A Surrogate Model for Hydrodynamic Loads on Offshore Monopiles

Abstract

[Abstract] Wind-turbine systems face significant design challenges posed by complex environmental conditions, including wind, waves, current, and their interactions. In this study, we utilized the open-source solver OpenFOAM to develop a fully coupled hydrodynamic model simulating the effects of both waves and currents on offshore monopiles. Validation against experimental data and theoretical predictions using the Morison equation indicated good agreement. Current contributed significantly to the average hydrodynamic load, while waves were the dominant source of unsteady loads. The wave load increased proportionally with amplitude, and wave run-up caused greater fluctuations in hydrodynamic loads when wave heights exceeded 0.12 m. The validated computational model serves as a high-fidelity tool for developing surrogate models that capture variations in monopile geometry and environmental conditions, thus promoting more efficient and cost-effective offshore wind-turbine design.