Specific Design Conditions Research Articles

Event-Triggered Distributed Hypothesis Testing for Multiagent Networks Based on Observations Cumulation.

This article is concerned with the distributed hypothesis testing problem for multiagent networks, where a group of agents aim to learn an optimal hypothesis set via informative observations and event-triggered communication. Within this framework, a new event-triggered distributed hypothesis testing algorithm based on cumulation of historical observations is proposed. Theoretically, it is proven that due to the introduction of cumulation of historical observations, the proposed algorithm can always ensure the convergence whatever the event-triggered parameters are selected. This convergence result is different from that of the existing algorithm without involving historical observations, where the event-triggered parameters should satisfy a specific design condition to ensure the convergence of the algorithm. In addition, an explicit description of the convergence rate of the proposed algorithm is provided. Finally, the effectiveness of the algorithm is demonstrated through simulation examples.

The Influence of Deep Rolling Process on Fatigue Durability for Vehicle Tie-Rod Component

In the automotive industry, most of the components are consistently subjected to the dynamic loading due to the randomly observed situations from road inputs and periodic vibration from IC engine working during the operation. Such loadings cause the durability problem which may result in failure or cracking at stresses that are well below the yield strength of the material. Therefore, along with the development of new processing techniques, different surface treatment processes are applied to enhance the fatigue behavior of components. Being one of the mechanical surface treatment methods, deep rolling is an efficient way for improvement of fatigue performance by strengthening the critical section and providing compressive type of residual stresses. In this paper, the effect of the deep rolling process on fatigue behavior of steel stud in tie-rod used as steering system component was investigated. Force-Number of cycles curves (F-N graph) for the fatigue test have been obtained from the tests. Evaluation of the fatigue endurance limits of the stud at un-rolled condition and rolled conditions at three different loads were performed. Test data was analyzed with a regression line to account for the scatter using probability density functions. The results indicate a significant enhancement in the endurance limit following the implementation of the rolling process, as compared to the unrolled state. Furthermore, it was observed that the endurance limit proportionally increased in line with the rolling load. These findings underscore the crucial role of the deep rolling process in determining the optimal rolling load for the specific stud design and material conditions.

SUBSTANTIATION OF THE PONTOON-CABLE BRIDGE STRUCTURE FROM THE TENSEGRITY CONCEPT POINT OF VIEW

Purpose. The purpose of this work is to conduct an analysis of the tensegrity concept implementation, as well as the study of already built structures and those that are currently being designed according to this principle. Also to determine main features and characteristics of tensegrity structures and to consider the previously proposed structure of the pontoon-cable bridge from the point of view of this concept. Based on the analyzed data, it is proposed to develop alternative designs of the pontoon-cable bridge. Methodology. Analysis of literary sources, data on constructed and designed bridges and other structures; analysis and synthesis of building structures elements. Findings. Based on the studied data, the main features of tensegrity, as well as the principles of numerical analysis of structures to calculate some quantitative indicators of such systems, were determined. Conclusions were made about the formal non-compliance of both the built bridges and other structures, as well as the pontoon-cable bridge with tensegrity concept. Based on the task of finding architectural forms of dome systems through cutting axisymmetric ones, an "antiderivative" symmetrical structure for a pontoon-cable bridge is proposed, which will meet the specified characteristics. Based on the study of existing cable and tensegrity structures, three alternative architectural forms for the pontoon-cable bridge were developed. Originality. Analysis of existing sources, including constructed and designed tensegrity bridges and other structures, was conducted. A summary about the feasibility and usefulness of this approach for a previously proposed pontoon-cable bridge has been made. It was concluded that, in the future, this bridge can be considered from the tensegrity point of view, provided that the introduction of some tolerances or auxiliary elements were made. Practical value. For the existing structure of the pontoon-cable bridge, after considering it from the tensegrity and other cable structures’ point of view, alternative forms are proposed that may have additional advantages for specific design or construction conditions.

