Experimental Validation of a Spectral-Based Structural Analysis Model Implemented in the Design of the VolturnUS 6MW Floating Offshore Wind Turbine

摘要

The following work presents a spectral-based structural analysis methodimplemented in the design of the VolturnUS 6MW Floating OffshoreWind Turbine hull developed to increase system optimization. Tobegin, a description of the methodology is provided which details howtransfer functions relate the hull’s structural response to first order wavekinematics and wind turbine aerodynamics. Following the modeldefinition, focus is placed on model validation using results from anexperimental 1:52 scale model test of the VolturnUS system (shown inFig. 1) conducted at the University of Maine’s Alfond W2 OceanEngineering Laboratory. Using data acquired from load cells installedat various locations in the hull the accuracy of the model is assessedthrough the use of power spectra and statistics. The performance of thestructural model is considered over a range of environmental conditionsrepresenting design load cases prescribed by the American Bureau ofShipping for class certification of floating offshore wind turbines.