An Ocean Model for Novel Combined Groups of Artificial Reefs With Wind Power Foundation

Abstract Artificial reef (AR) is an effective means to improve the ecological environment of offshore waters, while offshore wind power (WP) represents a crucial sector in the development of renewable marine energy. The combination of these two systems promotes enhanced marine resource development, the restoration of marine biological resources, and utilization of offshore spatial resources. In the present study, a novel configuration is proposed, in which a WP foundation is surrounded by multiple groups of ARs. The study area is located in the wind farm of Laizhou Bay, Bohai Sea, where ARs have already been deployed. A numerical model based on the current module of Finite Volume Coastal Ocean Model (FVCOM) is developed to simulate the system. Under tidal condition, the flow field characteristics, bottom shear and turbulent kinetic energy around the WP with different configurations of ARs are investigated. The simulation results demonstrate that the model established in this study effectively simulates the actual marine environment of the study area. By comparing SR, TR, and FR, it is found that the FR-induced upwelling and wake regions are the most significant. The changes in the scale of upwelling, downwelling, and wake during tide cycle for all three combined groups of ARs with WP (ARWP) are related to the changes in current speed, with FRs having the largest flow field effect. All three groups can reduce the maximum bottom shear stress and minimum turbulent kinetic energy around the WP, with TRs showing the greatest variation. This suggests that the novel arrangement proposed in this study not only enhances fish aggregation but also provides effective protection for WP. This study aims to provide case studies and insights into the effective integration of marine ranching and offshore WP systems.