Accurately and efficiently evaluating the influence of pile–soil interaction on the overall natural frequency of wind turbines is one of the difficulties in current offshore wind power design. To improve the structural safety and reliability of the offshore wind turbine (OWT) systems, a new closed-form solution method of the overall natural frequency of OWTs considering pile–soil interactions with highly effective calculations is established. In this method, Hamilton’s principle and the equivalent coupled spring model (ECS model) were firstly combined. In Hamilton’s theory, the Timoshenko beam assumption and continuum element theory considering the three-dimensional displacement field of soil were used to simulate the large-diameter monopile–soil interaction under lateral load in multilayer soil. Case studies were used to validate the proposed method’s correctness and efficiency. The results show that when compared with the data of 13 offshore wind projects reported in existing research papers, the difference between the overall natural frequency calculated by the proposed method and that reported in this study is within ±10%. This calculation method achieves the goal of convenient, fast and accurate prediction of the overall natural frequency of offshore wind systems.

In Search of Suitable Methods for Cost-Benefit Analysis of Cyber Risk Mitigation in Offshore Wind: A Survey

In recent years, notable incidents have highlighted the vulnerability of wind energy infrastructure, making cybersecurity crucial for the offshore wind industry. However, justifying the costs of cybersecurity measures is essential. A cost benefit analysis (CBA) is commonly utilised to support decision-making for risk mitigation. With a cost benefit analysis, risk mitigation strategies that strike an optimal balance between the costs of mitigation measures and the resulting risk reduction can be identified. This survey of literature was carried out to identify the existing proposed solutions for cost benefit analysis on cyber risk mitigation measures for offshore wind cyber physical systems. After narrowing the area scope, a systematic search across Scopus and Web of Science, yielded 18 articles, of which six met the selection criteria. It was found that the there was a lack of cost benefit analysis of cybersecurity solutions for, or set in, the area of offshore wind directly. From the analysis of the surveyed works, suggestions on future directions were given. The existing literature found lacks detailed cost modelling for offshore wind, beyond general breakdowns encompassing capital, maintenance, and labour/installation expenses, risk and scenario loss. Some of the literature used contextual factors such as compatibility and effectiveness of mitigation measures, effects on OT performance, geographical location, geopolitical context, and installed rated power which could be adapted to suit offshore wind. Since offshore operations contribute significantly to costs, cost modelling and consideration of other relevant factors pertaining to this area would be beneficial if explored. As an emerging area, in the future we expect this research to be a basis and a methodology that can be expanded with a larger data set from other publications in the field. Thus, it represents an opportunity to advance knowledge in offshore wind cyber-physical systems.

Optimization of offshore wind farm cluster transmission system topology based on Stackelberg game

Offshore wind energy is pivotal in the global energy transition, with a global installed capacity reaching 64.3 GW by 2022 and an expected annual increase of 60.2 GW over the next decade. This study aims to optimize the topology of transmission systems (TS) for offshore wind farm (OWF) clusters using Stackelberg game theory. The OWF investor (OWFI) acts as the leader, optimizing investment returns while considering wake effects, and the offshore TS operator (OTSO) follows by adjusting transmission strategies to reduce costs. The analysis includes the wake effects within OWF clusters and their impact on power generation efficiency. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed model can balance stakeholder interests and enhance the economic viability of OWF clusters, showing a potential increase in net present value (NPV) by up to 30 %. This study validates the practical application of the Stackelberg game model in optimizing OWF cluster TS topology, contributing to more efficient and cost-effective renewable energy integration.

Optimized Hybrid Osprey with PSO Control for Improved VSC-HVDC-Wind Power Integration

Innovative power systems include offshore wind farms (OWFs) to generate electricity from renewable sources. So, reliable control systems are also necessary to make sure these power systems run smoothly. The purpose of this study is to combine the Osprey Optimization with Particle Swarm Optimization (OOPSO) to fine-tune the gains of Proportional-Integral (PI) controllers within the investigated wind energy conversion system (WECS) to enhance its performance. The study confirms the effectiveness of using the Hybrid OOPSO algorithm to optimize PI controllers in a WECS. The WECS includes two voltage source converter (VSC) stations at each end of a high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission system. The transmission system links OWFs to the grid. The research demonstrates that the Hybrid OOPSO algorithm is superior to the genetic algorithm (GA) and PSO by enhancing setup stability and allowing fast voltage regaining following different fault cases. The introduced method performs more remarkably than traditional methods such as GA and PSO. The results of this study have shown that the proposed OOPSO enhances the overshoot in onshore voltage transient response under a symmetrical fault condition by 26% over PSO, 24% over GA, and 16% over OOA. The study is conducted using MATLAB/Simulink. The study underscores the importance of advanced optimization methods to guarantee offshore wind energy systems' efficient and dependable functioning.

