Use of Gyro On Offshore Wind Turbine Platform to Enhance Energy Harvesting

Hybrid platforms are a promising architecture in innovative energy scenario for the minimization of the cost of offshore marine renewable installations and for reducing the variability of the power output. This article models and discusses the installation of a 5 MW wind turbine on a floating platform designed by Fincantieri and equipped with gyroscopic stabilization. Gyros will provide platform stabilization by damping the wave and wind induced motion on the floater and at the same time producing extra power. A reference site on the Shetland Island with particular harsh weather is chosen. Results show how the gyro can produce a considerable amount of power in moderate and medium climate conditions.