As part of the European Wind Energy Master (EWEM) programme, a joint degree from TU Delft and NTNU, Thomas van Deursen completed his master's thesis in July 2024 in collaboration with SLPE and Smulders. The project investigated advanced methods to model hydrodynamic loads on large-scale monopiles more accurately, aiming to support improved fatigue assessments and material efficiency in offshore wind.

Research Objective

The thesis focused on introducing time-varying hydrodynamic coefficients that adapt to changing flow fields within irregular wave trains. This approach differs from the traditional use of constant coefficients, which does not fully capture the complexity of wave-structure interactions.

Method and Validation

Thomas developed the method in MATLAB, validated it using experimental data from the WAS-XL project, and implemented it into SLPE's internal software, MonoPoly. This allowed for realistic fatigue analysis based on project-specific inputs. In the project study, Thomas showed that the improved wave model led to reduction in the the fatigue damage by up to 0.7 per cent. When applied at scale, this reduction could represent millions of pounds saved in steel for offshore wind projects.

Industry-Academic Collaboration

Whilst officially contracted by Smulders, Thomas was supervised by Joe Hilton at SLPE, who provided weekly support and academic direction. Jaap Derks from Smulders offered practical guidance and arranged access to essential resources.

Why It Matters

Offshore wind is moving into deeper waters and working with larger turbines. XXL monopiles remain a cost-effective solution in this evolving landscape. By refining hydrodynamic modelling, this work supports smarter engineering decisions that extend the viability of bottom-founded solutions.

As wind energy pushes forward, collaborations like this one—between academic programmes, engineering firms, and industrial partners—will be key to unlocking more efficient, sustainable solutions.

Thesis title: "Study on Time-Varying Hydrodynamic Coefficients for Large-Scale Bottom-Founded Wind Turbines and Their Impact on Fatigue"

Available via: https://repository.tudelft.nl/file/File_25d4eb6e-3c0a-4855-b959-7ef0f0183d9a?preview=1