OasisLMS

Abstract: Monopiles are the most prevalent foundation type for supporting offshore wind turbines in shallow to medium-depth waters, due to their ease of fabrication and installation. As offshore wind farms are increasingly located further from shore and wind turbines grow in size, larger monopiles are necessary to withstand the associated structural and environmental loads. However, the installation of these larger monopiles using current offshore technology is not viable. The transition to deeper waters for offshore wind energy installations hereby necessitates innovative solutions to extend the applicability of monopile foundations beyond their traditional depth limits. This research presents the results of three-dimensional finite-element analyses exploring the feasibility of the Monopile Extender (MPE) concept, designed to enhance monopile functionality in water depths exceeding 30 meters. The MPE, a prefabricated structure, is installed at the seabed and integrated with the monopile through a grouted connection, providing additional lateral strength and stability. This study evaluates the lateral capacity, and displacements of the MPE compared to conventional monopiles. The findings suggest that the MPE offers a viable alternative to cater the higher loads and leveraging existing monopile fabrication infrastructure. The research underscores the importance of innovative substructure solutions in advancing offshore wind energy capabilities and supporting the transition to deeper water installations.

Miss Dhruvi Gondalia; Mr. FRANCISCO JOSE CIRUELA-OCHOA

Annual Conference Proceedings