Coupled Aero-Hydro-Elastic Response Analysis of 16 MW Semi-Submersible and TLP Floating Wind Turbines

Abstract

This study investigates the dynamic performance characteristics of 16 MW-class floating wind turbines supported by semi-submersible and tension leg platform (TLP) concepts, with the aim of providing guidance for platform selection. High-fidelity coupled aero-hydro-servo-elastic models were developed in OpenFAST for both floating platform configurations. Dynamic simulations were carried out under operational conditions for five wind–wave inflow directions with aligned environmental loading. The responses of the floating systems were comprehensively evaluated in terms of platform six-degree-of-freedom motions, tower structural behavior, blade aeroelastic loads, and aerodynamic performance. The results show that the TLP configuration provides enhanced hydrodynamic stability, reduced platform motions, and improved aerodynamic efficiency compared with the semi-submersible platform. In contrast, the semi-submersible configuration exhibits lower aeroelastic loading levels. Furthermore, platform-induced hydrodynamic excitations significantly amplify the elastic responses of both the tower and blades, leading to noticeable variations in aerodynamic performance. These findings provide useful insights into the design and selection of next-generation large-scale floating wind turbine platforms.

Bibliographic Information