A frequency-domain optimization procedure for catenary and semi-taut mooring systems of floating wind turbines

Abstract

This work presents an efficient method for assessing mooring system designs for floating wind turbines (FWTs) based on frequency-domain analysis. The method is used to explore the design space and design-driving constraints for catenary and semi-taut mooring systems for semi-submersible FWTs with power ratings from 5 to 25 MW. The proposed method combines a previously presented model for low-frequency rotor-aero-servo dynamics in frequency-domain with a frequency-domain lumped mass model for estimating the wave-frequency dynamic tension, which has often been treated quasi-statically in previous studies. Multiple design constraints including ultimate limit state, fatigue limit state, and maximum allowable offset were considered in design space exploration and optimization. The main design-driving criteria were found to be the maximum offset and fatigue life. The resulting designs were tested using nonlinear coupled time-domain analysis and found to satisfy all the required design criteria. The frequency-domain model captures the main trends of the motion and tension statistics of the FWTs while providing conservative estimates for fatigue damage for most conditions. The discrepancies between the frequency- and time-domain results are mainly due to overestimation of the surge resonance response due to the linearization of aerodynamic damping in the frequency-domain model.