Impact of Sea Ice Loads on Global Dynamics of Offshore Wind Turbines

Support structures for offshore wind turbines (OWTs) are designed and certified site-specific based on the calculated load effects. These load effects originate from static, cyclic, stochastic, and transient loads from the met-ocean environment and rotating components of the wind turbine. The met-ocean environment of the Baltic Sea accounts for variable wind and marine conditions. Sea ice is part of marine conditions which - among others - should be included in the design process of OWT support structures. The load analysis and design of OWTs, including its components, rely on the time-domain based, coupled aero-hydro-servo-elastic simulation tools. Only this approach can provide an accurate prediction of the OWT dynamic response. Dynamic interaction between an OWT and external loads - including ice loads - cannot be disregareded as it may result in considerable loss of accuracy. A proper understanding of sea ice impact on the global dynamics of OWTs - involving the fully-integrated simulation approach - is necessary within the offshore wind research community, industry, and certification authorities.