Performance evaluation of an integrated floating energy system based on coupled analysis

• Published in: Energy conversion and management Vol. 223; p. 113308
• Main Authors: Yang, Yang, Bashir, Musa, Wang, Jin, Yu, Jie, Li, Chun
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01-11-2020; Elsevier Science Ltd
• Subjects: Coupled model; Dynamic responses; Energy; Environmental conditions; Floating wind turbine; Hydrodynamic damping; Integrated energy system; Integrated energy systems; Performance evaluation; Pitch (inclination); Power production; Production capacity; Tidal power; Tidal turbine; Turbines; Wind power; Wind turbines; Integrated energy system; Floating wind turbine; Coupled model; Dynamic responses; Power production; Tidal turbine
• ISSN: 0196-8904; 1879-2227
• DOI: 10.1016/j.enconman.2020.113308

•A novel fully coupled model of an integrated floating energy system is developed.•The coupled responses of the hybrid energy concept are investigated.•The interactions between the tidal turbine and platform are examined.•The overall power production of the integrated energy system is evaluated.
An integrated floating energy system consisting of different types of energy devices is an ideal option for reducing the levelized cost of energy by enhancing the power production capacity. This study proposes a concept of an integrated energy system by combining two tidal turbines with a floating wind turbine. In order to investigate the power performance and dynamic responses of the hybrid concept, a novel coupled aero-hydro-servo-elastic tool is developed based on a commercial hydrodynamic analysis software package. In addition, a torque-pitch controller and the AeroDyn module are integrated within the coupled tool for evaluating the power performance of the tidal turbines under dynamic inflow conditions. Experimental data and numerical results obtained by OpenFAST are used to verify the accuracy of the coupled tool in predicting dynamic responses of the integrated energy system. The dynamic responses and power production under different environmental conditions are obtained by conducting a series of simulations. The results indicate that the total power production is increased by 3.84% to 6.46%. The transient behavior of the platform is improved and the tension fluctuation in mooring lines are significantly reduced by the hydrodynamic damping provided by the tidal turbines. In addition, the tidal turbines have no negative influences on the aero-elastic responses and power performance of the wind energy system. The results have demonstrated the advantages of the integrated energy system in enhancing the power production and improving the dynamic performance.