Linear performance assessment of offshore wind turbine jacket substructure with varying brace topology in the Indian Ocean scenario

Abstract

Offshore wind energy has become a rapidly growing industry; however, the harsh conditions of the ocean can pose a significant risk to the structural integrity of offshore wind turbine substructures. India's coastal and offshore regions have a high potential for wind energy due to steady winds and minimal obstructions, but the country's offshore wind potential remains largely unexplored. To address this, a study was conducted on a proposed fixed offshore platform in the Gulf of Mannar region of the Indian Ocean, supporting a 10 MW offshore wind turbine at a depth of 75 m. The study aimed to evaluate the platform's structural performance under various environmental conditions, focusing on wind energy development. The study analysed the impact of different bracing configurations, such as X, K, and V bracing systems, on the structural stability of the substructure using the finite element software, Structural Analysis Computer Software (SACS). The study also simulated pile-soil interaction to understand the platform's actual behaviour. Results indicated that the X-bracing configuration outperformed the K and V configurations in terms of overall structural stability. The study highlights the importance of considering environmental load orientations and topology characteristics in marine renewable offshore wind energy projects, as well as the significance of choosing an appropriate bracing configuration to maintain the safety, coastal sustainability and performance of offshore wind turbine substructures in the Indian Ocean.