An Early-Stage Structural Design of a Semi-Submersible Platform for Floating Offshore Wind Turbines in Chilean Waters

To advance offshore wind energy technologies in South America, this study addresses the early-stage design challenges of a floating support structure for a 5 MW wind turbine. The aim is to develop a robust and efficient floating structure capable of withstanding the diverse forces imposed by the Valdivian environment. Utilizing SolidWorks, a 3D model based on a comprehensive review of semi-submersible structures with three columns is proposed. The structural model is subjected to a rigorous evaluation using the finite element method, with which linear static and buckling analyses are performed in compliance with the Det Norske Veritas (DNV) classification society. The proposed tri-floater platform design shows a 30% weight reduction when compared with other proposed models. The finite element analysis includes an extreme condition of 13 m waves that suggests the adequate performance of the proposed platform in Chilean waters, and offers a conceptual preliminary step for floating support structure designs in Chile.