A Flexible, Multi-fidelity Levelised Cost of Energy Model for Floating Offshore Wind Turbines Multidisciplinary Design, Analysis and Optimisation Approaches

Abstract As the UK takes a step towards greener, cleaner future aiming to be net zero by 2050, continuous development of power network is required. A clear solution offshore wind, having already proved its feasibility and success in nearshore sites. However, large majority near shore sites are being utilised. The next move into deeper waters utilise stronger, more consistent wind resources. could floating which still infancy, with only few operational farms installed. Building upon multidisciplinary design, analysis, optimisation framework (MDAO) for turbines (FOWT) developed at University Strathclyde, called FEDORA, aim this work refine LCoE model adopted applying it perform OC3 SPAR. There limited data on cost, therefore Hywind Scotland Pilot Park will used as basis model, allowing results validated. This not restricted SPARs, establishes general methodology calculate life cycle cost farms. Utilising improved finds four optimised SPAR structures different maximum angles inclination can experienced operation. has much higher accuracy, highlighting initial underestimates structure around half.