Evaluation of control methods for floating offshore wind turbines

Abstract

The challenge of controlling floating offshore wind turbines arises due to the soft support structures and complex environmental excitations. Reducing the generator speed and power fluctuation, damping the motions of the floating platform and alleviating the fatigue loads at the tower base have been investigated in recent projects. This paper reviews and summarizes a selection of methodologies that have been discussed over the past years. These methods are then evaluated on the TELWIND-5MW-FOWT. First, linear analysis of the closed-loop with different control approaches is performed. Next, coupled aero-hydro-servo-elastic simulations with Bladed are carried out and evaluated. The motions and loads with different control approaches will be compared, advantages and limitations of each method will also be discussed.