Experimental investigation of the dynamic characteristics of a barge-type floating offshore wind turbine under wind and wave condition

Abstract

With the rapid development of modern wind power generation technology, wind energy has become the most promising renewable energy in the world. At present, wind power development has transformed from land-based to offshore and is committed to further expanding to offshore deep-water areas. Floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs) are currently the most promising new technology for developing offshore deep-water wind energy and have become a research hotspot in the offshore wind power field globally. Based on the working characteristics of large-scale FOWTs and in combination with the design experience of FOWTs, this study proposes a barge-type floating platform and mooring system suitable for a 60 m water depth to support the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) 10 MW wind turbine. The platform features a four-monopod structure paired. The barge-type floating platform has the advantages of having a simple structure, convenient manufacturing and a better response related to the stability (hydrostatics) of the platform under operational and extreme conditions. The hydrodynamic characteristics and coupled motion response under various wind and wave conditions of the structure were analyzed and verified by physical model tests. Key findings include the effectiveness of geometric and Froude similarity laws in model design, the critical role of low-Reynolds-number blade modifications in achieving aerodynamic thrust similarity, and the alignment of motion responses with DNV standards under extreme conditions. This research provides a robust experimental framework and practical insights for optimizing barge-type FOWT designs.