Posters

Abstract

The development of offshore wind farms requires detailed evaluations of wind, sea state, currents, and water level conditions, along with other environmental variables. Despite their interdependence, wind resource and metocean studies are often treated as separate disciplines, carried out by distinct specialists. Yield analysts focus on hub-height wind speeds, often disregarding surface wind and sea state, while metocean experts prioritize surface winds, waves, and currents, with limited attention to the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) and its influence on turbine behaviour and design load effects. Technically, wind across the ABL, sea state, and currents are deeply interlinked. Atmospheric stability affects wind-wave correlations and turbulence, and the relative importance of wind-sea and swell waves. Every offshore site presents a unique combination of these phenomena. Accurate characterization of these interactions through measurements and models is essential, yet there are currently no practical guidelines for aligning wind resource and metocean studies. This disconnect can lead to inefficiencies and uncertainties in yield predictions, fatigue load effect assessments, support structure design risk and project planning. To address this, we propose a simple, three-level framework for assessing and improving alignment between wind resource and metocean studies. The tool provides a structured approach for integrating these disciplines across key phases of project development, including measurement campaigns, modelling efforts, certification processes, investment and divestment decisions. The method is based on simple flow charts, Venn Diagrams and simple questionnaires. Using real-world examples, we illustrate how this decision tool effectively reduces uncertainties in yield predictions and turbine load assessments. The presentation will cover the following aspects: * Measurement Strategy: Evaluating the need for a wave buoy alongside floating lidars, aligning metocean and wind resource requirements (type of data, validation), and conducting cost-benefit analyses on measurement strategies.. * Wind Modelling Strategy: Exploring whether the same model should be used for wind resource and metocean hindcast studies, discussing the advantages and limitations of different approaches. * Wind Resource and Metocean Analyses: Assessing how modelling and measurement datasets influence correlations between wind and metocean variables critical for yield assessments and structural design. * Layout Design and Load Effects: Ensuring consistency between yield-based optimization studies, turbulence analyses used for wind farm design, and metocean considerations which impact foundation design and fabrication.  The quantifiable benefits of this framework include reduced risks associated with measurement campaign costs and timelines, improved certainty in energy yield estimates and load effects, and minimized certification risks. By fostering collaboration between wind resource and metocean experts, the framework ensures offshore wind projects are supported by unified, high-quality environmental data.