The focus of this Topic Area is to enhance 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 of the subtopics is Subtopic 1a, which concentrates on refining and innovating floating platform design, manufacturing, and deployment processes. This will include research, development, and testing activities targeted at enhancing 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 is Subtopic 1b, which focuses 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 objective 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