On Modeling the Operation and Maintenance of a Floating Offshore Wind Farm with Multiline Anchors
Implementing multiline mooring modeling in NREL WOMBAT tool
M.E.C. Dinkla (TU Delft - Mechanical Engineering)
M. B. Zaayer – Mentor (TU Delft - Wind Energy)
Amir Nejad – Mentor (Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU))
Sanjay Arwade – Mentor (University of Massachusetts Amherst)
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Abstract
The development of floating offshore wind farms (FOWF) represents a significant advancement in the renewable energy sector, offering a scalable solution to harness wind energy in deep-water locations. This thesis investigates the effectiveness of multiline anchor systems in improving the cost-efficiency, operation, and maintainability of FOWFs. Utilizing the modified Windfarm Operation and Cost-benefit Analysis Tool (WOMBAT), this research comprehensively analyzes multiple case studies, focusing on critical factors such as cost, profit, operational performance, and maintenance occurrences.
Case Study 3 compares the performance of multiline anchor systems against traditional single-line configurations in the Morro Bay scenario. The results indicate that multiline systems significantly enhance availability, reduce operational expenditure, and improve overall profit. Case Study 4 extends this analysis to the Gulf of Maine, confirming that multiline systems maintain their advantages under varied environmental conditions and extended operational lifespans. This study underscores the robustness and adaptability of multiline anchors in diverse offshore environments.
Case Study 5 provides a sensitivity analysis to evaluate the reliability of the simulation inputs. It demonstrates that the fundamental benefits of multiline systems remain consistent despite variations in mooring line failure rates. However, it also underscored the importance and need for available data and how the model and its outputs are only as credible as the inputted values.
The findings contribute to the offshore wind industry by providing actionable insights into the deployment of multiline mooring systems and offering recommendations for enhancing the cost-effectiveness and reliability of FOWFs. The research also highlights opportunities for further development of the WOMBAT tool, particularly in incorporating proactive maintenance strategies and environmental factors such as wind and wave directions.
This thesis supports the broader adoption of multiline anchor systems in floating offshore wind farms. With a demonstrated lower cost in operation and maintenance, it advocates for their strategic deployment in various environmental conditions to drive the transition to a sustainable energy future.