CONCEPTUAL DESIGN OF A HYBRID FLOATING OFFSHORE WIND TURBINE INTEGRATED WITH HYDROGEN PRODUCTION AND STORAGE SYSTEM

The shift towards renewable energy requires sustainable energy carriers, with hydrogen emerging as a crucial player in creating a lasting and stable decarbonized energy sector. Floating offshore wind turbines are expected to become a major contributor to renewable electricity because they can harness wind energy over a vast area of the ocean, areas which fixed-bottom wind turbines cannot reach. Combining floating offshore wind turbines with hydrogen production and storage potentially creates a powerful solution to address the variability of wind energy and allows the production of zero-carbon “green” hydrogen from wholly renewable sources. Additionally, integrating hydrogen systems with large floating offshore wind turbines allows for decentralized and easily-scalable energy production and storage. This approach not only boosts energy security in coastal and island states but also reduces dependence on existing energy networks. This paper introduces a conceptual design of a hybrid system. It integrates a 15 MW semi-submersible floating offshore wind turbine with a hydrogen production and storage unit, both mounted on the same semi-submersible floating platform. The system mass properties are modeled in Catia, and its dynamic behaviors are analyzed using the OpenFAST software. Essential tests performed include free decay tests and response amplitude operator analysis to observe the platform's movements. The primary goal is to verify the system stability during different operational events and varying environmental factors. The analysis emphasizes the advantages and potential of combining offshore wind turbine technology with hydrogen storage and production systems.