Numerical Modelling and Analysis of a New Combined Concept of Floating Wind Turbine and Fish Farm Structure

To achieve better utilization of ocean space and energy, a new combined concept of floating wind turbine and fish farm structure is proposed. The four-pontoon semi-submersible platform is designed to support an offshore wind turbine and fish farm frames. The platform can be cost-effective, due to the sharing of the infrastructures, and the potential synergy from a proper combination. Open cage fish farm structure is designed to be modular, and can be flexible in dimension. In this work, coupled numerical model of the platform is established. Potential flow theory or panel model is used in the hydrodynamic property calculation. The slender fish farm frame structures are modelled by the Morison elements. Viscous effects are included through quadratic coefficients. Various aspects of wind turbine modelling, and fish farm modelling are discussed. Dynamic motion responses are studied, with a focus on the influences of the fish farm frames on the platform. Two scenarios, i.e., floating wind turbine with and without the existence of the fish farm frames, are specially investigated. Natural periods are presented, and dynamic performance of the two scenarios under wave conditions, wave + current condition, and wave + current + wind condition is investigated. Uncertainties in the analysis and future improvements are also discussed.