Experimental investigation of online solving for critical valve opening for eliminating severe slugging in pipeline-riser systems

In an offshore pipeline-riser system, the critical opening of choke valve, i.e., the maximum permanent opening to eradicate severe slugging, plays an important role in both pipeline design and offshore oil and gas production processes. However, solving critical opening online in an offshore oil field is very difficult because only topside measurements are available and system information such as inlet gas–liquid flow rates and transfer functions are unavailable or far from precise. In order to cope with this problem, manually traversal experiments were first conducted in a large-scale experimental system consists of a 114-m horizontal pipeline, an 18.7-m downward-inclined pipeline with an inclination angle of −5˚ and a 16.3-m riser. Based on the results, a new process variable characterizing cut-off ratio of outflow and a new valve parameter describing the influence of valve on flow were derived. An approximate linear relation between these two parameters was found, with which critical openings can be calculated by processing real-time data. Finally, a control scheme was designed to overcome the calculation errors and solve for critical openings on line. The performance was validated by automatic control experiments.

Opportunities and challenges in new production systems for salmon farming in Norway—Industry perspective

The Norwegian salmon farming industry is characterized by an increasing technological diversity with new production systems emerging. The objective of this paper is to provide knowledge about challenges and opportunities with new production systems as perceived by industry representatives with hands-on experience. Interviews and workshops with fish farmers and suppliers illustrate that even though environmental issues concerning salmon lice, escapes, and diseases can be reduced, and in some cases solved, new challenges might arise. Semi-closed containment and land-based system concerns pertained to water quality and fish welfare, while exposed and offshore systems were more concerned about harsh conditions and their effects on fish, structures, and work operations. However, possibilities for beneficial new production strategies, the potential for a more stable production environment, and increased biosecurity are seen as important advantages. These findings provide valuable perspectives for industry, technology suppliers, and regulators moving forward.

Numerical investigation of punch-through mitigation in stiff-over-soft clays using skirted spudcan

Punch-through failure, a critical issue in offshore engineering, occurs when a foundation penetrates through strong-over-weak soil layers. This paper presents a study on the effectiveness of skirt addition to spudcans in addressing punch-through failure through numerical simulations using the axisymmetric Particle Finite Element Method (PFEM). The validity of the PFEM is verified by simulating a spudcan penetration centrifuge test. Subsequently, PFEM simulations are conducted to analyse the penetration behaviour of both generic and skirted spudcans in stiff-over-soft clays. Results from the simulations reveal the bearing responses of spudcans as they penetrate into clays, elucidate associated failure mechanisms, and underscore the significant of considering the spudcan-driving process in estimating punch-through failure mitigation. Findings indicate that, the skirt effectively mitigates punch-through failure by increasing plug height in the lower soft layer, thus reducing the rate of bearing capacity reduction. Furthermore, critical factors such as skirt length, upper layer thickness, lower layer strength gradient, and the strength ratio between lower and upper layers are assessed through comprehensive parametric studies to evaluate the efficacy of skirted spudcans in mitigating punch-through failure, with eventual goal to provide essential guidance for practical design considerations in offshore foundation systems.

A New Zero Waste Design for a Manufacturing Approach for Direct-Drive Wind Turbine Electrical Generator Structural Components

An integrated structural optimization strategy was produced in this study for direct-drive electrical generator structures of offshore wind turbines, implementing a design for an additive manufacturing approach, and using generative design techniques. Direct-drive configurations are widely implemented on offshore wind energy systems due to their high efficiency, reliability, and structural simplicity. However, the greatest challenge associated with these types of machines is the structural optimization of the electrical generator due to the demanding operating conditions. An integrated structural optimization strategy was developed to assess a 100-kW permanent magnet direct-drive generator structure. Generated topologies were evaluated by performing finite element analyses and a metal additive manufacturing process simulation. This novel approach assembles a vast amount of structural information to produce a fit-for-purpose, adaptative, optimization strategy, combining data from static structural analyses, modal analyses, and manufacturing analyses to automatically generate an efficient model through a generative iterative process. The results obtained in this study demonstrate the importance of developing an integrated structural optimization strategy at an early phase of a large-scale project. By considering the typical working condition loads and the machine’s dynamic behavior through the structure’s natural frequencies during the optimization process coupled with a design for an additive manufacturing approach, the operational range of the wind turbine was maximized, the overall costs were reduced, and production times were significantly diminished. Integrating the constraints associated with the additive manufacturing process into the design stage produced high-efficiency results with over 23% in weight reduction when compared with conventional structural optimization techniques.

