European Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Vol 8 | Issue 3 | June 2024

ISSN 2736-5751

REVIEW

Future Obstacles and Possible Solutions for

Offshore Wind Facilities
Swarup Bashu Deb* , Mohammed Masud Rana, and Boker Agili

ABSTRACT
As global efforts to tackle climate change rise, more countries and Submitted: May 08, 2024
companies have proposed the objective of distinct “net zero” through Published: June 21, 2024
expedited development of renewable power sources. Offshore wind energy
has garnered special observation from several nations mostly from China, 10.24018/ejece.2024.8.3.629
the USA, and the European Union as a renewable energy source, and it is
a highly active research topic. Achieving 30 GW of offshore wind by 2030
is a lofty target set by President Biden’s administration. The European Department of Electrical and Computer
Engineering, Texas Tech University, USA.
Union is establishing intermediate goals to be met by 2030 and 2040 as
well as long-term goals for the arrangement of offshore renewable energy
*Corresponding Author:
up to 2050 in each of the EU’s five marine basins. However, offshore wind e-mail: [email protected]
has more demanding situations as a result of big and complicated design
parameter area, worrying situations due to massive and complicated layout
parameter vicinity, transportation, construction, maintenance, and expenses
than onshore installations or other renewable energy sectors. To overcome
this situation Offshore wind facilities, require considerable engineering and
environmental expertise. This paper will review the future challenges for any
offshore wind facilities, and it finishes with an examination of addressing
the difficulties with a possible solution.

Keywords: Offshore, Optimization, Turbine structure, Wind turbine.

1. Introduction worldwide was established at 733 GW, with 282 GW of

it installed in Brazil (17 GW), Canada (14 GW), France
Climate change, ecological and ecological issues, and
(17 GW), Germany (62 GW), India (39 GW), Italy (11
a rapid increase in global energy demand are growing
GW), Spain (27 GW), the UK (24 GW), the United States
alarmingly. The utilization of clean and renewable power is
of America (118 GW) are among the nations with hooked
becoming progressively important. Offshore wind energy
up wind generating capacity surpassing 10 GW. In recent
is attracting special attention from many nations as an years, efforts were made to boost offshore wind power gen-
easy renewable and sustainable strength supply, and var- eration, with the most important progress made in Europe,
ious pertinent studies and initiatives have been carried this location is domestic to 90% of the manufacturers of
out. In comparison to inland winds, offshore winds are wind generators and holds 75% of the set-up capacity for
typically significantly stronger and more consistent. Addi- wind-generated power. Offshore wind turbines in shallow
tionally, Offshore wind excels in minimizing turbine fatigue water are supported by way of pillars (mono-pile) or jacket
resulting from wind because it functions with less tur- systems. Fig. 1 indicates the number of journals published
bulence and more stable winning instructions. Moreover, in the offshore wind energy sector over the decades. In
offshore windmills face fewer regulations regarding space, scenarios concerning a permanent pillar shape, the pillar,
noise, and visual effects. In many nations, together with commonly made from steel, is driven deep into the seabed.
the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada, a full- This type of foundation is used by most existing shal-
size part of the populace resides near the coast, which low offshore wind farms. Geological conditions and water
makes offshore windmills agonistic. Offshore wind power depth constrain this structure. Severs bottom-constant off-
is expected to play a larger component in the future elec- shore air mills can be located off the coast of Denmark [2].
tricity market because it doesn’t produce any harmful The main challenge for any offshore wind farm is basis
waste or pollute the air. The global wind document [1] transportation at the beginning of the paintings. Secondly,
states that in the year 2021, installed wind energy capacity the cost of products and maintenance is getting higher

Copyright: © 2024 Deb et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and
reproduction in any medium, provided the original source is cited.

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Future Obstacles and Possible Solutions for Offshore Wind Facilities Deb et al.

