Optimized Suction Anchor Design for 15-MW FOWTs in Deep Water

Abstract Floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs) in deep waters require innovative and robust anchoring solutions to withstand extreme environmental conditions while ensuring cost-effective and reliable station-keeping. As deployment moves further offshore, the industry is transitioning from conventional catenary mooring systems to taut and semi-taut configurations due to their reduced footprint and higher spatial efficiency, allowing for greater platform density within a given area. This shift has significantly increased the demand for high-capacity anchors. These mooring systems exert higher inclined loads, including axial and lateral components, on anchors, necessitating advanced solutions to overcome geotechnical and installation challenges. Among various anchor types, suction anchors have emerged as a preferred solution due to their high load-bearing capacity, ease of installation, precise positioning, and reduced environmental impact. This study focuses on the geotechnical optimization of suction anchors for 15-MW FOWTs in deep-water regions, leveraging upper bound plastic limit analysis to enhance geotechnical efficiency (defined as the ratio of load capacity to anchor weight). The research examines key design parameters, including anchor dimensions and embedment depth, to optimize both installation and operational performance. It further investigates the underpressure requirements for installation in clay seabeds, ensuring feasibility and reliability under various conditions. A comprehensive parametric study evaluates anchor behavior under different loading angles, while an in-depth assessment aims to optimize load attachment configurations to achieve maximum load capacity and improve anchor reliability. Beyond geotechnical performance, this study addresses critical deployment challenges, including optimized manufacturing, streamlined transportation, and cost-efficient installation strategies. An environmental impact assessment quantifies the carbon footprint of the optimized design, ensuring alignment with sustainability goals. By integrating geotechnical, logistical, and environmental considerations, this research provides a comprehensive framework for designing high-performance suction anchors, facilitating the scalable and cost-effective deployment of floating wind energy in deep waters.