Wave run-up characterisation for a scale model semi-submersible floating WTG platform

During the development of floating offshore wind turbine generator (WTG) platforms, scale tank testing is conducted to validate modelled hydrodynamic interactions between the environment and the floater. This process is used to contribute to the front-end engineering design (FEED) and detailed design stages of the floating platform in order to develop a robust and cost-effective solution. However, wave run-up on the floating WTG platforms is difficult to predict with current modelling methods, which could lead to under-or over-engineered systems. Therefore this study presents initial experimental results from recent tank-testing at FloWave Ocean Energy Research Facility, at the University of Edinburgh, using a 1:50 scale model of the Stiesdal Offshore A/S TetraSub concept. This study includes measured wave run-up data captured in nine regular wave conditions where initial results compare normalised wave run-up (R/H), to scattering parameter, ka, and wave steepness, kH. This work aims to form the basis for future work developing semi-empirical modelling methods for predicting wave run-up of floating offshore WTG substructures.