Novel T–U-Shaped Barge Design and Dynamic Response Analysis for Float-Over Installation of Offshore Converter Platform

Abstract

To address the current lack of specialized equipment for offshore wind platform installation and the unresolved challenges in deploying large offshore converter stations, this paper proposes a novel T–U-shaped barge for large offshore wind structures. First, a hydrodynamic model of the T–U-shaped barge is constructed and analyzed in ANSYS-AQWA. The influence of resonance occurring in the gap at the U-shaped stern on the frequency-domain model of the T–U-shaped barge is investigated. Subsequently, two installation configurations are examined: loading at the bow and loading at the stern of the T–U-shaped barge. This study comprehensively considers key components of the float-over installation system, including leg mating units (LMUs), deck support units (DSUs), fenders, and mooring cables. The results show that, for both installation schemes, the dynamic load distribution on each LMU evolves as the load-transfer stage progresses, and the sensitivity to wave period varies across different load-transfer stages, even under the same operating condition. This study evaluates the performance of the proposed T–U-shaped barge in the float-over installation of large offshore converter stations, demonstrating that its distinctive configuration endows it with strong functionality and provides valuable references for optimizing offshore wind-structure installation methods, as well as for the design and manufacturing of installation equipment.

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