Adaptations of Offshore Wind Operation and Maintenance Models for Floating Wind

Abstract

This paper presents the key operations & maintenance (O&M) modelling inputs for fixed-bottom wind (FBW) and highlights the adaptations required for floating offshore wind (FOW) uses. The work also highlights major repair strategies such as tow to shore (T2S) and discusses the limitations and constraints which arise in an operational context. The technical and economic feasibility of such O&M strategies requires rethinking of weather risks and constraints, new vessel technologies and operational costs. The work also collates and reviews existing FBW models which have been adapted for FOW uses and analyses O&M inputs for a tow to shore operation. Findings show that there is ambiguity in literature for tug speeds and disconnection/reconnection times of the turbine system. A performed case study investigates the sensitives of both parameters through a weather window analysis of ScotWind sites. Recommendations for future practises, including additional O&M modelling considerations and inputs for FOW uses are given.