Hydrodynamic-aerodynamic performance of a barge-type floating offshore wind turbine with four moonpools and moorings

Introduction This study investigates the hydrodynamic and aerodynamic performance of a barge-type floating offshore wind turbine (FOWT) equipped with four moonpools and horizontal springs as mooring lines. The integration of moonpools enhances the platform’s hydrodynamic performance by increasing the moment of inertia, recovery torque, and damping effects, while the horizontal springs mitigate the tilt angle caused by wind-induced thrust moments. Methods Numerical simulations are conducted using viscous flow theory, the Finite Volume Method (FVM), and the Volume of Fluid (VOF) method to model the fluid domain under varying wind and wave conditions. Results The motion responses and the wind thrust at different wave periods and wind speeds are provided. Discussion The results demonstrate that the springs effectively reduce the tilt angle and restrain heave motion across different wind speeds and waves.