Research on the conceptual design and performance analysis of a 10 MW SPIC concept floating wind turbine foundation in intermediate water depth

Abstract

The sea area in China demands high requirements for water depth adaptability, stability, structural integrity, dynamic response characteristics, and economic performance of large-scale floating wind turbines (FWTs). The aim of the research is to propose the 10 megawatts (MW) SPIC concept (Semi-submersible platform with Partially Inclined Columns, SPIC for short) FWT in intermediate water depth, providing guidance for the concept design of large-scale FWT. The SPIC concept FWT incorporates partially tilted outward side columns, which effectively minimize the risk of bottom contact and significantly enhance the stability of the floating wind turbine. This is achieved by increasing the inertia moment of the waterplane without increasing the displaced water or water surface area. The 10 MW SPIC concept FWT exhibits superior performance in terms of smaller static heeling angle, motion amplitude response function, and wave force transfer function. It also features lower steel consumption and less displaced water, achieving good stability, hydrodynamic performance, and low cost. The rationality of the concept design and the accuracy of the numerical simulation process were validated in this study using experimental results. The study assessed the extreme responses of the 10 MW SPIC concept FWT in its six degrees of freedom (DOFs) under various scenarios, including power production, power production with faults, parked condition, and parked condition with faults, thus verifying the safety of the SPIC concept.