At IRDL, Laure Civier explored the sustainability of polyamide anchoring lines for offshore wind turbines.
Laure Civier, chercheur·e au sein de IRDL (Institut National Polytechnique de Bretagne).
Thèse soutenue en 2023 à l'école doctorale École doctorale Sciences pour l'ingénieur et le numérique.
Référencée dans le réseau ABES/STAR, cette thèse répond aux critères de rigueur de l'enseignement supérieur français.
Laure Civier's thesis on the characterization and modeling of polyamide anchoring lines for floating offshore wind turbines raises crucial questions for the future of renewable energy, particularly in the current context where the energy transition is at the heart of global concerns. While Europe aims for an offshore wind capacity of 160 GW by 2030, an ambitious goal that requires technical innovations and suitable materials, research on the materials used for anchoring wind turbines becomes paramount. Polyamide 6 lines, with their strength equivalent to that of polyester and superior elongation at break, appear to be a promising solution. However, their nonlinear mechanical behavior remains a challenge to overcome, necessitating in-depth studies to ensure their effectiveness and durability in demanding marine environments.
The experimental studies conducted by Civier focus on the viscoelastic and viscoplastic properties of polyamide ropes, essential characteristics for assessing their performance under prolonged load conditions. These research efforts aim to develop predictive models that will enhance the understanding of the behavior of these anchoring lines, particularly regarding their deformation and resistance to environmental forces such as waves, wind, and corrosion. The validation of these models on representative scales is essential to ensure their applicability in real scenarios. For example, laboratory tests and numerical simulations can be coupled to replicate the real conditions to which these lines will be subjected at sea. Preliminary results show that polyamide anchoring lines can be optimized to extend their lifespan, which could reduce installation costs and improve the reliability of anchoring systems, a major issue for wind farm operators.
It is imperative that industry stakeholders and researchers collaborate to implement these innovations. The thesis highlights the need to accelerate the development of innovative anchoring solutions and to confirm the feasibility of polyamide as a long-term anchoring material. Indeed, the data collected in the field, notably the current wind capacity of 28 GW in Europe, underscores the urgency to act. This capacity, while impressive, must be significantly increased to meet the set objectives. In fact, the development of effective anchoring solutions could not only transform the renewable energy sector but also contribute to the overall energy transition by reducing dependence on fossil fuels and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions.
In summary, this research paves the way for significant advancements in the field of renewable energy, emphasizing the importance of applied research and innovation in the sector. The challenges are numerous, particularly the need to ensure the durability of materials in extreme marine conditions, but the opportunities are equally abundant. Policymakers must consider these findings to guide public policies and investments towards sustainable and cost-effective solutions. Furthermore, it would be wise to encourage partnerships between universities, research centers, and industry players to foster knowledge and resource sharing.
Finally, it is essential to consider the regional impact of this research. In the context of West Africa, where renewable energy resources are still underutilized, similar studies could be conducted to develop solutions tailored to local specificities. The establishment of pilot offshore wind projects in countries like Benin could not only provide clean energy but also stimulate the local economy and create jobs in the renewable energy sector. In conclusion, Laure Civier's thesis is not limited to a simple technical study but is part of a broader movement towards a sustainable and responsible energy future.
Données clés
- 28 GW : Capacité éolienne actuelle en Europe, soulignant le potentiel de croissance dans le secteur des énergies renouvelables.
Accéder à l'étude complète
Sources et accès
Laure Civier. Characterization and modelling of the fatigue and durability of polyamide mooring lines for offshore floating wind turbines. Materials and structures in mechanics [physics.class-ph]. École Nationale Supérieure de Techniques Avancées Bretagne, 2023. English. ⟨NNT : 2023ENTA0014⟩. ⟨tel-04748432⟩