The objective of this Topic Area is to enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of floating offshore wind systems through innovative approaches. Projects under the subtopics will address both immediate needs for the initial U.S. floating offshore wind projects and long-term objectives aimed at reducing costs and enhancing efficiency across various aspects of validation, fabrication, installation, and operation.
One subtopic, Subtopic 1a, will focus on refining and innovating floating platform design, manufacturing, and deployment processes. This will involve research, development, and testing activities aimed at improving the materials, manufacturing techniques, and installation methods of floating offshore wind systems. Testing may involve scale models or full-scale prototypes to validate improvements in the manufacturing procedures. Additionally, research and testing may explore the development of facilities and equipment for constructing and deploying various designs of floating offshore platforms.
Another subtopic, Subtopic 1b, will concentrate on next-generation integrated turbine/platform research. This will involve research and development efforts aimed at understanding the interactions between turbines, towers, platforms, and mooring systems. The goal is to create simpler, cost-effective designs that increase overall efficiency and energy production. Research topics may include the use of modeling tools and methods, testing procedures