Developing a TRNSYS model for radiant cooling floor with a pipe-embedded PCM layer and parametric study on system thermal performance

The design of the radiant cooling floor with a pipe-embedded PCM layer (RCF-PEPCML) lacks a relevant reference basis. Simulation is the best way to determine the optimal design of the system. The simulation research of PCM radiant terminals has been developed, but there is still a need to establish a convenient transient simulation method for RCF-PEPCML, in order to conduct various optimization studies on system design. In order to meet this simulation requirement, a two-dimensional heat transfer model for a pipe-embedded PCM layer (PEPCML) was established. The numerical model was written in FORTRAN language and integrated into TRNSYS to create a new module (TYPE207) for simulating a PEPCML. The accuracy of the new module was verified by experiments conducted in a scaled experiment room with radiant floor cooling. Then, using the newly-built module and TRNSYS, a case study was conducted to explore the effect of several key parameters on the thermal performance of the RCF-PEPCML. The influencing parameters considered include the PCM's phase change temperature, phase change latent heat, and the PCM layer thickness. The results of univariate sensitivity analysis show that these three parameters all greatly affect the thermal performance of RCF-PEPCML. The recommended optimal phase change temperature should meet this condition where the lower limit of the phase change temperature interval is higher than the water supply temperature by 0–1 °C. The optimal phase change latent heat and optimal PCM layer thickness depend on the specific design conditions of the cooling terminal. It is suggested to perform optimization design analysis for specific cases through simulation. The orthogonal test analysis of multiple parameters shows that the optimal design parameters combination for the case study is the combination of a phase change temperature of 20 °C, a phase change latent heat of 160 kJ/kg, and a PCM layer thickness of 15 mm. Among the three influencing factors, the phase change temperature should be given priority.

Study on the Influence of the Tube Bundle Arrangement on the Performance of Condenser in Nuclear Power Plant

Nuclear power generation technology is obviously a safe and economical way of generating power in modern society. As the low temperature heat source, the condenser of the nuclear power technology condenses the steam into condensate water and then establishes a certain degree of vacuum at the exhaust port of the turbine. The operation of condenser is critical to the nuclear power generation technology. In this paper, the influences of the arrangement of tube bundles on the condenser of nuclear power generation technology were investigated. Three types of condensers, including the church window type, the centripetal type, and the UT type, were analyzed using Ansys Fluent software. The steam flow velocity distribution, air concentration distribution, temperature distribution, and heat transfer coefficient distribution were studied. Under specific design conditions, the flow velocity in the church window type was large, the exhaust air concentration was small, the maximum flow rate distribution was relatively reasonable, and the air concentration distribution was more concentrated. The performances of the centripetal type and the UT type were slightly worse, and the steam condensation was less. In contrast, the condensation of the church window type was large, the relative performance was high, and the heat transfer performance was better.

Design of CRMC non-adiabatic supersonic nozzle with frictional effect

The design and function of nozzles are critical to various applications such as steam turbines, gas turbine jet engines, and jet propulsion systems. In certain applications, an advanced nozzle increases fluid speed from subsonic to supersonic or even hypersonic velocities. This is achieved by controlling the flow characteristics of the fluid and producing the necessary thrust under specific design and operational conditions. This study focuses on analyzing the shape and flow parameters of the nozzle and its length. The developed 1-D gas dynamic equations with the real gas equation assume that the momentum rate remains constant to calculate the geometry and flow parameters. The constant rate of momentum change theory (CRMC) accounts for the frictional effect and heat addition, aiding in the computation of nozzle coordinates with identical flow parameters at any distance, such as 0.5 mm in the present case. The results were confirmed using computational fluid dynamics (C.F.D.) with ANSYS Workbench2022R2. At design conditions, the numerical results were found to agree with the present CRMC theory.

Statistical Power of Piecewise Regression Analyses of Single-Case Experimental Studies Addressing Behavior Problems

In intervention research, single-case experimental designs are an important way to gain insights into the causes of individual changes that yield high internal validity. They are commonly applied to examine the effectiveness of classroom-based interventions to reduce problem behavior in schools. At the same time, there is no consensus on good design characteristics of single-case experimental designs when dealing with behavioral problems in schools. Moreover, specific challenges arise concerning appropriate approaches to analyzing behavioral data. Our study addresses the interplay between the test power of piecewise regression analysis and important design specifications of single-case research designs. Here, we focus on the influence of the following specifications of single-case research designs: number of measurement times, the initial frequency of the behavior, intervention effect, and data trend. We conducted a Monte-Carlo study. First, simulated datasets were created with specific design conditions based on reviews of published single-case intervention studies. Following, data were analyzed using piecewise Poisson-regression models, and the influence of specific design specifications on the test power was investigated. Our results indicate that piecewise regressions have a high potential of adequately identifying the effects of interventions for single-case studies. At the same time, test power is strongly related to the specific design specifications of the single-case study: Few measurement times, especially in phase A, and low initial frequencies of the behavior make it impossible to detect even large intervention effects. Research designs with a high number of measurement times show robust power. The insights gained are highly relevant for researchers in the field, as decisions during the early stage of conceptualizing and planning single-case experimental design studies may impact the chance to identify an existing intervention effect during the research process correctly.