Bayesian network analysis enhancing alternative design schemes of large-scale offshore systems

Bayesian network analysis enhancing alternative design schemes of large-scale offshore systems

A field study to optimize protein and lipid levels in diet for cage-cultured subadult rockfish Sebastes schlegelii

A feeding trial was conducted to evaluate growth, body composition, serum biochemistry, digestion and metabolism, and oxidation resistence of S. schlegelii fed 9 diets in a 3×3 factorial design (protein levels: 44 %, 48 %, 52 %; lipid levels: 6 %, 10 %, 14 %), to optimize protein and lipid levels for practical feed formula. Rockfish (114.25 g) were stocked into 27 cages in an offshore system and fed test diets to satiation twice daily for 8 weeks. Growth increased but feed conversion rate decreased with dietary protein increasing. Increasing dietary protein to >48 % led to reduced feeding intake but increased protein efficiency ratio. Lipid efficiency ratio increased with dietary protein increasing but decreased with dietary lipid increasing. Hepatosomatic index decreased coupling with the increases in condition factor and liver lipid content as dietary lipid increased to 14 %. Intraperitoneal fat ratio increased with dietary lipid increasing. Increasing dietary protein to > 48 % significantly elevated serum total protein and glucose concentrations, hepatic glycogen synthase activity. High-protein (52 %) diets elevated serum albumin and urea nitrogen concentrations, hepatic pyruvate kinase and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities but downregulated hepatic growth-hormone (GH) receptor. Activities of trypsin, lipase, serum superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity decreased with the dietary lipid increasing. Increasing dietary lipid to > 10 % reduced serum GH concentration, and high-lipid (14 %) diets significantly enhanced serum triglyceride concentration and hepatic transaminases activities, and resulted in a visual increase of adipocytes in liver. Serum cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein decreased as dietary protein increased to 48–52 % or dietary lipid >10 %. Hepatic succinate dehydrogenase activity and serum IGF-1 significantly increased while hepatic fatty acid synthetase decreased as dietary protein increased to >48 % or dietary lipid >10 %. High-protein (52 %) diet or high-lipid (14 %) diet elevated serum malonaldehyde concentration. These findings suggested 48 % protein and 10 % lipid were the optimal in diet for subadult S. schlegelii.

Dynamics of an offshore drilling tube system based on a riser–drill string–drilling fluid coupling model

ABSTRACT Accurate prediction of dynamic characteristics of an offshore drilling tube system under marine environmental loads is significant to secure the safety of offshore drilling operations. Based on previous works for coupling riser with drill string to form a pipe-in-pipe structure, in this present work, the influence of drilling fluid is taken into consideration to develop a riser–drill string–drilling fluid coupling model; and the corresponding verifications are conducted via comparison with the experimental results. The collisions between riser and drill string are demonstrated to restrict the lateral drifting of the riser, which, however, can be intensified by the upward flow of drilling fluid. In addition, as increasing the offset of the drilling platform, the lateral drifting of the riser also increases; moreover, the position for the maximal drifting moves upwards to the sea surface. When the part of the drill string below the mudline is taken into consideration, the increasing angle of well inclination is illustrated to restrict the lateral drifting of the riser above the mudline.

Individual-based numerical experiment to describe the distribution of floating kelp within the Southern Benguela Upwelling System

Abstract Kelps are resilient organisms, capable of thriving in high-energy wave environments. However, when hydrodynamic drag forces exerted by the wave environment exceed the kelps’ structural limits, individuals become dislodged. Floating kelps generally follow ocean currents, traveling long distances until air-filled structures fail or the epibiont load becomes too great, causing them to sink to the seafloor. The ability of kelp to disperse over vast offshore and nearshore systems makes them important for organic subsidy and as a dispersal vector for marine organisms. Previous research on dislodged macroalgae focused on context-specific rafts, limiting insights into the broader ecological role of floating kelp. This study employed a site-specific Lagrangian trajectory model to describe the spatial distribution of floating Ecklonia maxima along the South African coastline. The model incorporated buoyancy and sinking using site-specific morphological data. Findings revealed that the distribution of floating E. maxima is influenced by oceanographic conditions, and seasonal patterns were also evident. Mesoscale features played a vital role in kelp accumulation on the surface and seafloor and acted as barriers to dispersal. This study offers essential insights into kelp’s role as an organic subsidy and provides numerical evidence for kelp’s potential as a carbon sink, contributing to a better understanding of kelp ecosystems and their ecological functions.

