Combined shape and size optimization of an offshore crane

Tetrahedron is working on a new design for large offshore cranes that can lift higher. This is necessary due to the increasing size of offshore wind turbines, and the inability of the conventional cranes to scale up without needing a larger ship that is carrying them. To compute the forces working on the trusses of the crane structure,...

Analytical model to assess bending moments in wind turbine support structures subjected to ship collisions

The number of offshore wind farms is growing rapidly, which increases the likelihood of ship collisions with offshore wind turbines. Additionally, the cost of energy reduction for wind turbines is achieved due to radical design optimizations. Therefore, simple methods should be obtained to determine the offshore wind turbine response during ship...

An applicability study of the Eigensystem Realization Algorithm on estimating modal parameters from acceleration response measurements of operational offshore wind turbines

In the design of offshore wind turbine generator (WTG) support structures, a large number of environmental parameters are used. The most important ones include the wind climate (wind speed and wind direction probability distributions), the wave climate (wave height and wave direction as well as peak frequencies of the waves, and water levels)...

A techno-economic optimisation of the design and operation of an offshore hybrid wind-hydrogen park from a developer's perspective

A lack of knowledge on the economic feasibility and optimal design and operation of offshore hybrid wind-hydrogen parks is identified by utility companies and grid operators. This study reviews the techno-economic optimisation of an offshore wind-hydrogen park from a developer’s perspective and specifically considers the electrolyser technology...

Motion analysis of suspended jacket transport with the Heerema SSCV Sleipnir: Comparison of model jacket motions vs actual jacket motions based on motion measurements and exploration of crane fatigue

This research explores the development of an accurate yet fast methodology to use measured vessel motions for a fatigue damage calculation in the cranes during suspended transport. First, the kinematics, definitions and particulars of the system of interest – the vessel including crane and suspended jacket - are provided. Then, literature...

Feasibility assessment of motion compensated cranes at an early design stage

Current service and installation activities to offshore wind turbines (OWTs) are mainly carried out by jack-up vessels. These vessels are less susceptive to disturbances caused by sea waves when they lift their hull from the water level by jacking down multiple legs to the seabed. An alternative is a crane mounted on a floating vessel, which has...

A Multidisciplinary Computational Framework for Topology Optimisation of Offshore Helidecks

Maintaining offshore steel structures is challenging and not environmentally friendly due to the frequent visits for inspection and repairs. Some offshore lighthouses are equipped with carbon steel helidecks fixed onto their lantern galleries in the 1970s to provide easy and safe access to maintenance staff and inspectors. Even though the...

Experimental low frequency mooring analysis of a floating offshore wind turbine

Previous research into floating offshore wind turbines consistently shows some manner of discrepancy between numerical and experimental simulations when it comes to low frequency forces and motions. A part of solving this issue is the generation of accurate data for the calibration and validation of the numerical models, needed because of the...

Helical Piles as Complementary Foundation for Offshore Temporary Structures: A study into the effects of incorporating helical piles into monopile installation templates

This study examines the effect of adding helical piles to the foundation mechanism of monopile installation templates. A monopile installation template is a gravity-based structure, which is placed on the seabed. The installation template is utilised for the installation of monopiles, and to ensure its verticality during this installation. At...

First steps into the calibration chamber pile tests with glauconitic sands: On the behaviour of the sand fraction from glauconitic sand of the Kattendijk formation in Antwerp, Belgium

The Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) forecasts an accelerated increase in wind installations as a result of the aggressive climate change and green energy objectives set by the majority of countries. As a consequence, new regions worldwide that were previously thought to be unsuitable for the construction of offshore wind farms due to the soil...