Study on simulation of real‐time hybrid model test for offshore wind turbines

Abstract

AbstractAs an emerging energy source with great potential, offshore wind power is supported by development policies in an increasing number of countries. However, the performance evaluation of floating offshore wind turbine (FOWT) structures is challenging due to the complexity of wind and wave loads and the difficulty in reproducing such loading conditions for downscaled FOWTs in laboratories. In physical model tests of FOWTs, the Froude's similarity law is adopted for the foundation, while the Reynolds similarity law is adopted for the blades, thus there is an issue with uncoordinated scaling laws. The FOWTs real‐time hybrid test uses loading device to simulate air loads, offering a new way to avoid scaling issues and reduce cost barriers. In this study, taking the 5 MW Braceless FOWT as the research object, a conceptual design of a real‐time hybrid model test system for Braceless offshore wind turbines is proposed. Six sets of working conditions are set for simulation to study the motion and force performances of the hybrid system. The performance requirements of the Braceless structure for the loading device in the real‐time hybrid test are quantified. Simulate different errors in the test to analyse the sensitivity of the response of the Braceless offshore wind turbine to various errors. The results show that the Braceless FOWT is relatively sensitive to motion and force errors. Due to the low‐frequency characteristics of offshore wind turbines and external load, the delay error has relatively little effect. The method results in this paper can provide theoretical support and design information support for the implementation of real‐time hybrid model tests in the future.