Overall Design and Performance Analysis of the Semi-Submersible Platform for a 10 MW Vertical-Axis Wind Turbine

Qun Cao (), Xinyu Zhang, Ying Chen, Xinxin Wu, Kai Zhang and Can Zhang
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Qun Cao: China Ship Scientific Research Center, Wuxi 214000, China
Xinyu Zhang: China Ship Scientific Research Center, Wuxi 214000, China
Ying Chen: China Ship Scientific Research Center, Wuxi 214000, China
Xinxin Wu: China Ship Scientific Research Center, Wuxi 214000, China
Kai Zhang: China Ship Scientific Research Center, Wuxi 214000, China
Can Zhang: China Ship Scientific Research Center, Wuxi 214000, China

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 13, 1-24

Abstract: This study presents a novel semi-submersible platform design for 10 MW vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWTs), specifically engineered to address the compounded challenges of China’s intermediate-depth (40 m), typhoon-prone maritime environment. Unlike conventional horizontal-axis configurations, VAWTs impose unique demands due to omnidirectional wind reception, high aerodynamic load fluctuations, and substantial self-weight—factors exacerbated by short installation windows and complex hydrodynamic interactions. Through systematic scheme demonstration, we establish the optimal four-column configuration, resolving critical limitations of existing concepts in terms of water depth adaptability, stability, and fabrication economics. The integrated design features central turbine mounting, hexagonal pontoons for enhanced damping, and optimized ballast distribution, achieving a 3400-tonne steel mass (29% reduction vs. benchmarks). Comprehensive performance validation confirms exceptional survivability under 50-year typhoon conditions (Hs = 4.42 m, Uw = 54 m/s), limiting platform tilt to 8.02° (53% of allowable) and nacelle accelerations to 0.10 g (17% of structural limit). Hydrodynamic analysis reveals heave/pitch natural periods > 20 s, avoiding wave resonance (Tp = 7.64 s), while comparative assessment demonstrates 33% lower pitch RAOs than leading horizontal-axis platforms. The design achieves unprecedented synergy of typhoon resilience, motion performance, and cost-efficiency—validated by 29% steel savings—providing a technically and economically viable solution for megawatt-scale VAWT deployment in challenging seas.

Keywords: vertical-axis wind turbine; floating foundation; semi-submersible form; general scheme demonstration; overall design; performance analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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