Waves
Wave-proof integrity of ORE systems
Wave observation and modelling for ORE development
The most accurate knowledge of sea states is crucial in terms of input data for the definition and optimal design of ORE projects. These properties are used throughout the life cycle of a farm:
- evaluation of the wave energy resource at a given site;
- estimation of loadings on wave energy systems, bottom-fixed and floating wind turbines and tidal turbines. This includes maximum loadings for survivability in extreme conditions and average loadings for fatigue design;
- operations at sea, whether installation, maintenance or dismantling,
- optimisation of farms electricity production.
Ideally, wave conditions are calculated from observations at the site of interest obtained from in-situ measurements and satellite observations. However, regional and local effects are important, particularly for coastal areas where waves are influenced by bathymetry and tidal currents. Since observations generally do not allow coverage of the whole area with sufficient spatial and temporal resolution over a sufficiently long period, they are supplemented by numerical simulations. France Energies Marines has been conducting R&D projects for several years with its members and partners. The Institute is also studying the feasibility of developing an offshore research platform dedicated to offshore wind energy (FOWRCE SEA project).
Wave breaking and ORE design
A collaborative R&D project set up and piloted by France Energies Marines is currently in progress on the characterisation of storm sea states and wave breaking with its application to the design of ORE systems (DIME project). Indeed, breaking waves induce slamming forces that are dangerous for the integrity of wind turbines or wave energy systems. The breaking is also the most important energy source for waves. It must therefore be precisely parameterised in the numerical models used to simulate and predict waves. The project has led to several innovations in the field of storm wave observation, including the capture of the breaking point and measurement campaigns carried out on a lighthouse at sea. The latter allowed 3D observations of giant breaking waves and correlation to the response of the structure in a wave-to-wave formalism.
The efforts induced by the breaking waves on floating wind turbines will be studied within the framework of a new project set up and piloted by France Energies Marines which started in spring 2020 (DIMPACT project). These efforts will be explored through an experiment on a full-scale floating wind turbine, coupled tank tests and numerical simulations. The information collected will be used to develop new formulations of the slamming efforts and then integrated into the certification documents.
Resource characterisation and prediction of rogue waves
The improvement of wind characterisation in order to reduce uncertainties in resource assessment and wind turbine design is at the heart of a project set up and coordinated by France Energies Marines (CARAVELE project). The effect of waves, and in particular breaking waves, on the intensity and vertical structure of wind at sea is studied theoretically and numerically. Work is also being carried out on the impact of breaking waves on the radar signal emitted by satellites. The aim is to improve wind inversion from satellite images, in extreme conditions, thanks to an experiment conducted in the University of Miami test tank. The project also focuses on the short-term prediction of the occurrence of so-called rogue waves, which could be applied to the safety of technical personnel deployed during operations at sea.
Towards a better understanding of the sea-atmosphere interface
The Gulf of Lion in Mediterranean will soon host three pilot farms and several commercial floating wind farms. In this context, a collaborative project will be launched at the initiative of France Energies Marines in order to set up a dedicated digital chain capable of accurately simulating wind, wave and current conditions in this area (CASSIOWPE project). This project will focus on coupling an atmosphere model with an ocean model and a wave model. Through the development of specific parameterisations, this coupling will make it possible to accurately simulate the predominant interactions between winds, waves and the sea. The coupled numerical system will thus allow to better simulate the difficult and specific conditions of the Gulf of Lion. In particular, the effect of sea spray and marine aerosols projected into the atmosphere by the breaking waves on the heat and momentum flows at the air-sea interface will be studied.
Photo credit: Hans / Pixabay
Projects
In progress
ARCWIND
Adaptation and implementation of floating wind energy conversion technology for the Atlantic Region
In progress
CARAVELE
Wind characterisation for offshore renewable energies applications
In progress
DIME
Design and metocean: modelling and observations of extreme sea states for offshore renewable energies
Closed
COASTWAVE
High-resolution local analysis of wave and breaking variability from satellite imagery
In progress
CASSIOWPE
Characterising the atmosphere and sea surface interactions for the deployment of offshore wind in the Gulf of Lion
In progress
DIMPACT
Design of floating wind turbines and impacts of energetic steep and breaking waves
In progress
FOWRCE SEA
Future offshore wind research center at sea
Closed
MEDSEA CHECKPOINT
Assessment of the Mediterranean observational data system for targeted applications
Services
Resource and site characterisation
Training in the field of offshore renewable energies
Interlocutors
Fabien Leckler
Modelling and Observation of Nearshore Sea States Researcher
Jean-Francois Filipot
Scientific and Technical Director
News
Published on 08/03/2021
Assessing coastal risk
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Published on 19/02/2021
In-situ waves observation
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Published on 03/02/2021
At La Jument lighthouse
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Published on 03/12/2020