CENER launches “cenerFOAM”, high-fidelity simulation for floating wind.
CENER presents cenerFOAM a new high-fidelity simulation software that makes offshore wind technology, floating in particular, safer and more competitive. The software uses CFD technology to simulate and improve the understanding of the behaviour of the floating wind turbine in different conditions of sea, wind and energy production.
Floating wind turbines are reaching the water. Several prototypes are already at sea and many more will be launched in the coming months. The developers of these technologies have been working on their designs for years and face the ultimate test in the open sea. The stakes are high, and any modifications after manufacturing will be extremely expensive, in time and cost.
For that reason, CENER has simplified the highest fidelity simulation technology to better serve offshore wind. CenerFOAM is a tool based on OpenFOAM that helps the user throughout the simulation process: mesh the geometry, define the case studies, simulate with a computational cost adjusted to the application and post-process the information.
The software allows obtaining the variables and constants that characterize the hydrodynamic behaviour. This validated method provides specific functionalities for offshore wind:
- Easily assess designs and compare modifications, both for the entire platform and for sections or components.
- Simulate multiple scenarios, free fall and regular and irregular waves in test channel (virtual test laboratory).
- Simulate operating conditions, such as weathervaning (turning over its moorings) or towing (carrying from port to site).
The tool keeps improving and innovating with new functionalities, soon also coupling the aerodynamic loads and control of the wind turbine.
Better data for better decisions.
Vortex shedding in heave plate under forced vertical movement
Pressure field over fixed platform due to incident regular waves
Velocity field on free surface