Limiting global warming to 1.5°C is urgent, as highlighted by IPCC and IEA reports aiming for net zero emissions by 2050. Wind energy, particularly offshore, offers significant potential for renewable energy capacity expansion. Although offshore installations are limited to shall
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Limiting global warming to 1.5°C is urgent, as highlighted by IPCC and IEA reports aiming for net zero emissions by 2050. Wind energy, particularly offshore, offers significant potential for renewable energy capacity expansion. Although offshore installations are limited to shallow waters using monopiles, deeper waters with higher wind speeds require larger turbines. This transition to deeper waters and larger turbines is challenging and requires continuous development and innovation. Floating wind turbines show promise for overcoming these challenges, but further improvements are needed to scale up floating wind farms and reduce installation costs for profitability. Bluewater Energy Services is a company actively exploring solutions to improve the installation method of floating wind turbines with the Transport and Installation Frame. In addition to the market gap for the installation of floating wind turbines, there are also opportunities in the development of bottom-fixed wind for larger wind turbines and greater water depths. Therefore, the goal of Bluewater is to design a frame for the transport and installation of both bottom-fixed and floating wind to increase profitability.
The aim of this research project is to assess the feasibility of the Transport and Installation Frame for bottom-fixed wind. The research question has been answered using a systematic design methodology. Initially, information was collected, research questions were formulated and starting points were established through a literature study. The first phase, system analysis, outlined the transport and installation methodology and defined the design criteria. Subsequently, the design of the bottom-fixed structure, which could be installed using the frame was explored. Finally, the limitations of the transport and installation methodology were examined, particularly focusing on the maximum angle of heel, natural period, and the weather window.
Towards the conclusion of the thesis, an evaluation is presented regarding the feasibility of the frame for bottom-fixed wind. This includes an initial design for the bottom-fixed structure and the transport and installation methodology, based on the integrated installation method for a 15 MW wind turbine. The transport and installation methodology in this thesis focuses on the compression principle. In which the Transport and Installation Frame remains at the waterline and the bottom-fixed structure is lowered to the seabed at 80 meters by pushing it with spud piles down. This study identifies critical stages and associated issues related to static stability, maximum heeling angles, deck or edge immersion, spud pile strength, seabed placement, and the natural periods in heave and pitch.
The results of the design research indicate that, within the identified limitations, there are no significant unresolved issues affecting the feasibility of the transport and installation frame for bottom-fixed wind. This conclusion is based on analyses focused on static and strength analysis. To assess the technical feasibility, it is recommended that the specifications of the weather window be refined, static optimisation be performed, and critical issues related to dynamic behavior be addressed, specifically during seabed placement and dynamic responses to external forces. To further develop this project and explore the profitability, it is recommended to obtain an overview of the specific location, costs, and installation time.