Hydrodynamic characteristics of a novel towerless floating wind turbine integrated with wave energy converters.

This article focuses on the design and hydrodynamic performance evaluation of a novel towerless floating wind turbine (TFW) integrated with three wave energy converters (WECs) via hinge joints to enhance system stability and survivability in extreme sea states. Using a viscous corrected panel method (MPT) for numerical simulations, the study compares the TFW’s responses to those of the traditional DeepCwind floating wind turbine platform under operational and abnormal wave conditions, finding that the TFW exhibits reduced pitch motion, lower mooring tensions, and shorter decaying response durations, indicating improved stability and survivability. Integration with hinged WECs further suppresses surge and heave motions and reduces mooring loads, although increasing power-takeoff (PTO) damping to enhance stability can decrease wave energy capture efficiency. The study notes limitations such as the TFW’s fixed facing direction and the exclusion of aerodynamic forces, suggesting future research on combined wind-wave effects and abnormal wave periods.