Improvements in the O&M modelling of floating offshore wind farms

Abstract

Operation and maintenance are widely recognized as major areas for cost reduction in offshore wind installation. This paper explores improvements in the O&M planning capabilities for the floating offshore wind sector. Computational tools have been developed in the last decades to support the strategic planning of onshore and offshore wind O&M interventions. However, adaptations will be needed in order to capture the novel operational requirements of floating devices with respect to traditional bottom-fixed turbines. In this paper, specific adjustments to offshore O&M planning computational tools in order to capture floating farms capabilities are identified and implemented. The effects of these amendments on the overall maintenance strategy, as well as related key performance indicators, are tested for the same case study. The comparison between bottom-fixed and floating offshore wind projects allows to quantify the impacts of using floating platforms, and provides indications for future improvements in floating wind O&M planning.