At IRDL, Florian Hulin studied the impacts of waves on floating offshore wind turbines.
Florian Hulin, chercheur·e au sein de IRDL (France Énergies Marines [Brest]).
Thèse soutenue en 2024 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.
The study of floating wind turbines has become a major issue in the development of renewable energies, particularly in the current context of global energy transition. As the demand for clean energy continues to rise, floating offshore wind turbines represent a promising solution for harnessing wind resources at sea, which are often more powerful and consistent than those available on land. However, hydrodynamic impacts, particularly those from breaking waves, pose a crucial technical challenge for the sustainability and efficiency of these marine structures. Indeed, floating offshore wind turbines must withstand considerable forces generated by waves, and understanding these interactions is essential for optimizing their design and ensuring their longevity.
Florian Hulin, at the Institute for Research and Development in Coastal Areas (IRDL), has conducted in-depth research on this complex and fascinating subject. His work focuses on identifying the influential parameters of waves and turbines that affect hydrodynamic loads. Through a rigorous experimental methodology, including wave tank tests and in-situ measurements, he has been able to quantify the forces resulting from wave impacts on a segmented cylindrical model, representing a typical floating wind turbine.
The results of this research highlight the importance of breaking waves in the design of floating wind turbines. Indeed, the data collected allows for better anticipation of hydrodynamic loads and improvement of design guidelines. For example, by integrating this new knowledge into simulation models, engineers can design structures capable of withstanding extreme marine conditions, which is particularly relevant for the coastal regions of West Africa, where storms can be frequent and violent. This could have a significant impact on the reliability and performance of wind turbines, thereby reducing long-term operating costs, which is essential for making these technologies economically viable.
However, further progress is still needed to accurately predict these forces. Florian Hulin's research underscores the need to continue investigations into the interaction between wave parameters and structural dynamics. This paves the way for innovations in the design of floating wind turbines, which could transform the maritime energy landscape. For instance, the integration of advanced composite materials or adaptive control systems could enable wind turbines to better adjust to variations in marine conditions, thus increasing their efficiency and durability.
In summary, this thesis makes significant contributions to the understanding of the effects of waves on floating offshore wind turbines. The strategic recommendations proposed could guide policymakers and engineers in optimizing these technologies, thereby promoting a sustainable energy transition. In a context where West Africa seeks to diversify its energy sources and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, floating wind turbines could play a key role. By investing in the research and development of these technologies, countries in the region could not only improve their energy security but also create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
Thus, the study of hydrodynamic loads induced by breaking wave impacts on floating offshore wind turbines is much more than a simple technical question. It represents a strategic issue for the energy future of many nations, particularly those with vast coastlines and untapped wind potential. By continuing to explore these complex interactions, we can hope to see innovative solutions emerge that will transform our approach to renewable energy while preserving the marine environment.
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Sources et accès
Florian Hulin. Experimental study of the hydrodynamic loads generated by breaking wave impacts on floating offshore wind turbines. Mechanics [physics.med-ph]. École Nationale Supérieure de Techniques Avancées Bretagne, 2024. English. ⟨NNT : 2024ENTA0004⟩. ⟨tel-04709649v2⟩