Analysis of wind conditions for safe drone operation in offshore wind farms on the Spanish Atlantic coast

Offshore wind energy represents one of the key contributors to the upcoming energy transition in the European energy sector. To ensure efficient operation, offshore wind turbines require management and maintenance planning that could benefit from using autonomous Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). In this context, this study aims to analyze the wind conditions for safe drone operation in a potential offshore wind farm on the Spanish Northwest Coast. Wind data from the CERRA model was assessed against METEOGALICIA hindcasts for 1985−2020 at 3-hour intervals (9h, 12h, 15h, and 18h) since these activities cannot be performed at night. Subsequently, this data was used to estimate the number of days with favorable conditions for the deployment of UAVs in operational and maintenance activities assuming that, on average, wind speed could not exceed 10 m∙s -1 . Results showed that CERRA accurately reproduces the wind speed and directional frequency patterns in the wind farm area. During autumn and winter, three-day operational windows occurred in the highest percentage. October presented the highest number of operable days, and December the lowest. The methodology used in this study may be applied to economic feasibility studies for offshore wind farms, considering local wind patterns and maintenance needs. • CERRA accurately reproduces the spatial wind patterns of METEOGALICIA for 1985−2020. • CERRA tends to underestimate moderate winds but overestimates low and intense winds. • CERRA provides an accurate estimate of the wind’s directional frequency. • In months with intense wind speeds, the main percentage of O&M windows within three days occurs. • October (December) presented the most favorable (unfavorable) conditions for UAV deployment.