Performance of a Floating Wind Turbine with a Centreboard and Heave Plate: A Numerical Evaluation at Two North Sea Sites

A Floating Offshore Wind Turbine (FOWT) offers a solution for harnessing wind energy in extensive sea areas far from the coast; however, evaluating its response to combined waves and wind presents significant challenges. The present study assesses the effectiveness of a passive motion reduction system, consisting of a centreboard and a heave plate, in reducing platform motions and structural loads, and enhancing power output under sea conditions at two energetically different sites in the North Sea. The performance of the OC4 DeepCwind semi-submersible platform is investigated through numerical simulations using WEC-Sim and MOST, both with and without the motion reduction system. The results indicate a reduction in surge, heave, and pitch motions, along with decreased tower base and blade root loads, resulting in an augmented power output. These findings demonstrate the system's capacity to enhance platform performance in different offshore environments, thereby contributing to the advancement of floating wind turbine technology.