Aerodynamic effects on TLP type wind turbines and predictions of the electricity they generate

Abstract

This research proposes a new offshore wind energy generation system that uses a tension leg platform (TLP) and describes experiments performed on a TLP type wind turbine in both waves and wind. The following conclusions can be made from the results of this research. 1) In the case of coexisting wave-wind fields, the wind effect stabilizes the pitch motion. 2) The wind effect decreases vibration of the mooring lines when waves and wind coexist. In particular, the springing (2nd or 3rd order force) also decreases in this field. 3) It can be estimated that the reduction in the rate of generation of electrical power can be up to about 6% as a result of the heel angle. In addition, the annual amount of electricity generated was estimated along with the utilization factor based on the experimental results.

Keywords

tension leg platform (TLP) / offshore wind turbine / tank test in coexisting wave-wind condition / annual amount of electricity generated