A Study on Offshore Anchor Selection with a Focus on Torpedo Anchor Stability and Performance

Abstract

The global pursuit of renewable energy has significantly accelerated offshore wind energy development. Floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs) are increasingly in the spotlight as they offer superior capabilities for harnessing abundant wind resources in deep-water areas, outperforming traditional fixed-bottom turbines. The deployment and station-keeping of these floating structures are critically dependent on robust mooring systems and the precise selection of anchoring solutions. This paper provides an overview of various anchors, including driven and suction caissons, torpedo, and drag anchors, and their applications in real-world projects. These commonly used anchors were discussed in relation to mooring types, soil conditions, and expected bearing capacities. Torpedo anchor installation failures have been reported in cases where excessive tilt angles occur during deployment. This motivates us to present an in-depth study on the importance of directional stability during installation of torpedo anchors. The study will utilize computational fluid dynamics Star-CCM+ 2402 to analyze and assess the impact of the center of gravity configuration on stabilization. Additionally, theoretical formulas will be used to estimate the holding capacity that the torpedo anchor can provide. These insights are designed to assist wind energy developers in making informed and effective anchoring decisions for floating wind turbine projects.