A Novel Tension-Leg Application for Floating Offshore Wind: Targeting Lower Nacelle Motions

A novel concept of wind turbine floater based on tension-leg technology is introduced. This floater, dedicated to support wind turbines up to 10 MW, aims at minimizing weight and operations while decreasing the level of motions at the nacelle, hence reducing the loading on the turbine and the need for maintenance. The lightness and modularity of the concept allows for use of typical construction means, flexible procurement and building. The self-installability, meaning towing on site by means of standard anchor handling vessel (AHV) with the turbine already installed, facilitates and accelerates the towing and maintenance procedures. Regarding motions, especially tilt angle and nacelle accelerations, excellent floater performance in both operational and extreme conditions, is ensured through an innovative mooring system and reduced wave loads. The latter are kept low thanks to a high transparency of the floater to wave excitation.