Estimating Shear Strength Properties of the Surrounding Soils Based on the Execution Energies of Piles

Historically, empirical relations are the basis of everyday foundation design. These relations, however, rely on specific datasets, which may not represent the true conditions observed in the field. Even in situ tests rely on empirical correlation formulas, which link observed phenomena to soil properties. These correlations should be updated according to the specific design conditions. Big data (BD) workflows enable the use of massive data available to update the correlations and to provide more accurate predictions of the parameters studied. Thus, in this paper, a BD approach is used to study the relation between the drilling process of continuous flight auger piles and the shear strength properties (SSPs) of the surrounding soils. Soil surveys were carried out to identify the soil strata in the site and to validate the estimates of the SSPs. The results show that indirect measurements are in accordance with typical undrained shear strength and friction angles of the materials considered.

Investigation of future low-carbon and zero-carbon fuels for marine engines from the view of thermal efficiency

The use of low-carbon and zero-carbon alternative fuels on marine engine is the main measure to achieve carbon neutrality for shipping sector, thus attracting numerous research on fuel techno-economics, fuel safety and fuel production chains. However, among the factors that determine whether a fuel can finally be successfully marketed, the thermal efficiency of the fuel is very important as one of the cores in determining the operation cost. To evaluate the thermal efficiency of marine alternative fuels, a new theoretical engine cycle, Miller–Sabathe cycle, is proposed to identify thermal efficiency optimization potential of fuels under certain constraints. The Miller–Sabathe cycle can simultaneously optimize the combustion process and gas exchange process, offering a more comprehensive comparison of fuel thermal efficiency. Compared with technologies based on specific engine design or operation conditions, the Miller–Sabathe cycle analysis provides broader thermal efficiency optimization guidance, and is easy to generalize to different types of engines under different operating conditions. Based on the Miller–Sabathe cycle, a zero-dimensional model is built to further consider the influence of actual losses on thermal efficiency. Then the brake thermal efficiency of various alternative fuels under the Miller–Sabathe cycle is compared using a marine two-stroke diesel engine specifications. The theoretical Miller–Sabathe cycle analysis results shows that under a certain Miller cycle strength and an appropriate ratio of constant volume combustion, the maximum thermal efficiency is capable to increase to 71.17%. The results of 0-D model suggests that the brake thermal efficiency of the marine diesel engine is capable to reach 53.09% by balancing the power performance and actual losses. At last, the results of the alternative fuels calculation suggests that among several alternative fuels, the overall thermal efficiency of ammonia has significant advantages, which makes it a very economical zero-carbon fuel. These results may contribute to the future design of low-carbon emissions and high thermal efficiency engines.

Daily, monthly and annual thermal performance of a linear Fresnel reflector to drive an organic Rankine-cycle system

AbstractThe organic Rankine cycle (ORC) coupled with a linear Fresnel reflector (LFR) utilizes a low-grade heat source. This article presents the study of a small-scale LFR–ORC power-generation plant under the climatic conditions of Almatret, Spain. The mathematical modelling is performed using thermodynamic equations and simulations are conducted to evaluate the optical performance of the LFR system and thermal performance of the ORC plant. Therminol-62 is used as a heat-transfer fluid (HTF) in the solar field, whereas NOVECTM 649 is used as the working fluid in the ORC power system. The LFR is integrated with a thermal-storage unit based on a two-tank system and stores the solar thermal energy via a heat exchanger. The thermal-energy output of the receiver tube of the LFR system is 108 kW and thermal losses are 7.872 kW during the peak time operation of a day at 1:00 p.m. The mechanical power output of the ORC turbine is 7.296 kW using the specific design conditions and the two-tank thermal-storage system adds 4 operation hours to the power plant after sunset.

