Time domain analysis of arrays of floating offshore wind structures

Abstract

Wave-induced motion characteristics of multiple Spar-type floaters with elastic connectors and catenary mooring lines have been investigated in time domain. Hydrodynamic coefficients were achieved by using Green function with High-Order Boundary Element Method(HOBEM). Wave diffraction induced by other floaters was confirmed to be negligible as floaters are separated sufficiently. Dynamics of connectors and mooring lines was coupled with the floating solver, while aerodynamics and rotor-dynamics have not been considered yet. First, characteristics of one elastic connector were studied. These values have good agreements with analytic solutions and the commercial code relatively. Numerical calculations for the horizontal array of five wind turbines were conducted in irregular wave conditions. Results were investigated in aspect of motion responses, tensions and bending moments with different sea states. Copyright ？ 2013 by the International Society of Offshore and Polar Engineers (ISOPE).