Model and Simulation of a Floating Hybrid Wind and Current Turbines Integrated Generator System, Part I: Kinematics and Dynamics

Abstract

This initial publication is part of a series of publications that will appear soon, which pursue a final objective for the proposal of a fully integrated and controlled hybrid system composed of a floating wind turbine—type “OC3-Hywind”—and two marine current turbines with the aim of increasing the energy generated by the floating installation and, at the same time, use the set of turbines as actuators as part of an integral cooperative control system of the floating hybrid system to ensure the structural stability of the floating hybrid generator system (FHGS) in harsh weather conditions, which is a key issue in this type of floating systems. A specially designed tool to design, analyze, and control this type of FHGSs was developed using Matlab®. In this tool, named Floating Hybrid Generator Systems Simulator (FHYGSYS), several tests were carried out on the structural stability of the system considering the interactive phase of the acting forces. Working in a programming environment like Matlab® allows design freedom and the possibility of evaluating the system with different geometries, aerodynamic airfoils, and external meteorological conditions, and also including or eliminating certain elements, etc. This versatility will be helpful in future studies aimed at evaluating this system and maximizing the production of energy.