The Influence of Oscillating Water Columns on the Stability and Hydrodynamics of Floating Offshore Wind Platform

Abstract The pursuit of renewable energy sources has driven the development of innovative wind and wave energy technologies. Two promising technologies that have received special attention are floating offshore wind turbines (FOWT) and wave energy converters (WEC). These devices are known for their simplicity, and minimal environmental impact, making them promising for sustainable ocean energy generation. This study analyzes the hydrostatic properties of a hybrid floating wind-wave structure and presents the hydrodynamic performance of the system in the frequency and time domains. The floating wind-wave system includes a semi-sub wind turbine and a three oscillating water column (OWC) WEC which principal mode of operation involves capturing the rise and fall of water within a chamber caused by the movement of waves. Moreover, this study examines the impact of OWC on natural periods and hydrostatics of the floating wind system. The analysis focuses on the impact of the OWC’s chamber size on the system performance and power production. A comprehensive comparison of the hydrostatics of the floating wind systems platform on the pitch angle is conducted. Understanding these aspects is important for the design and optimization of hybrid platforms that effectively integrate wind and wave energy technologies to maximize energy production.