Work

Optimal Design of Single Point Moorings for a Weathervaning Floating Wind Twin-Turbine Platform in Real Bathymetries

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This article presents the design and optimization of the mooring system for a floating wind platform inspired by W2Power, which incorporates two wind turbines on a semi-submersible structure that weathervanes using a single-point mooring (SPM) system. Although several industrial concepts have adopted SPM configurations, research on their performance remains limited. This work addresses that gap by developing and applying a set of optimization strategies for the mooring system of such a platform using OrcaFlex, with the objective of minimizing the capital expenditure while satisfying Ultimate Limit State (ULS) and Fatigue Limit State (FLS) cases. The methodology was tested across two distinct marine environments: the Atlantic (Gran Canaria, GC-1) and the Mediterranean (Catalonia, LEBA-1), both characterized by their irregular bathymetry. In Catalonia, the environmental conditions are almost omnidirectional, while the platform in Gran Canaria is exposed to highly unidirectional loads. The article presents the most cost-effective solution for single-point moorings with three, four, and five lines in each case. Results demonstrate the viability of SPM-based floating wind systems with twin-turbines under diverse site conditions.

Source: Journal of Marine Science and Engineering

DOI: 10.3390/jmse13112155

Authors: Magnus Daniel Kallinger, Hector del Pozo Gonzalez, José Luis Domínguez-García, Javier Fernandez-Quijano

Institutions: Institut de Recerca en Energia de Catalunya, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya

Language: English

Topic: Offshore Engineering and Technologies

Subfield: Ocean Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

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

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137