50kW mini floating offshore wind turbine: Station keeping model testing

A new design Mini 50kW FOWT (Floating Offshore Wind Turbine) with a SPAR (Single Point Anchor Reservoir) shape floater was designed and developed to operate in shallow waters ranging from 20 meters to 75 meters in depth. When compared to other types of structures such as fixed structures and floating structures, this novel mini floater design is thought to be very efficient and compact (pontoon, semi-submersible and TLP (Tension Leg Platform)). The Mini FOWT model was tested in hydrodynamic basin. The model was tested at 1.2 meter significant wave height and 10.58m/sec wind speed. At the bottom of floater, a cylindrical bilge keel (Heave-plate) with two diameter variations, Type A = 4.8 meters and Type B = 6.4 meters, is installed. Decay test results natural roll period 20 seconds (type A) and 18 seconds (type B). Natural heave period is 6 seconds (type A) and 7 seconds (type B). The motion results show that the Mini-FOWT operates effectively in intermediate water depths, and its reactions are comparable to those associated with a SPAR-type wind turbine in deep water. Diameter of the bilge keel has a large influence on the significant heave response; using type B bilge reduces the heave response by 20% when compared to type-A. Any more adjustments in the diameter, quantity, and position of double or triple heave plates will be useful for further research in order to get superior motion response.