Dynamics and design optimisation of offshore wind energy conversion systems

Design of support structures for offshore wind turbines

To meet growing energy demands, the Kyoto protocol and the much desired diversification of supply, wind energy has become a mainstream source of energy in the EU. Cost wise it is already competing with gas fired electricity. In the last decade wind moved offshore to accommodate even more wind power. The offshore wind resource is more abundant...

Fatigue prediction and response monitoring on a FPSO

The fatigue life of structural members is an important aspect in the hull design of a Floating Production Storage and Offloading unit (FPSO). In contrast to the design for ultimate conditions, a fatigue assessment requires a thorough knowledge of the long-term environment to which the unit is exposed and how the unit is operated to estimate an...

Optimising the Design of a Steel Substructure for Offshore Wind Turbines in Deeper Waters

In the need for more green energy a prominent role is reserved for wind energy. Offshore wind energy in deeper waters capitalises on more efficient wind properties and increased public acceptance compared to onshore wind energy and wind farms close to shore. In the coming years the offshore wind market is expected to evolve rapidly, especially...

Multiaxial fatigue criteria for offshore mooring chains subjected to out-of-plane bending

The out-of-plane bending of offshore mooring chains leads to a rapid deterioration of the chain, ultimately leading to failure in a period that is a fraction of the design-life. The deformation of the contact surface of the chainlinks leads to the interlocking of the link. This in turn causes the chain to behave like a bending beam. The...

Design of a lightweight FRP T-boom for an offshore gangway, and development of a fatigue model for prediction of its service life

The high stiffness to weight ratio of fibre reinforced composites have been utilized in improving the performance of various structures conventionally designed using metals. One such application is the gangway of the Ampelmann system used to transfer personnel safely from and to the offshore platform in sea. In the current work, a preliminary...