Design Load Cases Required for Offshore Wind Turbines in Hurricane-Prone Regions

Abstract

This paper discusses the design load cases that are critical for offshore wind turbines installed in hurricane-prone regions on the US Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). Results of a literature review on the research on the design load case for hurricane conditions are first presented in the paper, followed by the models and results of the case studies using the conceptual designs of a monopile, a tripod and a jacket type support. The characteristic structural responses of offshore wind turbines under hurricane conditions are evaluated with the consideration of the dynamic interaction among the turbine rotor-nacelle assembly, support structure and foundation. The correlations between those responses and various design parameters including the turbine operating mode, design environmental condition, site location and support structure configuration are of particular interest. Based on the literature review and the case study results, recommendations are made for the hurricane design load cases.

Reaching convergence in United States offshore wind energy research : a multidisciplinary framework for innovation, a white paper authored by the Massachusetts Research Partnership in Offshore Wind

“…For instance, accurate assessment of risk due to hurricanes and other extreme events requires engineers and atmospheric scientists to work together to determine the meteorological phenomena that are relevant to system level risk (Yu et al 2012, Fraudenreich et al 2014, Dibra et al 2016, Kim et al 2016, Hallowell et al 2018). …”