Experimental analysis of the effect of waves on a floating wind turbine

The goal of this Thesis is to demonstrate, through experimentation, that
ocean waves have a positive effect on the performance of an offshore wind
turbine. A scale model wind turbine was placed into a wave tank that was
completely covered and fitted with a variable speed fan to create different wind
and wave conditions for testing. Through testing, different power coefficient vs.
tip speed ratio graphs were created and a change in power coefficient was
observed between steady operating conditions and operating conditions with
waves. The results show a promising increase in power production for offshore
wind turbines when allowed to operate with the induced motion caused by the
amplitude and frequency of water waves created.