Ice Risk Analysis for Floating Wind Turbines, Offshore Newfoundland and Labrador

Abstract

AbstractThe move to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the offshore hydrocarbons production industry has resulted in a growing interest in the possibility of using offshore wind to reduce on-platform power generation. While some offshore areas are progressing towards or planning for the use of offshore wind to electrify hydrocarbon producing platforms, they do not have the challenges associated with Newfoundland & Labrador's offshore environment.This region is prone to incursions by icebergs and pack ice, which would present a risk to offshore wind turbines. Analysis approachesto assess these risks, along with preliminary results, are presented herefor floating offshore wind turbines (FOWT).An area of interest (AOI), covering 45°N to 51°N and 45°W to 51°W, was defined covering all development licenses on the Grand Banks, Flemish Pass and Orphan Basin. Iceberg and pack ice contact rates and loads were calculated using data from the Nalcor NESS Metocean database, Canadian Ice Service (CIS) ice charts and satellite imagery. Ice loads corresponding to 50-year return periods levels were assessed, with and without ice management, giving a basis for determining whether ice management and/or disconnection capabilities are required. The frequency and severity of atmospheric icing of turbines was also modelled using available data and models.