Fig. 1. Publications in offshore wind turbine design optimization from 2000 to 2023.

compared with other sectors of energy. Improvement of in comparison to regular floating foundations. This may
funding can be developed with a different perspective of cause substantially decreased manufacturing prices due to
view where it could be clear regarding investment and its reduced need for metal, unlike traditional offshore wind
output of the business. Furthermore, offshore could be generators. The foundation for the barge style is charac-
highlighted by its working hours while the UK’s pick time terised by a huge, shallow-draft barge. Offshore wind farms
is evening and onshore wind facilities are unable to provide are extra complicated and high-priced to construct than
the full requirement due to wind speed in inshore is low onshore wind farms because of their structure [7].
compared with offshore facilities. The critical pitch-roll restoring second for stabilization
within the barge idea is obtained from a large water-
plane place. This kind, but, has the finest disadvantage
2. Review of Literature except large-wave-induced motions are thoroughly reg-
Building diverse massive components in specialized ulated. However, unless large-wave-induced motions are
commercial centers and shifting them to the distinctive appropriately managed, this type has the largest disad-
logistics middle. Using transportation from the manufac- vantage. The modern take look opens with a precise of
turer comes with so many different steps. Henderson et al. the modern nation The various present-day shore wind
[3] examined the advantages of making use of floating off- turbine concepts, in conjunction with their design dif-
shore windmills. Additionally, they mentioned demanding ferences, prices, and predicted overall performance, are
situations and proposed solutions for these mills. Using mentioned. Sooner or later, the contemporary design
their theoretical framework, the offshore wind markets and enhancement strategies for modern-day offshore
developed new technologies for floating offshore wind wind generators are discussed. This encompasses research
turbines. Wang et al. [4] came up with new ideas regarding in static, frequency-area, and time-domain evaluation
possible concepts in examining mooring design for floating methodologies. These optimization methodologies’ opti-
offshore wind turbines. In 1972, Professor Herenemous [5] mization criteria are also included. Segment 2 describes a
from the University of Massachusetts Amherst first came few broadly used optimization strategies and their possible
up with floating offshore wind turbine concepts. After his use of in offshore wind turbine layout optimization [4].
concepts, researchers came up with different ideas that The phase concludes with a quick precis of the impor-
established some FOWT concepts such as. Studies on spar tant thing findings and destiny research guidelines of this
buoys (spars), tension leg structures (TLPs), and barge-like painting [5]. The spar wind turbine features a deep-draft
or semisubmersible systems (barges) have solidified their vertical cylinder capped with an excessive tower and a
significance in the area of offshore wind power. Investi- rotor nacelle assembly (RNA), paying homage to present
gations affirm that those designs are effective. The spar oil and fuel spar systems. Its buoyant foundation, made
wind turbine, for instance, includes a rich fall vertical cylin- out of steel and/or concrete and full of water or gravel
der supporting a tall tower crowned with a rotor nacelle ballasts, positions the middle of gravity below the middle
meeting (RNA), mirroring the layout of conventional oil of buoyancy. This configuration helps it stay buoyant and
and gasoline spars. Its floating base, often the product of maintain vertical balance for the duration of wet towing.
metallic or concrete cylinders packed with water or gravel It achieves this by presenting a significant second arm for
ballasts, ensures balance and upright positioning during righting and good-sized inertial resistance to pitch and roll
ocean towing via preserving the middle of gravity under the moves. The depth of the floating base frequently matches
center of buoyancy [4]. Tension leg systems (TLPs) are nor- or surpasses the height of the hub above the sea stage.
mally utilized inside the petroleum industry for FOWTS Level to ensure stability against pitch and roll and to
[6]. The tension Leg Platform (TLP) wind turbine experi- decrease severe movements. Tension leg systems (TLPs),
ences much less movement in terms of heave, pitch, and roll typically used in the offshore oil and gasoline enterprise for

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Deb et al. Future Obstacles and Possible Solutions for Offshore Wind Facilities

Fig. 2. Types of fixed offshore wind turbines: (a) Monopile, (b) Tripod, and (c) Jacket substructures [8].