Energy dissipation methods and protection device synergy strategies for offshore wind power receiving end surplus power

Abstract Firstly, a theoretical analysis of the fault ride-through scheme is carried out based on the land-side AC faults in the offshore wind power delivery system. According to the topological structure of the DC energy consumption device, the working mode and switching of the DC energy consumption device are analyzed and studied. Secondly, the DC protection action of offshore wind power flexible and direct transmission systems was studied, and the switching strategy of energy-consuming devices was determined. Then the impact of the switching of the energy-consuming device on the DC protection function was studied, focusing on the synergy between the DC overvoltage protection and the switching judgment voltage of the energy-consuming device. Finally, based on a typical offshore wind power flexing project, a system model is built in PSCAD/EMTDC to verify the effectiveness of the proposed synergy strategy.

Modeling and observations of North Atlantic cyclones: Implications for U.S. Offshore wind energy

To meet the Biden-Harris administration's goal of deploying 30 GW of offshore wind power by 2030 and 110 GW by 2050, expansion of wind energy into U.S. territorial waters prone to tropical cyclones (TCs) and extratropical cyclones (ETCs) is essential. This requires a deeper understanding of cyclone-related risks and the development of robust, resilient offshore wind energy systems. This paper provides a comprehensive review of state-of-the-science measurement and modeling capabilities for studying TCs and ETCs, and their impacts across various spatial and temporal scales. We explore measurement capabilities for environments influenced by TCs and ETCs, including near-surface and vertical profiles of critical variables that characterize these cyclones. The capabilities and limitations of Earth system and mesoscale models are assessed for their effectiveness in capturing atmosphere–ocean–wave interactions that influence TC/ETC-induced risks under a changing climate. Additionally, we discuss microscale modeling capabilities designed to bridge scale gaps from the weather scale (a few kilometers) to the turbine scale (dozens to a few meters). We also review machine learning (ML)-based, data-driven models for simulating TC/ETC events at both weather and wind turbine scales. Special attention is given to extreme metocean conditions like extreme wind gusts, rapid wind direction changes, and high waves, which pose threats to offshore wind energy infrastructure. Finally, the paper outlines the research challenges and future directions needed to enhance the resilience and design of next-generation offshore wind turbines against extreme weather conditions.

Benefit evaluation of HVAC and HVDC for offshore wind power transmission system under the multidimensional index

With the development of offshore wind power transmission technology and the emergence of new dimensions in deep-sea wind power scenarios, some indexes in the existing evaluation system cannot meet the comprehensive benefit evaluation of multiple offshore wind power transmission schemes in new operating scenarios, making the identification of the optimal economic distance of different schemes vague. Therefore, this paper integrates multiple parameters into the total life cycle cost and levelized cost of energy indexes for traditional and new transmission schemes in deep-sea scenarios, considers power generation income, environmental and carbon index, and proposes a multidimensional evaluation method for offshore wind power transmission systems, and analyzes the sensitivity of the constructed indicators. Then, using actual geographic information data, the established parameter fusion multidimensional evaluation method is used to analyze the technical and economic ranges of four offshore transmission schemes. The results show that the optimal economic critical interval of active commutation type high voltage direct current transmission system (CSC) is 98 km, which is about 23 % higher than that of voltage source converter based high voltage direct current transmission system (VSC). Therefore, CSC is more suitable for deep offshore wind power transmission than VSC and has better comprehensive technical and economic performance.

