Abstract
In the present report elaborated testing practices are presented which are applied at MaRINET research facilities in different fields of offshore wind system experimental testing. The results aim for the development of references for harmonisation of testing practices between different facilities. To this end specific methodologies, adoptable instrumentation as well as data processing methods are identified.
To cover a wide field of research activities the report includes respective elaborations of testing practices from all partners in the MaRINET consortium which are involved in the offshore wind system standardisation and normalization task. References for testing practices where collated in cases where common fields of research are covered by different institutions of the consortium.
In chapters 2 to 4 experimental assessment methodologies for three significant technical issues regarding support structures of offshore wind turbines are covered. Firstly, tests on material fatigue of steel components are covered on the example of large sized bolts, as they are commonly used in ring flange connections. Secondly, assessment procedures for pile foundations under cyclic loading are given, which consider structure-soil interactions. Finally, for investigations on scour phenomena of the soil at the foundation piles as well as protection systems against scour exemplary testing procedures on small as well as large scale models are presented.
Additionally to experimental investigations on support structures in chapter 5 reviews are given about further research activities on offshore wind system components, which are conducted at MaRINET research institutions. Focus is directed to research objectives, applicable instrumentations and test facilities as well as data presentation. Research topics treated are the analysis of wind field behaviour and wake interactions, aerodynamic aerofoils design as well as validation of loading conditions in full model tests.