Florian Hulin optimizes floating wind turbines against waves in Benin

Florian Hulin, from the Institute for Research and Development in Coastal Areas (IRDL), has unlocked a major scientific barrier regarding the impact of waves on floating wind turbines. His thesis, defended in 2024, proposes concrete solutions to improve the resilience of these maritime structures, crucial for the energy transition in Benin.

The study of floating wind turbines has become essential in the context of the global energy transition. These offshore structures, which harness more powerful maritime wind resources, must face technical challenges related to the hydrodynamic forces of waves. Florian Hulin has thus targeted the influential parameters on hydrodynamic loads to optimize the design of floating wind turbines.

Through wave tank tests and in-situ measurements, Hulin quantified the forces resulting from wave impacts on a segmented cylindrical model, representing a typical floating wind turbine. This rigorous methodology has identified solutions to improve the durability and efficiency of these structures in the face of extreme maritime conditions.

The results of this research offer strategic implications for the floating offshore wind market. By optimizing the design of wind turbines, it is possible to reduce operating costs and improve profitability. Decision-makers and investors are encouraged to support similar research projects to position themselves advantageously in this growing market.

« « Thanks to my research, I was able to quantify the hydrodynamic forces on floating wind turbines, which is essential for their design and durability, » says Florian Hulin. »

« « Florian Hulin's study paves the way for a better understanding of hydrodynamic impacts, a key issue for decision-makers looking to invest in renewable energies, » emphasizes the Lektaris team. »