Sailing Performance and Structural Strength of a VLMOS for Wind Power Generation

- Estimate of Interaction Effect and Proposal of a Mono-hull Type -

Abstract

The National Institute for Environmental Studies Japan proposed a twin-hull type concept of floating wind power plant, which has no mooring system but moves with sails and thrusters. The mobility of the structure is a key of this concept. We estimate maneuverability coefficient by using the lifting line theory in which interaction effect among many struts is considered. The result suggests that the twin-hull type is not efficient for inducing the lift force because of the interaction effect. A mono-hull type VLMOS is thus proposed, and structural strength and the maneuverability of the mono-hull type are investigated. The results show that the mono-hull type VLMOS has enough structural strength and maneuverability. In addition, the power supply cost becomes 10% cheaper.