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An efficient integrated optimization framework for conceptual design of floater for floating wind turbines: A case study

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  • Li, Changen
  • Chen, Peng
  • Shui, Yidi
  • Cheng, Zhengshun
  • Wang, Shuaishuai
  • Erfort, Gareth

Abstract

The integrated design of floating wind turbines (FWTs) holds significant promise for cost reduction, but applying existing optimization algorithms remains challenging due to efficiency issues. This paper proposes an Integrated Design Optimization (IDO) framework to address these challenges in the conceptual design of floater for FWTs. The IDO framework consists of three key modules: Floater design, Integrated modeling and analysis, and Optimization. The Floater design module includes panel meshing, adaptive ballast redistribution, hydrostatic property analysis, and hydrodynamic coefficients calculation, which are integrated to evaluate the platform's stability and preliminary hydrodynamic performance. The Integrated modeling and analysis module extends an in-house frequency-domain (FD) code to estimate the dynamic responses of the FWT system efficiently, which is verified by comparison with SESAM software. The Optimization module optimizes the dimensions according to design criteria and constraints about stability, safety, and cost-effectiveness. A case study of three-column semi-submersible platforms supporting the IEA 15 MW wind turbine demonstrates the framework's application. Results show that the final optimized floater design complies with regulatory standards, achieving a 40 % reduction in the pitch motion and a 17 % decrease in the tower base fore-aft bending moment. This research offers valuable technical support for the design and optimization of FWTs.

Suggested Citation

  • Li, Changen & Chen, Peng & Shui, Yidi & Cheng, Zhengshun & Wang, Shuaishuai & Erfort, Gareth, 2025. "An efficient integrated optimization framework for conceptual design of floater for floating wind turbines: A case study," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 245(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:245:y:2025:i:c:s0960148125004355
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.122773
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Subbulakshmi, A. & Verma, Mohit & Keerthana, M. & Sasmal, Saptarshi & Harikrishna, P. & Kapuria, Santosh, 2022. "Recent advances in experimental and numerical methods for dynamic analysis of floating offshore wind turbines — An integrated review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 164(C).
    2. Tian, Zhongmei & Shi, Wei & Li, Xin & Park, Yonghui & Jiang, Zhiyu & Wu, Ji, 2025. "Numerical simulations of floating offshore wind turbines with shared mooring under current-only conditions," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 238(C).
    3. Papi, F. & Bianchini, A., 2022. "Technical challenges in floating offshore wind turbine upscaling: A critical analysis based on the NREL 5 MW and IEA 15 MW Reference Turbines," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 162(C).
    4. Li, Wei & Wang, Shuaishuai & Moan, Torgeir & Gao, Zhen & Gao, Shan, 2024. "Global design methodology for semi-submersible hulls of floating wind turbines," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 225(C).
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