Conceptual Design Exploration of Gigawatt-Scale Floating Wind Farms With Shared Mooring Systems

Abstract The design of efficient mooring systems for gigawatt-scale floating wind farms remains a critical challenge, as existing methods are not well-suited for evaluating the breadth of design options at such scales. This study introduces modeling and design techniques for shared mooring systems of wind farms, employing a grid-based array configuration where neighboring platforms share various mooring components, such as anchors and lines, to reduce overall system cost and material requirements. Conceptual designs are initially explored through a unit cell approach, leveraging array periodicity to evaluate configurations using a linearized two-dimensional force-displacement model. Designs are optimized to minimize mooring material weight while satisfying performance criteria. The framework is further applied to site-specific conditions, where detailed mooring system designs are developed using a quasi-static, three-dimensional model incorporating geometric, stiffness, and strength constraints under platform offsets. Comparative analyses of shared mooring configurations against traditional designs reveal significant reductions in anchor count and total line length, albeit with increased platform displacements and larger line diameters to maintain system stiffness. These findings demonstrate the potential of shared mooring systems to enhance the cost-effectiveness of floating wind farms, offering valuable insights into scalable and efficient mooring design strategies.