Global Analysis of a Floating Wind Turbine Using an Aero-Hydro-Elastic Numerical Model: Part 2—Benchmark Study

This paper describes and presents the results of a benchmark study of a floating wind turbine numerical model that includes aero- and hydro-elasticity. The modelled wind turbine is the NREL offshore 5 MW baseline wind turbine whose specifications are publicly available. The first part of this paper demonstrates the importance of including aeroelasticity and hydroelasticity in the system. Power production, internal forces and motion amplitudes are compared to results from models using a rigid tower and rigid blades. Comparisons are performed for different weather conditions such as calm water, regular and irregular waves, constant and varying wind. The consequences of including elasticity in the different parts of the model are studied. The second part of the paper presents a benchmark study against the codes of the Offshore Code Comparison Collaboration. The floater motions, blade and tower deflection and power generation are presented and discussed.