GENDER INEQUALITY ON DISPLAY IN THE FLEXIBILISATION OF EMPLOYMENT DURING THE COVID-19 CRISIS IN SLOVENIA

Abstract. Many risks are associated with the Covid-19 crisis and related lockdown measures in the areas of employment, the economy, and everyday life. Working parents have faced the challenge of combining their work and family obligations following the closure of schools and kindergartens. A considerable number have encountered a bigger risk of unemployment and the linked financial instability. The extensive literature analysing changes during Covid-19 suggests that women have tended to suffer more, been faced with both less stability since their employment statuses appear to be more precarious, and been disproportionally affected by the heavier burden of balancing family care and work obligations. Our own analysis of the most reliable survey data available shows corresponding changes in Slovenia, confirming that the crisis reveals certain less visible, already existing inequalities along with particular new gender inequalities, and in this respect also presents specific research design conditions for assessing otherwise hidden disparities. The results indicate the consequences for the subjective well-being of women compared to men of the more precarious employment and the stronger demand for family care. Keywords: Covid-19, gender inequalities, employment flexibility, work from home, family care, life satisfaction

Identification of suitable sites for managed aquifer recharge under semi-arid conditions employing a combination of numerical and analytical techniques

Overpumping or overexploitation of groundwater is one of the major threats for aquifer systems in arid and semi-arid areas. Managed aquifer recharge (MAR) has been suggested by many researchers as a sustainable and effective method to alleviate negative impacts of overpumping. Optimizing artificial recharge considers the selection of suitable MAR sites in terms of surface and subsurface characteristics. While surface characteristics at potential MAR sites could be modified (e.g. slope, soil texture, etc.), subsurface characteristics cannot be changed through engineering work. Characteristics of the aquifer, such as depth to groundwater, play an important role in determining the capability of an aquifer to store a specific volume of infiltrated water. Currently, only a limited number of quoted researches are available that consider factors related to aquifer characteristics and the range of these factors to identify optimal MAR sites. In this study, a new approach is presented, that employs numerical groundwater modeling to generate MAR suitability maps considering sub-surface characteristics, such as depth-to-groundwater, aquifer transmissivity and specific yield. Multiple model-runs are conducted to simulate groundwater table response with respect to the volume of infiltrated water. Simulation results are used to calibrate a groundwater mound empirical equation that calculates the groundwater level increase as a function of the transmissivity and infiltrated water volume for a given value of aquifer’ specific yield, range of vertical hydraulic conductivities and a specific design and operation conditions of the MAR system. The empirical equation is employed in GIS to spatially calculate the height of groundwater mound beneath a hypothetical MAR site and to generate, based on that, suitability maps for MAR implementation. Assuming that MAR structures capture the median of monthly surface runoff rates at the respective wadi (catchment area), suitability maps are generated for different configurations/scenarios of aquifer hydraulic conductivity in a parameter study. The results highlight the importance of integrating aquifer characteristics (geometry and hydraulic parameters) and expected magnitudes and fluxes of infiltration water in delineating suitable sites for MAR.

Performance evaluation of intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cell-gas turbine hybrid power system

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze the performance of the gas turbine cycle integrated with solid oxide fuel cell technology. In the present work, intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cell has been considered, as it is economical, can attain an activation temperature in a quick time, and also have a longer life compared to a high-temperature solid oxide fuel cell, which helps in the commercialization and can generate two ways of electricity as a hybrid configuration.Design/methodology/approachThe conceptualized cycle has been analyzed with the help of computer code developed in MATLAB with the help of governing equations. In this work, the focus is on the performance investigation of a Gas turbine intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cell hybrid cycle. The work also analyzes the performance behavior of the proposed cycle with various design and operating parameters.FindingsIt is found that the power generation efficiency of the IT-SOFC-GT hybrid system reaches up to 60% (LHV) for specific design and operating conditions. The cycle calculations of an IT-SOFC-GT hybrid system and its conceptual design have been presented in this work.Originality/valueThe unique feature of this work is that IT-SOFC has been adopted for integration instead of HT-SOFC, and this work also provides the performance behavior of the hybrid system with varying design and operating parameters, which is the novelty of this work. This work has significant scientific merit, as the cost involved for the commercialization of IT-SOFC is comparatively lower than HT-SOFC and provides a good option to energy manufacturers for generating clean energy at a low cost.

