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Access Type

Open Access Thesis

Document Type

thesis

Embargo Period

1-12-2024

Degree Program

Mechanical Engineering

Degree Type

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (M.S.M.E.)

Year Degree Awarded

2024

Month Degree Awarded

February

Abstract

Offshore wind energy is witnessing remarkable growth, driven by the global shift towards sustainable and renewable energy sources. A pivotal innovation in this domain is floating offshore wind technology, which represents a transformative opportunity in harnessing wind energy from deep waters, where conventional fixed-bottom offshore wind systems face limitations due to depth constraints and escalating costs. In light of regional commitments to lower carbon emissions in energy generation, the accessibility of deep-water zones, rich in offshore wind resources, becomes increasingly critical. Despite the promising prospects, the floating offshore wind turbine (FOWT) developments present intricate challenges encompassing design, installation, and operational logistics. This study adopts a two-pronged approach, beginning with a technical review of the current state-of-the-art FOWT technology, drawing from a wide range of literature, industry reports, and guidelines. Building upon this foundation, the research introduces a simulation tool tailored for floating offshore wind deployment operations, designed to analyze and navigate the various phases of FOWT construction. The tool pre-simulates planned installations, factoring in design specifications, weather conditions, and unique location attributes. The simulation aids in task scheduling, long-term installation potential projections, and determining project pacing needs, thereby informing future FOWT and infrastructure developments. The analysis delves into the nuanced interplay of FOWT design, scale, and environmental variables, highlighting the impact of location-specific metocean patterns on bottleneck installation tasks. The resulting vii analysis provides strategic insights for enhancing FOWT technology, emphasizing innovation and standardization in addressing dynamic installation challenges. This thesis aims to increase the commercial viability and contribute to advancing FOWT projects.

First Advisor

Matthew A. Lackner

Second Advisor

James F. Manwell

Third Advisor

Jon G. McGowan

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

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