A Short Review on the Time-Domain Numerical Simulations for Structural Responses in Horizontal-Axis Offshore Wind Turbines

Abstract

In addition to a carbon-neutral vision being recognized worldwide, the utilization of wind energies via horizontal-axis wind turbines, especially in offshore areas, has been intensively investigated from an academic perspective. Numerical simulations play a significant role in the design and optimization of offshore wind turbines. The current review focuses on studies concerning the numerical simulations of offshore wind turbine dynamics, including the modelling of the aerodynamic and hydrodynamic conditions of the environment and the reduced-order modelling of the wind turbine dynamic responses. In detail, the functions and mechanisms of each module in the numerical simulation of the wind turbine dynamics are articulated, which in turn demonstrates its importance for the design of offshore wind turbines, and hence the development of the offshore wind industry. Based on this review, it is argued that the vertical variations in wind velocities, the blade element momentum theory, the wave dynamic models, and the reduced-order model for structural dynamics are the major concerns for the numerical simulation of wind turbines. Consequently, such directions should be emphasized in future studies.