ADVANCED NUMERICAL MODELLING OF WAVE LOADING ON MONOPILE-SUPPORTED OFFSHORE WIND TURBINES

This paper introduces a research project on advanced numerical modelling of offshore wind turbines that is being conducted as part of the AEOLUS4FUTURE innovative training network. In anticipation to contribute towards increased renewable energy production and reduced cost of electricity from offshore wind, the research is aimed at improving existing numerical simulation tools to enable more accurate study of novel offshore wind turbine concepts. Following from the state-of-the-art review of present challenges, work is focusing on wave loading on monopile-supported wind turbines in rough seas, with emphasis on nonlinear effects. The numerical model advancement is started with validation of a solver for fully nonlinear wave kinematics and comparison of hydrodynamic loading models – Morison equation and its corrections at this phase.