Magnetic Position System Design Method Applied to Three-Axis Joystick Motion Tracking

This manuscript discusses the difficulties with magnetic position and orientation (MPO) system design and proposes a general method for finding optimal layouts. The formalism introduces a system quality measure through state separation and reduces the question “How to design an MPO system?” to a global optimization problem. The latter is then solved by combining differential evolution algorithms with magnet shape variation based on analytical computations of the field. The proposed formalism is then applied to study possible realizations of continuous three-axis joystick motion tracking, realized with just a single magnet and a single 3D magnetic field sensor. The computations show that this is possible when a specific design condition is fulfilled and that large state separations as high as can be achieved under realistic conditions. Finally, a comparison to state-of-the-art design methods is drawn, computation accuracy is reviewed critically, and an experimental validation is presented.

Using the sky as heat sink: Climatic applicability of night-sky based natural cooling techniques in Europe

Climate change and environmental degradation are an existential threat faced by Europe and the rest of the world. To overcome these challenges, Europe requires a new growth strategy that transforms the Union into a modern economy that uses resources efficiently and competitively. The use of natural technology for cooling buildings is attracting attention due to the growing interest in energy and environmental conservation. Therefore, given the great cooling potential from using the sky as a heat sink and to promote the integration of nocturnal dissipation systems that use this environmental heat sink, the authors present a study to assess the potential of radiative water-based cooling systems that use a radiant panel or flat surface and water supplied to an air treatment unit through a storage tank. The method implemented in the study is based on the characterization of supply and demand and the subsequent linking of both through the natural cooling technique. This method presents the definition of performance indicators that allow to determine if the application of natural cooling techniques are of interest in a specific place. The method may be applied directly to assess the energy savings achieved by incorporating these systems into specific design and operating conditions, and inversely, by evaluating the design and operating systems required by the systems studied to obtain a given saving. The results of the study of their potential use in Europe show that the use of natural radiative and falling-film technology is of great interest. From the results obtained, it stands out that the integration of the falling-film system can provide savings of more than 60% in extremely hot regions and much greater in areas with less cooling needs. From the studies carried out, it is concluded that the integration of the falling-film means that practically no part of Europe requires an additional cooling system, making the continent passive in terms of cooling and facilitating the achievement of the objectives set by the European Union.

NUMERICAL ANALYSIS OF REINFORCEMENT OF SECTIONS WITH TRANSITIONAL RIGIDITY ON APPROACHES TO RAILWAY BRIDGES

Purpose . To analyze the mechanism of work of embankments, to model three-dimensional models and to compare methods of their reinforcement on transitional areas on approaches to railway bridges using the Lira software based on finite element method (FEM). To do comprehensive analysis of results and comparison of constructive performance of different reinforcement methods. Methodology . Numerical finite element modeling (FEM) had been performed to study the work of embankments in transition sections on approaches to railway bridges. Four three-dimensional models of the construction of the transitional section, corresponding to the real bridge, had been constructed. These models had been tested for nominal load to evaluate their performance relative to each other. Findings . As a result of the calculations, the deformation characteristics for the basic model and each of the reinforcement types had been obtained, and their comparisons had been made by determining the maximum vertical deformations and vertical deformations at key points. The analyze of feasibility of using the tested reinforcement methods under different real initial conditions had been performed. Originality . The main aspects of the work of the transition sections over long periods of time had been revealed. Comparisons of fundamentally different methods and types of reinforcement of sections with transient stiffness had been made. The expediency of the methods of reinforcement of the embankment construction in the transitional sections that had been proposed in previous works had been tested. Practical value . The proposed reinforcement methods may be used depending on the specific design conditions, the budget, and other factors. Evaluating the work of different types of reinforcement during numerical analysis makes it possible to move away from large-scale field trials and focus on other methods, which significantly reduces time spent on solving current problems.

A multi-parameter method to quantify the potential of roof rainwater harvesting at regional levels in areas with limited rainfall data

The increasing demand for water in urban areas of developing countries has been given more importance to rainwater harvesting techniques in the last decades. However, there is still a lack of general approaches to show and compare the potential to benefit effectively from direct roof runoff at different locations. Past studies mainly focused on specific design conditions, making it difficult to interpret and upscale their results in zones with similar conditions. This research explores the influence of rainfall characteristics and design parameters: storage tank size, catchment area, and daily water demand on rainwater harvesting systems designed for water supply. Sixteen locations in Ecuador with varying hydroclimatic characteristics were selected to evaluate our methodology. A mass balance method using satellite records of the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission was employed to estimate optimal dimensions based on the reliability of the system. Our results suggest that locations with similar annual rainfall and seasonality have similar performances of rainwater harvesting systems. Based on that premise, regional approaches can be formulated. They can be employed as a tool to support decision-makers promoting policies related to rainwater harvesting at local and regional scales.

