Numerical Modelling of the MIT/NREL TLP Wind Turbine and Comparison with the Experimental Results

Abstract

In this study, numerical analysis of a tension leg platform wind turbine is conducted and the responses with focus on surge motions and tendon tension are compared with available experimental test data. The main scope of the study is to establish the numerical model for which the damping coefficients for rigid-body motions are tuned based on the comparison of the sway free decay test results (natural periods and damping ratios) between the numerical and the experimental studies. The differences between the test model properties and the numerical model information have been discussed. Numerical model tuning with available test data resulted with relatively good accordance but also slight to moderate differences in the responses. These differences are credited for the uncertainties in the model testing and the solution methodology of the numerical model. Numerical study is under development with regular and irregular wave analyses and analyses including wind excitation.