orcaflex metocean coordinate system wave and wind

This article presents a collaborative research program that the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) have undertaken to develop innovative and cost-effective floating and mooring systems for offshore wind turbines in water depths of 10-200 m. This paper investigates the accuracy and stability of the FAST/OrcaFlex coupling = , In this application, FAST is responsible for capturing the aerodynamic loads and flexure of the wind turbine and its tower, and OrcaFlex models the mooring line and hydrodynamic effectsbelow the water surface. This can be achieved through the FASTlink coupling module, which couples FAST with OrcaFlex, a commercial simulation tool used for modeling mooring line dynamics. Higher modeling fidelity can be gainedthrough the use of finite element mooring theory. In the case of a floating turbine, continuous cable theory is used to emulate mooring line dynamics. FAST (Fatigue, Aerodynamics, Structures and Turbulence) is a comprehensive simulation tool used for modeling land-based and offshore wind turbines.

From an engineering perspective, systembehavior and line loads must be studied well to ensure the overall design is fit for the intended purpose. Mooring and anchor design can appreciably affect the dynamic response of offshore wind platforms that are subject to environmental loads.

To enable offshore floating wind turbine design, the following are required: accurate modeling of the wind turbine structural dynamics, aerodynamics, platform hydrodynamics, a mooring system, and control algorithms.

Orcaflex metocean coordinate system wave and wind