ABSTRACT
This paper presents a coupled analysis method for the mean second-order loads of a floating structure, which is suitable for offshore wind energy sources exploitation. The analysis method incorporates properly, the solutions of the diffraction, and motion-dependent radiation problems around the floating structure along with the aerodynamics of the Wind Turbine. The floating structure encompasses an array of five hydrodynamically interacting vertical cylinders, moored through tensioned tethers as a TLP platform supporting a 10 MW Wind Turbine. Details on the modelling of the system are discussed and numerical results are obtained through the developed solution in the frequency domain. The wave loads on the floater are approximated using matched axisymmetric eigenfunction expansions. The objective of the analysis is to investigate which sea states yield the largest mean second order loads due to operating and extreme wave conditions based on wave hindcasts near Kasos Island, in the Mediterranean Sea.
