Session: 09-02-06: Wind and Wave Energy: Moorings

Submission Number: 156956

A Shared Mooring System Considering Bathymetry Data in a Hexagonal Array for Offshore Wind Farm 

As interest in sustainable energy grows, wind power is emerging as a promising large-scale renewable energy source. Floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs), installed in deep waters far from the coast, can harness stronger and more consistent winds, maximizing power generation efficiency. The use of FOWTs addresses spatial limitations of onshore wind farms and takes advantage of abundant wind resources in deep-sea areas. However, ensuring the stability of floating turbines in deep waters requires efficient mooring system design. Additionally, the irregular and asymmetric nature of the seabed must be considered in the mooring system design. This study aims to address these challenges by developing an efficient mooring system.

In this research, we introduce a shared mooring system for offshore wind farms and investigate its impact on the dynamic behavior of FOWTs and the tension in mooring lines. We also study successful anchor installation on an asymmetric seabed, considering bathymetry data. Previous studies have analyzed an array of 10 turbines arranged in a square layout, but in this work, we propose a novel hexagonal configuration. The proposed hexagonal array maintains each mooring line at a 120-degree angle, which is expected to be more effective in stabilizing FOWT movement due to its symmetry. Furthermore, the hexagonal arrangement maintains consistent symmetry, making future wind farm expansion more feasible.

Through numerical simulations, we assess the viability of the shared mooring system and propose design strategies that enhance the economic efficiency of offshore wind farms. We determine appropriate mooring line lengths and anchor positions to avoid uplift forces, considering an irregular seabed. Frequency analysis of floating structures is conducted using ANSYS AQWA, taking into account multi-body interactions. Mooring system analysis for the wind farm is performed using commercial software such as OrcaFlex and OpenFAST. This study aims to develop a more economical and efficient offshore wind farm model by minimizing the number of mooring lines and anchors, thereby reducing installation costs. Achieving these goals will significantly enhance the commercial viability of offshore wind power and support the realization of large-scale offshore wind farms in the future.

Presenting Author: Haeyoung Lim Korea Maritime and Ocean University

Presenting Author Biography: I study in Korea Maritime and Ocean University and my major is naval architecture and ocean engineering.

I'm interested in shared mooring research and investigating effective shared mooring models.