Validation of INNWIND.EU scaled model tests of a semisubmersible floating wind turbine

Abstract

The subject of this study is the verification and the validation of existing numerical codes for floating offshore wind turbine structures using wave tank model tests as part of the INNWIND.EU project. A model of the OC4-DeepCwind semisubmersible platform, together with a Froude scaled rotor model with low-Reynolds airfoils is tested in a combined wind-and-wave basin. The simulation environment comprises the multibody software SIMPACK with the HydroDyn module for the hydrodynamic loads, MAP++ for the mooring line forces and AeroDyn for the aerodynamic loads. The focus of this paper is the validation of the hydrodynamics of a modified model hull shape, which compensates for the excess mass of the nacelle. Furthermore also first steady wind simulations without wave excitation have been carried out. The results show that the model is validated and gives the basis for further research based on the conducted experiments.