Effect of fender system on the dynamic response of onsite installation of floating offshore wind turbines

This paper discusses a new installation method for floating offshore wind with installation procedure, essential variables, and fender system effects on the dynamic responses. The conventional installation method involves mating wind turbines and substructures in calm and protected waters and towing the assembled units to an operating site. Due to geographical, time, and economic disadvantages, this method may be challenging to meet the rapidly surging demand for floating wind power worldwide. The new onsite installation method was introduced as an alternative, using a catamaran to install fully assembled wind turbines at the operation site. The proposed concept can be employed to install and maintain fixed and floating offshore wind turbines in any location. While the conventional installation method consists of a series of installation processes, the proposed installation steps can be performed in parallel, suggesting more flexible operation planning. Fenders and wires were applied as a mechanical coupling system to enable onsite installation in harsh offshore environments. The fender system with pretensions on wires showed reduction effects on the relative horizontal displacement, relative vertical displacement, and relative alignment by approximately 78%, 64%, and 32%, respectively. Therefore, the fender system application can significantly increase the practicality of the onsite installation method.