COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF DRAG COEFFICIENT OF OFFSHORE WIND TURBINE PLATFORMS

Floating offshore wind turbine (FOWT) platforms are central to advancing renewable energy deployment in deep-water environments, where hydrodynamic efficiency directly affects cost, stability, and long-term viability. This study presents a comparative computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis of two platform concepts: the classical cylindrical Windcrete spar and a novel droplet-shaped design inspired by natural hydrodynamic forms. Both models were constructed with identical displacement volumes to isolate geometry-driven effects. Simulations were performed using the Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations with the SST k–ω turbulence model under fully submerged conditions. Results demonstrated that the droplet platform achieved a drag coefficient of 0.704, representing a 16% reduction relative to Windcrete’s 0.84. Moreover, the droplet geometry reduced wetted surface area by 21.3%, lowering frictional resistance and indicating potential reductions in material demand and construction costs. Pressure distribution patterns confirmed smoother flow recovery for the droplet, minimizing separation and wake turbulence. These findings highlight the role of streamlined geometry in improving hydrodynamic efficiency, reducing operational loads, and enhancing the economic feasibility of floating wind platforms. The results provide a foundation for integrating biomimetic design principles into next-generation offshore wind infrastructure. Keywords: Floating offshore wind turbine (FOWT); Droplet-shaped platform; Drag coefficient; CFD simulation; Hydrodynamic performance; Biomimetic design; Renewable Energy.