A Comparison of Platform Options for Deepwater Floating Offshore Vertical Axis Wind Turbines: An Initial Study

Published: 2014

Author(s):
Bull, D.
Goupee, A. J.
Fowler, M.

Publication Name: Sandia Report

Publication URL: https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1150233/

Research Area:
Keywords:
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Abstract:

This analysis utilizes a 5 – MW VAWT topside design envelope created by Sandia National Laborator ies to compare floating platform options fo r each turbine in the design space. The platform designs are based on two existing designs, the OC3 Hywind spar – buoy and Principal Power’s WindFloat semi – submersible. These designs are scaled using Froude – scaling relationships to determine an appropriately sized spar – buoy and semi – submersible design for each topside. Both the physical size of the required platform as well as mooring configurations are considered. Results are compared with a comparable 5 – MW HAWT in order to identify potential differences in the platform and mooring sizing between the VAWT and HAWT . The study shows that there is potential for cost savings due to reduced platform size requirements for the VAWT.