floating offshore windmills (FOWT), provide minimum

heave, pitch, and roll moves as compared to stationary
offshore windmills.
The floating foundation of the barge kind is a mas-
sive and shallow draft barge. Inside the barge concept,
a huge water-aircraft vicinity affords the vital pitch-roll
restoring second for stability [9]. However, until large-
wave-prompted motions are properly managed, this type
has the biggest disadvantage. Semisubmersible floating
foundations are desired in this issue. The maximum prin-
cipal advantage of a shallow-draft basis, benefit of the
Fig. 3. Types of substructures of offshore wind turbines.
use of a barge or semisubmersible is that meeting at the
dockside and wet towing are feasible, putting off the want
for unstable offshore production and installation. Studies
on the design optimization of offshore windmills have 3. Type of Offshore Wind Turbine
expanded appreciably over latest years, driven by way of Several Types of substructures are available between
growing interest in offshore wind strength. Determine 1 fixed substructures and floating substructures shown in
shows a group of scholarly articles centered on the layout Fig. 3.
and optimization of offshore wind farms, with the quantity
Fixed substructures are classified into Monopile, Tri-
of publications growing unexpectedly drastically in the
pod, and Jacket kinds, at the same time as floating
final 10–15 years. From Fig. 2 we can get an overview of
the types of Fixed offshore wind turbines. substructures are segmented into Spar buoy, Semisub-
The modern-day take a look at starts off evolved mersible, anxiety Leg Platform (TLP), and Barge types.
through reviewing the current improvements in numer-
ous offshore wind turbine standards, noting differences 3.1. Mono-Pile Substructure
in layout, value, and projected performance. Next discus- Monopile substructure has been commonly used all over
sions cover the complete design and optimization methods Europe for the last two decades [6], [10]. It takes only one
for offshore wind turbines, such as static and frequency- or two days to install the substructure [11], [12] Steel tube
area techniques., and time-area experiments are also sections are typically three-6 m in diameter, 20–50 m long,
provided. The optimization standards for these procedures and weigh as much as one thousand tons [13], [14].
have also been furnished. The optimization standards
for these approaches have also been furnished. Section 4
3.2. Tripod Substructure
then discusses numerous commonly explored optimization
techniques and their ability makes use of in enhance the If the construction is 50 mm and above then it is better
layout of offshore windmills. Segment five finishes with a to use tripod substructure [15]. It typically takes 2–7 days
precise of the essential findings and destiny studies topics to erect a tripod offshore wind turbine weighing as much
for this examination. as 700 lots [11], [16].

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Future Obstacles and Possible Solutions for Offshore Wind Facilities Deb et al.

Fig. 4. Types of floating offshore wind turbines: (a) Barge, (b) Semisubmersible, (c) Spar, (d) TLP [18].

TABLE I: Benefits and Limitations of Floating Offshore Wind Turbines

Monopile Tripod Jacket
Benefits • They perform better in sand and gravel • It is adequate for sites with stiff clays or • In hard clays or medium-to-dense
soils. There is unessential to prepare the medium-density sands, though it is also sands, piles or suction caissons are
seabed. suitable to be used in softer soils. relevant for set up. Utilising longer piles
• Have a sophisticated design that is easy • Increases the wind turbine’s stability. enables soft-soil programs and extensively
to install. enhances friction resistance.
• Economical option utilizing simple
manufacturing methods.
Limitations • At deeper places, wherein • Scour/erosion protection around the • Invasive species may be capable of take
hydrodynamic forces are sizeable, the tripod base may be necessary in places root and proliferate. Alterations in nearby
fabrication, installation, and with strong bottom currents or rapidly water currents should negatively affect
transportation of large monopiles become eroded silt. the indigenous marine ecosystem.
greater highly-priced and unstable. • Tripods may have higher construction • Using pile drivers at some point of
• Monopile foundations are at risk of and maintenance expenses than other installations can generate underwater
damage from wind, wave, and seismic forms of bases. noise, potentially unfavourable or maybe
forces. Failing to remember these all deadly to marine organisms.
through installation can result in untimely
fatigue harm to the shape.

3.3. Jacket Substructure analysis typically involves reducing the weight of offshore
Jacket substructure installation may be completed in structures by adjusting their shape, such as diameter and
three days. Jacket substructures are perfect for severe thickness. Uys et al. [19] has reduced the production cost
offshore conditions because of their higher resistance to where the height is 15 m each. It allows us to extract
ocean waves and contemporary drift compared to mono- design factors such as the average Wall thickness for each
pile or tripod systems. They can also alter their utility 15-meter section and the desired range of ring helps to
variety with geometrical versions without affecting the save you buckling are critical concerns. Chantharasena-
structure’s stiffness [17]. wong et al. [20] advanced a method that carried out a
Offshore wind energy technology has grown signifi- 20% reduction in tower weight by using growing diameters
cantly from 1990 to recent years. Fig. 4 indicates the main and decreasing phase thicknesses, accordingly retaining
types of floating offshore wind energy technologies. Table I the buckling capacity aspect within acceptable limits. A
comparable have a look at by way of Gencturk et al.
shows the benefits and limitations of several types of fixed
[21] targeted on optimizing the layout of a 100 kW wind
substructures.
turbine. For offshore wind turbines, static programmable
evaluation become hired to refine the layout. Damiani
4. Design & Optimization Approaches Offshore et al. [22] delivered a jacket sizing tool in their paper,
which aids in optimization by means of figuring out the
Wind Turbine
essential topology and dimensions of device engineering.
This analysis categorizes upgrading strategies into static, The values are hooked up primarily based on the geometric
Number-domain, and pattern-domain proceed. parameters of the shape.

