ABSTRACT
The principles behind the design of a self-stable tension leg platform that hosts the DTU 10 MW wind turbine are introduced. The structure is a free-float capable TLP, named the CENTEC-TLP. Initially, an overview of the classification of platforms according to their stability characteristics is given. Two solutions from this classification are joined to design a barge-TLP hybrid platform. The stability behaviour in towing resembles a shallow barge and it performs as a TLP when installed, complying with the required criteria for such structures. The design suggests moving away from the single column TLP configuration and the reasoning is explained. This platform’s motions in free-floating and operational conditions are discussed in an installation area at the North of the Iberian Peninsula.