Shaping Place Identity through Interaction on the Example of the European Solidarity Centre in Gdansk

The article presents process of shaping place identity on the example of an important for Pomerania region investment - European Solidarity Centre. The idea of a Solidarity social movement is strongly associated with the formation of post-socialist national identity of Poland as well as local identity of Pomerania, from which movement originates. The realization of the European Solidarity Centre aims to be one of the essential elements of shaping Gdańsk’s identity of space. The article is an attempt to analyse how the presence of realization gradually affects the formation of the place identity of new urban space. Analysis of this realization will allow on the one hand to verify design assumptions made by authors, on the other provides the opportunity to search for best description of still vague notion of local identity. This concept, though intuitively close to everyone still seems to elude conceptual apparatus of theory of architecture. The intention of this article is to explore the notion of identity based on the observations of the newly realized significant cultural space. This analysis approaches the concept of identity from two perspectives. The first approach draws from the concept of identity of Christian Norberg-Schulz. Here, local identity is seen as a unique set of characteristics of space. So seen the concept of place identity is a correlate of concept of personal identity. In this analysis, methods of description of personal identity were transferred to the identity of the place. In the second approach, the identity of place is understood as a unique for that place way of being in space, way to spend time and development of the site-specific urban rituals. Such a concept of identity, draws from the concept of place of Kim Dovey. Both presented approaches seems to complement each other but they also emphasize different qualities. The now-traditional concept of Genius Loci sees architecture as a structural system of meanings. Meaningful elements are seen here primarily from aesthetic perspective. As something we can see. In this perspective, the concept of place identity is seen as a static formation. This perfectly corresponds to design determinants of historical spaces associated with the concept of cultural heritage. In the authors’ opinion identity of the place is also built on the interactions that occur between users in space. The space in this approach becomes a catalyst for social contact. What is important for the user is the formation of identity through customs, rituals and urban traditions - that create new network of social connections. This concept of place recognizes dynamic nature of space identity - as a changeable formation which is continuously co-created. Such recognition can give better understanding of identity for specific design conditions, such as gradual formation of new urban spaces. It is so because this approach places emphasis on the processual nature of space identity - as in the case discussed in the article.

Investigation on Slot–Pole Combinations of a PM Vernier Motor with Fractional-Slot Concentrated Winding Configurations

This paper presents a new method to find available slot–pole combination of a permanent magnet (PM) vernier motor with fractional-slot concentrated winding (FSCW) configurations instead of the conventional design rule. To this aim, for a common structure of PM vernier machines with FSCW, the air gap flux densities including modulation flux due to vernier effects are investigated from the magnetic view points and then a general condition to effectively use the modulation flux is derived. Under the obtained condition, the specific design condition for slot–pole combinations are established for the most popular FSCW configurations with the coil spans of ±2π/3. Using the established condition, all available vernier structures including those which could not be found by the previous rule are obtained, and the back-electromotive force (EMF) of each structure is analytically estimated to check the vernier effects. During these procedures, it is also revealed that some of general FSCW-PM motors possess vernier effects and thus can be classified into vernier motors. To verify the proposed ideas, the characteristics of back EMF are analyzed through finite element (FE)-simulations for various models, and compared with their analytical calculation results. Finally, the characteristics of torque regarding to slot–pole combinations of the vernier motors are discussed.

Development and design of a semi-floater substructure for multi-megawatt wind turbines at 50+ m water depths

A semi-floater concept as a substructure for multi-megawatt wind turbines is developed herein for installation at 50+m water depths. The semi-floater concept is a hybrid between a fixed monopile type support structure and a floating spar buoy. The configuration of the substructure is composed of a floating system, a mooring system, and an articulated joint. A case study is carried out under specific design conditions and constraints. The detailed designs of the mooring system and of the articulated joint are iteratively carried out using a hydro-servo-elastic analysis tool for structure response, HAWC2, coupled with dedicated in-house software packages for structural design analysis, and Abaqus. A reliability analysis and fatigue load calculations are made to ensure a desired life expectancy of the structure. The semi-floater concept is shown to maintain acceptable fatigue load levels for all turbine components, and to exhibit low platform displacement at the mean sea level. Finally, the overall performance of the structure related to energy production is similar to that of a reference wind turbine situated on land.