Optimization of spudcan penetration and influence on caisson foundation

The penetration of spudcans have adverse effects on pre-existing bucket foundations during the blade lifting process of offshore wind power systems, which brings uncertainties for the design and construction of bucket foundations. This study employs the Euler-Lagrange method to explore the influence of spudcan penetration on the adjacent caissons in homogeneous clay within a large deformation finite element (LDFE) model. The LDFE model is validated against centrifuge tests data, with good agreement obtained. Parametric study is then conducted to explore, (i) the influence of the angle between vessel and caissons on the movements of the caisson, and (ii) potential influence factors on the movements of the caisson with an optimal angle between the vessel and caissons, including soil properties, dimensions of caisson and spudcan, and the distance between spudcan and caissons. The results show that 60° is the optimal angle between the vessel and caissons that results in the smallest movement of the caisson, and the caisson foundation inclination angle ranges between 0° and 0.025°, when the pile shoe penetration progress ranges between 0.1 and 1.0. An empirical formula is proposed to predict the rotational angle of caisson with the optimal angle. The study establishes a quantitative approach to assess the influence of the spudcan penetration on existing three-caisson jacket foundations, which provides guidance for the design and construction of offshore wind turbine bucket foundations.

On the effects of wind and operating conditions on mooring line tensions for floating offshore wind turbine

The present work addresses a significant topic in the current understanding of the structural dynamic behavior of mooring lines for floating offshore wind turbines (FOWT) in operating condition and aims to contribute to the ongoing efforts to enhance the performance and reliability of floating offshore wind energy systems. The present paper investigates the impact of operating conditions on mooring line tension for FOWT. A numerical model of a spar-type FOWT developed in Orcaflex, validated with experimental data, was employed to perform dynamic analyses and to calculate the most probable maximum tension values for scenarios involving wave-only and combined wind-wave actions under various operating conditions. Results indicate that the peak frequency of oscillations is primarily influenced by wave frequency and remain unchanged in operating conditions, but the significant variability in the structure’s displacement response leads to a notable fluctuation in tensions within the mooring lines. Specifically, higher tensions are observed in the upwind region while lower tensions are evident in the downwind area. However, for prolonged periods it becomes apparent that operating conditions induce high tension levels across all mooring lines, while also exerting a damping contribution related to wave-induced effects. The study underscores that the primary detrimental factor affecting mooring lines in operating conditions is the widening of the operating tension range.

Experimental Characterization of Stiffness of a Polyester Mooring Rope for a CFPSO

Synthetic ropes are increasingly favored for use in offshore systems. Accurate predictions of the coupled hydrodynamic performance and structural response of offshore structures depends on a thorough understanding of the nonlinear characteristics of fiber materials. The objective of this study is to experimentally characterize the stiffness of a polyester mooring rope for a cylindrical floating production storage and offloading system. The quasi-static stiffness of the ropes and aged ropes after installation and the dynamic stiffness in various loading conditions were computed based on sub-rope tests following the guidelines from the American Bureau of Shipping. The quasi-static stiffness curves exhibited a linear decrease in values as the logarithm of the loading period (in minutes) increased. The dynamic stiffness was, in general, much higher than the quasi-static stiffness. The dynamic stiffness under various loading conditions revealed the complexities of the mechanical properties of polyester rope. Parameters such as the mean load, load amplitude, loading period, and loading cycles all had a notable impact. More tests are required to have a better understanding of their effects.

Potential bottom-up and top-down control of large microzooplankton in response to contrasting productive scenarios in the tropical southwestern Atlantic

Large microzooplankton, comprising organisms generally between 64 and 200 μm, plays a significant trophic role in marine ecosystems as primary or secondary consumers. In oligotrophic systems such as the Tropical Southwestern Atlantic, where primary production is dominated by Cyanobacteria, they provide a pivotal link between the basis of food webs and higher trophic levels. In this region, seasonal variations in circulation and continental runoff and wind mixing induce heightened phytoplankton biomass during autumn when compared to a less productive scenario observed in spring, leading to increased abundances of higher trophic levels. In order to establish the connection between primary producers and these higher trophic levels, we investigated the dynamics of large microzooplankton abundance in response to variations in phytoplankton biomass across different systems in the Tropical Southwestern Atlantic. Our findings highlight the complex interactions between bottom-up and top-down control mechanisms that shape large microzooplankton assemblages in these ecosystems. The increase in primary production was accompanied by an observable increase in the abundances of large microzooplankton organisms over the continental shelf, thereby supporting the hypothesis of bottom-up control. In contrast, offshore, in the South Equatorial Current System, a lower abundance of large microzooplankton was observed in the more productive scenario. The intricate relationships between large microzooplankton and higher trophic levels, particularly planktonic cnidarians, appear to be a key driver of these contrasting patterns. The presence of voracious gelatinous predators in the offshore systems, suggests a scenario in which top-down predation may counteract the expected bottom-up response of large microzooplankton to increased phytoplankton biomass. This indicates the importance of considering the entire trophic web when analysing the responses of large microzooplankton to changes in primary production.