Stochastic load effect characterization of floating wind turbine support structures

Achieving substantial reductions in Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) of floating wind turbines (FWTs) requires robust reliability assessment that accounts for inherent design uncertainties. A key aspect of such reliability assessment is the definition of limit states. In this regard, load effects need to be evaluated accurately. This paper presents a computational framework for evaluating load effects on FWT support structures. The computed load effect is subsequently characterized. A high fidelity finite element model of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 5MW reference turbine mounted on the OC3-Hywind spar buoy was developed and validated for this purpose. The loads from fully coupled time domain aero-hydro-servo-elastic simulations are transferred for detailed finite element (FE) load effect computation in Abaqus. Matlab® and Python are used as the computational tools for automating the whole analysis from start to finish. The initial part of this study addresses the amount of run-in-time to be excluded from response statistics. Based on convergence studies carried out, recommendations are made for run-in-time to be excluded from response statistics. The maximum von Mises stress in the tower as a measure of yielding is the load effect investigated in this study.