Abstract—This study investigates the feasibility of various platforms that support a floating wind turbine. Both theoretical and experimental studies are described. In the theoretical portion, the geometry of platforms with differing configurations is modelled. The hydrodynamic coefficients were derived using WAMIT (Wave Analysis at MIT). An equation of motion was developed that incorporated these coefficients. The computer code FAST (Fatigue, Aerodynamics, Structures, and Turbulence) was used to add the effects of wind turbine and wave loads. In the final step, the wind turbine motion was calculated for six degrees of freedom with and without aerodynamic loads. In the experimental part, a water channel was used. A wide range of waves with different amplitudes and frequencies were generated within the channel. To verify the theoretical results, various model platforms were constructed and the hydrodynamic coefficients were derived to compare them with theoretical results. Finally, a comparison was made of platform configurations with different aspect ratios and designs. It was found that a submerged platform has less movement compare with a surface-based platform with the same shape. 
 

Index Terms—offshore wind turbine, load analysis, hydrodynamic coefficients, dynamic analysis

Cite: Zhang Wei and Liu Jie, "Analysis of Platform of an Offshore Wind Turbine," International Journal of Electrical and Electronic Engineering & Telecommunications, Vol. 6, No. 3, pp. 7-10, July 2017. DOI: 10.18178/ijeetc.6.3.7-10