Design Considerations on Semi-Submersible Columns, Bracings and Pontoons for Floating Wind

Floating offshore wind turbine (FOWT) is an innovative technology with little industry guidance for its hull design. Various FOWT floaters different shapes claim to support the same turbines. Structural integrity and material expense analyses of pontoon were conducted, it was found that some configurations, such as those every two columns connected by both bracing, have advantages over others. However, important note choice shape should be based on wave loading conditions floater will exposed to. While a T-shaped provides cost-effective solution under certain scenarios, may not best option all conditions. Specifically, ring designs full bracing necessary withstanding loads. Therefore, consider Dominant Load Parameters (DLP) ensure can withstand applicable DLPs. An uneven hexahedral column shape, which combines attributes square round shapes, proposed better alternative cylindrical columns. It offers ease manufacture reasonably low drag. Bracing turbine’s incurred moment forces. The conclusion platform design prioritize manufacturing costs strength maximizing hydrodynamic performance.