Simulating the dynamic response of floating wind turbines at sea requires coupled FEA (finite element analysis) simulations taking into account the combined effects of aerodynamic loads on the blades, active blade pitch control, hydrodynamic loads on the floating platform and dynamic mooring loads.
The collaborative DeepLines Wind™ software development project was launched 4 years ago. The aim was to make it easier for design engineers to perform advanced analyses of this type. IFPEN developed dedicated aerodynamic load and blade control analysis routines that are now integrated into DeepLines™ FEA software.
The software was then successfully validated with respect to its competitors within the framework of the IEA-Wind program’s international benchmark project, OC4, and further checked against model test
experiments within the VALEF R&D project led by France Energies Marines.
“Being able to perform multi-physics simulations using a single software engine is a clear asset in terms of simultaneously incorporating all the aerodynamic, structural and hydrodynamic interactions. We are already working on further exciting developments to extend the range of applications and include additional physical parameters in the simulations,”explained Francis Pradel, project team leader, IFPEN.
All the components of the wind turbine, including the blades, the mooring system, the tower and the supporting platform, are modeled as beam elements, and can be easily defined in a single model. This global model dataset, combined with time-domain dynamic simulation or quasi-static mooring simulation capabilities, offers an effective analysis resource, in line with the requirements of real-life projects.
Jean-Michel Heurtier, software team leader, Principia added: “The cornerstones of the project were software integration and user interface, bearing in mind that the software had to be as simple to use as possible. We are delighted to be able to offer the offshore wind power industry an effective and proven design software solution today that meets current project requirements.”
DeepLines Wind is available as an add-on module to DeepLines™ software and has already been adopted for basic and detailed engineering design studies for several offshore floating wind turbine concepts.
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