MONABIOP Anchoring Demonstrator
Instrumented demonstrator for anchoring studies
The MONABIOP demonstrator was deployed in the Mediterranean in February 2023 to study, under real-world conditions, the behaviour of polyamide anchoring lines. Designed as a 7-tonne buoy with a diameter of 3.70m, equipped with 3 hybrid chain-nylon semi-tensioned anchoring lines and several tension and elongation sensors, the MONABIOP platform provides an accurate representation of the average dynamic forces generated by a floating wind turbine. This configuration allows for a precise evaluation of synthetic anchoring performance, paving the way for more efficient and sustainable solutions for the development of floating wind energy. The MONABIOP platform is also deployable in the English Channel and the Atlantic.
The platform is equipped with a complete energy system ensuring full energy autonomy. A dual-antenna INS system enables real-time calculation of the platform’s position, orientation, and speed. Additionally, a 4G router allows for real-time data export. Tension sensors can also be installed on the anchoring lines to monitor the tension during installation and monitoring phases.
Our service offering
The service offering associated with the MONABIOP platform is based on the experience gained from offshore testing.
Our experts assist you with:
Testing new anchoring technologies and associated innovative components.
The buoy is designed to test innovative anchoring line configurations, new materials, and innovative components such as dampers or connectors.
France Energies Marines supports you with:
- Defining your needs
- Assisting with the design of your innovative solution
- Adapting the buoy to your specific project
- Managing deployment operations and monitoring the project while the buoy is at sea
- Analyzing data and results
- Providing advice on adapting your solution based on the results obtained
Sensor testing
The MONABIOP platform can be used by companies wishing to test and validate sensors for in-service monitoring of anchoring lines, such as elongation and tension sensors. The results obtained can be compared with the reference data provided by France Energies Marines.
France Energies Marines supports you with:
- Defining your needs
- Adapting the buoy to your specific project
- Analyzing data and results, and comparing them with the results from other sensors present, such as tension sensors
Biofouling measurement
France Energies Marines possesses unique expertise combining benthic ecology and fluid-structure interaction approaches, enabling the study of biofouling to address engineering and environmental challenges. We examine the dynamics of this natural biological process, its impacts on the environment where these structures are deployed, and its effect on the subsea components of renewable energy technologies. This complementary approach allows us to measure the characteristics of biofouling that directly influence the dynamics of renewable energy structures. This approach is primarily based on the analysis of hydromechanical force formulations. The precision and robustness of these protocols are achieved by integrating knowledge of species profiles and their behaviour into the measurements. This process enables the incorporation of biofouling into the design of offshore systems while ensuring rigorous environmental monitoring.
Our resources and experts
Why choose us?
France Energies Marines draws on seven years of experience in the study and testing of synthetic anchoring lines for offshore wind energy, particularly through:
- The development of a behaviour law for synthetic fibers (such as polyamide, nylon)
- The use of results in the BV NI432 recommendation note
- The development of a 3D meso-scale finite element model of a rope
Our experts
The engineering team stands out for its expertise in design, sizing, and in-service monitoring, as well as its in-depth knowledge of the offshore wind market and its innovation needs. The team excels in defining and managing multidisciplinary and innovative projects, ensuring technical oversight and conducting studies. The team focuses on characterisation methods and both numerical and physical modelling to address challenges related to in-service monitoring, operations, and maintenance, as well as data processing using machine learning techniques.