Ice Risk Analysis for Floating Wind Turbines, Offshore Newfoundland and Labrador

Abstract

The move to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the offshore hydrocarbons production industry has resulted in a growing interest in the possibility of using offshore wind to reduce on-platform power generation. While some offshore areas are progressing towards or planning for the use of offshore wind to electrify hydrocarbon producing platforms, they do not have the challenges associated with Newfoundland & Labrador's offshore environment.This region is prone to incursions by icebergs and pack ice, which would present a risk to offshore wind turbines. Analysis approachesto assess these risks, along with preliminary results, are presented herefor floating offshore wind turbines (FOWT). An area of interest (AOI), covering 45°N to 51°N and 45°W to 51°W, was defined covering all development licenses on the Grand Banks, Flemish Pass and Orphan Basin. Iceberg and pack ice contact rates and loads were calculated using data from the Nalcor NESS Metocean database, Canadian Ice Service (CIS) ice charts and satellite imagery. Ice loads corresponding to 50-year return periods levels were assessed, with and without ice management, giving a basis for determining whether ice management and/or disconnection capabilities are required. The frequency and severity of atmospheric icing of turbines was also modelled using available data and models.

A Critical Review of Constitutive Models Applied to Ice-Crushing Simulations

“…However, the deployment of upright cylindrical structures, primarily in monopile wind turbines, in ice-covered areas has underscored the importance of accurately modelling the compressive behaviour of ice and the mechanical processes of ice crushing. This is further emphasised by the consideration of floating offshore wind turbines in icy waters, such as the Labrador Sea, where they risk collision with bergy bits [5].…”