Research on floating wind turbines: A literature survey

This article presents a literature survey of research and development on floating wind turbines. The various, proposed conceptual designs for floating platforms used for floating wind turbines are described and the working principles of these various floater concepts are outlined. This is followed by an overview of the research work that has been undertaken pertaining to floating wind turbine technology by several research institutes and the academic community. The research work undertaken to date is reviewed categorically according to the proposed floater concept (spar-buoy type, TLP type, semi-submersible type, pontoon type and others) as per sections 3-7. Based on the research work undertaken thus far, recommendations for future work are suggested. © 2010 The Institution of Engineers, Singapore.