Optimal Design and Performance Analysis of a Hybrid System Combining a Semi-Submersible Wind Platform and Point Absorbers

Integrating point absorber wave energy converters (PAWECs) and an offshore floating wind platform provide a cost-effective way of joint wind and wave energy exploitation. However, the coupled dynamics of the complicated hybrid system and its influence on power performance are not well understood. He...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Binzhen Zhou, Jianjian Hu, Qi Zhang, Lei Wang, Fengmei Jing, Maurizio Collu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2023-06-01
Series:Journal of Marine Science and Engineering
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1312/11/6/1190
Description
Summary:Integrating point absorber wave energy converters (PAWECs) and an offshore floating wind platform provide a cost-effective way of joint wind and wave energy exploitation. However, the coupled dynamics of the complicated hybrid system and its influence on power performance are not well understood. Here, a frequency-domain-coupled hydrodynamics, considering the constraints and the power output through the relative motion between the PAWECs and the semi-submersible platform, is introduced to optimize the size, power take-off damping, and layout of the PAWECs. Results show that the annual wave power generation of a PAWEC can be improved by 30% using a 90° conical or a hemispherical bottom instead of a flat bottom. Additionally, while letting the PAWECs protrude out the sides of the triangular frame of the platform by a distance of 1.5 times the PAWEC radius, the total power generation can be improved by up to 18.2% without increasing the motion response of the platform. The PAWECs can reduce the resonant heave motion of the platform due to the power take-off damping force. This study provides a reference for the synergistic use of wave and wind energy.
ISSN:2077-1312