Model Scale Analysis of a TLP Floating Offshore Wind Turbine

This paper discusses the experimental campaign conducted by CEHINAV-UPM research group as request of IBERDROLA within the OCEAN LIDER RD project framework. The purpose of the campaign has been the hydrodynamic performance of a tension leg platform to support a wind energy turbine (TLPWT). The turbine chosen in this study has been the 5MW reference WT of NREL, the location depth has been 80m and the operation area is Estaca de Bares in the north-west of Spain. Regular waves, operational, survival, failure and transport experiments have been conducted. All tests have been performed in CEHINAV (UPM) model basin, except survival tests performed in CEHIPAR ocean basin. This document presents the experimental setup and results from decay tests, regular wave motion RAOs, irregular wave responses, tendon loads and accelerations. Experimental results are compared with available in-house numerical simulations and other numerical and experimental results found in literature.Copyright © 2014 by ASME