4.1. Static Analysis Ground Optimization 4.2. Frequency-Area Evaluation for Optimization
In wind energy technology, static structural optimiza- Frequency-domain evaluation assesses structural per-
tion relies on sophisticated finite-element models. Static formance by focusing on frequency in preference to time,

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Deb et al. Future Obstacles and Possible Solutions for Offshore Wind Facilities

unlike time-area analysis. Gentils et al. [15] managed to wind farms have to be lowered so that the business indus-
reduce the mass of the assist structure for a five MW off- try can take those projects as beneficial. Moreover, the
shore wind turbine mounted on an OC3 monopile, at the concept of the turbine can be improved. Supply chain
same time as meeting various overall performance require- management is still struggling to supply low-cost all over
ments. Their optimization considered elements along with the World. The general design pattern we use for offshore
vibration, stress, deformation, buckling, fatigue, and lay- wind farm can be upgraded adding new features on it
out parameters, accomplishing a 20% reduction inside the where support structure can play a vital role. Rotor and
standard thefind out weight of the support framework. aerodynamics load calculation. Aerodynamic loads are
They integrated the main design method sourced from determined using lift and drag coefficients from tables
installed layout norms. In the meantime, Laszlo et al. based on two-dimensional wind tunnel airfoil testing and
[23] endorsed the blended use of static and frequency- basic aerodynamic theory. Involving government and local
area analyses for constructing monopole foundations for authority more small and large test sites are needed to
offshore wind generators. Similarly, Thiry et al. [24] hired a confirm the dependability and cost-effectiveness of deep
genetic set of rules to decorate the design of steel monopile offshore designs. Another purpose is to investigate the
structures for a five MW turbine. They worked on the sup- effects of wake and turbulence on the load and motion of
port structure and discovered a technique to minimize its floating platforms. New measuring methods and instru-
weight when limits were applied by incorporating penalties ments are needed to analyze wind and wave phenomenon
into the fitness function. for the windfarm sites. Optimization is required for sizing
and designing of wind turbines for usage on floating sup-
4.3. Optimization Using Time-Domain Analysis port systems.
Time-area strategies facilitate thorough layout reviews
that conform to hooked up design standards and struc-
tural code reviews. With the developing want for offshore 6. Conclusion
wind generators, the software of this approach has visible This report examines the implementation of offshore
a constant increase. To start with deployed in onshore wind energy all over the world. Research on enhanced
wind generators, Yoshida [25] carried out a genital algo- designs of wind generators, substructure advent and
rithm and Number-domain simulation device to check out manufacturing, and pioneering offshore grid connections
the systems of a 2 MW steel tower turbine. Gutierrez techniques can reduce challenges and dangers in offshore
et al. [26] described how the quick tool ought to opti- wind projects. Engineering education must evolve to pro-
mize onshore wind turbine designs. Ashuri [27] carried out vide graduates with a strong understanding of sustainable
scaling strategies to expect designs for big offshore wind engineering. This will promote sustainable development
generators with the aid of an optimization tool. Building and raise awareness among investors about the benefits of
in this idea, Haghi et al. [28] engineered a monopile for wind energy investments. The global offshore wind energy
a three. 6 MW offshore wind turbine. Chew et al. [29]– businesses are expanding very quickly. The US has set a
[31] utilized iterative algorithms to evaluate both three and new offshore wind target of 30 gigawatts by 2030. Wind
four-legged guide structures, implementing America and resource is influenced by various elements such as wind
FLS constraints specific to design on every joint inside the speed, direction, time of day, and season. Wind data are
shape, considering a single 30–2d load occasion and its crucial for accurate wind simulations.
implications over the lifespan of the shape. A genetic set
of rules became employed to reduce the burden of the off-
shore wind turbine. Additionally, Chen et al. [32] subtle the Conflict of Interest
hybrid substructure for an offshore wind turbine the use
of particle swarm optimization and time-area simulations, Authors declare that they do not have any conflict of
with an emphasis on coping with fatigue. interest.

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