MS#08.3 Motion effects on aerodynamics and wake of a single floating offshore wind turbine

T. MESSMER¹, F. PAPI², Z. LI³
¹ Institute of Physics, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany / ForWind - Center for Wind Energy Research,|² Department of Industrial Engineering, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Florence, 50139, Italy|³ Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, PR China

Floating wind special features

Floating Offshore Wind Turbines (FOWTs) will undoubtedly play a key role in the future EU energy mix, as, despite being a relatively new technology, they can exploit the vast potential of wind energy in deep waters. Unlike conventional fixed turbines, floating turbines experience platform motions induced by wind and waves, which modify rotor aerodynamics and wake development. These dynamics are highly sensitive to various factors such as inflow conditions, ocean waves, platform design, and mooring systems. Depending on these parameters, platform motion can enhance wake mixing, alter wake dynamics, or modify rotor performance; all areas that require further research to drive technological progress.

This mini-symposium aims to gather the latest experimental, numerical and theoretical research on single-floating wind turbines' aerodynamics and wake characteristics. By integrating findings from wind tunnel experiments, field tests, wave basin studies, numerical methods (such as CFD, free-vortex, and BEM) and engineering modelling, the symposium seeks to provide insights that will shape the future design and optimization of FOWTs.