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Study on Aerodynamic Performance and Wake Characteristics of a Floating Offshore Wind Turbine in Wind–Wave Coupling Field

Author

Listed:
  • Xiaoling Liang

    (College of Electrical Energy and Power Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225127, China)

  • Zheng Li

    (College of Electrical Energy and Power Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225127, China)

  • Xingxing Han

    (College of Water Conservancy and Hydropower Engineering, Hohai University, Nanjing 210024, China)

  • Shifeng Fu

    (College of Electrical Energy and Power Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225127, China)

  • Weijun Zhu

    (College of Electrical Energy and Power Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225127, China)

  • Tianmei Pu

    (College of Electrical Energy and Power Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225127, China)

  • Zhenye Sun

    (College of Electrical Energy and Power Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225127, China)

  • Hua Yang

    (College of Electrical Energy and Power Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225127, China)

  • Wenzhong Shen

    (College of Electrical Energy and Power Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225127, China)

Abstract

Floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs) exhibit complex motion with multiple degrees of freedom due to the interaction of wind and waves. The aerodynamic performance and wake characteristics of these turbines are highly intricate and challenging to accurately capture. In this study, dynamic fluid body interaction (DFBI) and overset grid technology are employed to investigate the dynamic motion of a 5 MW FOWT. We use the volume of fluid (VOF) method and improved delayed detached eddy simulation (IDDES) model to investigate the aerodynamic performance and wake evolution mechanism for various wave periods and heights. According to the findings, the magnitude of the pitch motion increases with the period and height of the waves, leading to a decrease in both the power output and thrust; the maximum power was reduced by nearly 6.8% compared to a wind turbine without motion. The value of power and thrust reduction varies for different wave periods and heights, and is influenced by the relative speed and pitch angle, which play a crucial role. Wind–wave coupling has a significant impact on the evolution of both wake and vortex structures for FOWT. The wake shape downstream is also dynamically influenced by the waves. In the presence of wind and wave coupling, the interaction between the wind turbine and the wake is heightened, leading to the merger of two unstable vortex rings into a single, larger vortex ring. The research unveils a comprehensive picture of the offshore wind energy dynamics and wake field, which holds immense significance for the design of floating wind turbines and the optimization of wind farm layout.

Suggested Citation

  • Xiaoling Liang & Zheng Li & Xingxing Han & Shifeng Fu & Weijun Zhu & Tianmei Pu & Zhenye Sun & Hua Yang & Wenzhong Shen, 2024. "Study on Aerodynamic Performance and Wake Characteristics of a Floating Offshore Wind Turbine in Wind–Wave Coupling Field," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(13), pages 1-20, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:13:p:5324-:d:1420211
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Mian, H.H. & Machot, F.A. & Ullah, H. & Keprate, A. & Siddiqui, M.S., 2025. "Advances in computational intelligence for floating offshore wind turbines aerodynamics: Current state review and future potential," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 224(C).

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