Experimental Challenges and Modelling Approaches of Floating Wind Turbines

This paper reviews experimental methods for testing floating wind turbines. The techniques covered include early-stage and up-to-date approaches such as a porous disc method and hybrid model testing. First, the challenges induced by Froude and Reynolds similitudes and the importance of the various aerodynamic phenomena are discussed. The experimental methods are evaluated based on their cost, versatility, requirements, and limitations. The work primarily focuses on representing aerodynamic loads via hybrid and physical rotor testing, and a preliminary classification is proposed to facilitate the selection of the approaches. The work does not aim to identify an optimal method, but it provides insights into each method’s distinctive features, serving as a roadmap for selecting the most appropriate methodology based on the specific testing goals and level of accuracy. Overall, this study offers a comprehensive resource for testing the coupled hydrodynamic and aerodynamic performance of floating wind turbines. The conclusions offer guidance for selecting an appropriate methodology based on the desired testing outcome

Experimental Analysis of CENTEC-TLP Self-Stable Platform with a 10 MW Turbine

This work evaluates the experimental test results regarding the operational performance of a free-float capable tension leg platform with a 10 MW wind turbine. It covers the platform dynamics in the selected installation area: Ribadeo, Spain. The model and the facility are initially presented, along with the experimental setup and the load cases. The testing campaign includes a software-in-the-loop method to emulate the rotor thrust and the aerodynamic and gyroscopic moments in pitch and yaw. The result sets are structured to start from basic information from system identification cases and continue with responses against regular and irregular waves accompanied by steady and stochastic wind scenarios. The performance in operational and extreme conditions is assessed as well as fault scenarios. The experiments demonstrate auspicious motion dynamics and mooring line behavior when examined against class society rules