Work

Innovative integrated damping mooring technology for floating wind turbines under extreme sea conditions

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Mooring failures significantly threaten the stability of Floating Offshore Wind Turbines (FOWT) under extreme environmental conditions. This study presents an innovative integrated damping mooring system incorporating Seaflex dampers to improve structural stability and operational reliability. Dynamic simulations under 1-year and 50-year return period sea states demonstrate the system’s effectiveness. Under Ultimate Limit State (ULS) conditions, the system reduces surge displacement by 59%, pitch angle by 47%, and mooring line tension by 72%. Under Accidental Limit State (ALS) conditions, it mitigates load spikes, reduces drift displacement by 60%, and improves safety factors by 50%. The comparison shows chain and wire rope configurations have better load reduction performance in the integrated damping scheme. Lightweight and adaptable, the Seaflex dampers enhance broad-spectrum damping without affecting platform buoyancy. This study offers a robust solution for enhancing FOWT safety and durability in harsh marine environments, thereby enabling large-scale offshore wind energy development.

Source: Marine Structures

DOI: 10.1016/j.marstruc.2025.103948

Authors: Haonan Tian, Mohsen N. Soltani, Oriol Colomés

Institutions: Aalborg University, Delft University of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Wave and Wind Energy Systems

Subfield: Ocean Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,320