Effects of Second-Order Wave Forces on the Extreme Response Estimation of the TLP Offshore Wind Turbine Under Multi-Directional Wind-Wave Loads

Abstract

As offshore wind energy advances into deeper waters, the dynamic response and safety assessment of tension leg platform (TLP) wind turbines under complex marine conditions have become focal research points. This study investigates a 15 MW TLP wind turbine, acquiring data on motion responses, mooring tensions, and tower-base loads through time-domain analysis, with extreme value estimation conducted using the mean up-crossing rate method. The results indicate that under normal operating conditions, second-order wave forces significantly influence extreme response estimation. At an exceedance probability of 0.01, the second-order sum-frequency force increases the extreme tower base shear by 4.28% and the bending moment by 10.11% compared to the first-order-only case, while the difference-frequency force has a minor effect. Different wind-wave incidence angles cause distinct variations in turbine motion, with head-on incidence exciting the largest wave-frequency responses and lateral incidence producing relatively weaker excitation effects. Furthermore, the coupling effect between incident direction and second-order wave forces further amplifies extreme response risks. Therefore, it is essential to fully assess the prevailing wind-wave directions in the target sea area and consider the effects of second-order wave forces, especially the sum-frequency component, to ensure the long-term safe operation of TLP wind turbines under complex sea conditions.

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