Dynamic inflow model for a Floating Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine in surge motion

Abstract

Abstract. Floating Offshore Wind Turbines may experience large surge motions which, when faster than the local wind speed, cause rotor-wake interaction. Previous research hypothesised that this phenomena can result in a turbulent wake state or even a vortex ring state, invalidating the Actuator Disc Momentum Theory and the use of the Blade Element Momentum Theory. We challenge this hypothesis and demonstrate that the Actuator Disc Momentum Theory is valid and accurate in predicting the induction at the actuator in surge, even for large and fast motions. To achieve this, we derive a dynamic inflow model which mimics the vorticity-velocity system and the effect of the motion. The predictions of the model are compared against results from other authors and from a semi-free wake vortex-ring model. The results show that the surge motion and rotor-wake interaction do not cause a turbulent wake state or vortex ring state, and that the application of Actuator Disc Momentum Theory and Blade Element Momentum Theory is valid and accurate, when correctly applied in an inertial reference frame. The results show excellent agreement in all cases. The proposed dynamic inflow model includes an adaptation for highly loaded flow and it is accurate and simple enough to be easily implemented in most Blade Element Momentum models.