Motion Analysis of International Energy Agency Wind 15 MW Floating Offshore Wind Turbine under Extreme Conditions

Abstract

In recent years, ultra-large-scale offshore wind turbines have attracted widespread attention. However, accurately evaluating the motion responses of offshore wind turbines under extreme conditions, especially for semisubmersible floating off-shore wind turbines, is often challenging. In order to assess the operational behavior of wind turbines under wind and wave loads, this paper adopted a numerical analysis method to solve the motion responses under extreme conditions. It specifically examines the motion responses of the IEA 15 MW wind turbine in terms of surge, heave, and pitch direction, focusing on environmental loads that occur once every 50 years. The results show that the wind turbine can still operate normally under the Ultimate condition. However, the average amplitude increased by 7% in the pitch direction and decreased by 4% in the heave direction compared to the rated condition. Under extreme conditions (occurring once every 50 years), with the wind turbine parked, the average amplitude in the surge direction reduced by 33%, while the average amplitude in the pitch direction reduced by 106%. Thus, it is essential to pitch the blades and brake the generator in extreme environmental conditions to ensure the safety of the wind turbine.

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