Case study

Independent loads analysis tool development support

We supported MHI Vestas Offshore in the development of a tool which allows foundation designers to independently perform integrated load analyses.

Overview

We provided support to the MHI Vestas Offshore Wind SMART Foundation Loads programme in the development of a tool which allows foundation designers to independently perform integrated load analyses.

Foundation design is one of the most important elements for any offshore windfarm. Often, condensed timelines mean there is limited scope for design optimisation, which can lead to sub-optimal design and the commercial interfaces can also mean that the process is complex.

Our work

Our software development expertise, coupled with our extensive wind turbine modelling experience, allowed us to provide valuable insights for the project which enabled the tool to:

  • Integrate simply with a range of existing design tools
  • Facilitate easy model upgrading
  • Allow a wide range of concepts to be evaluated time-efficiently
  • Provide a consistent basis for foundation designers to discuss load and foundation cost reduction features
  • Remove the requirement for complicated aeroelastic code and setup.

 

Impact

The tool produces substantive improvements in preliminary foundation design, helping to optimise an offshore windfarm developer’s business case. The concept was verified on a full-site calculation basis, with the loads producing a near-perfect match to a fully integrated model.

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