A novel python-based floating offshore wind turbine simulation framework

Abstract

The expansion of floating offshore wind brings the industry closer to achieving commercial viability. However, the challenging environment characterised by strong winds, waves, and currents, along with the growing size of wind turbines and the dynamic behaviour of floaters, introduces concerns about power production efficiency and system durability due to increased fatigue loads, which subsequently impacts overall costs. In an attempt to mitigate the financial implications coming from alterations made to control strategies and structural elements during the initial design phase, this paper propounds an all-encompassing simulation framework for offshore wind turbines. The current study thoroughly explores the various capabilities of the tool, with a focus on its simulation models. Importantly, the paper highlights the complex interactions between tool models and different controllers. Carefully designed, this tool offers users a variety of functions to enhance system design, fine-tune control strategies, and thoroughly assess performance metrics. The paper elaborates on these aspects, providing an explanation of the tool's capabilities and enhancing the dynamic comparison between the models.