Review of integrated installation technologies for offshore wind turbines: Current progress and future development trends

As one of the fastest-growing renewable energy sources, wind power is promoting the global primary energy structure to accelerate towards the direction of cleanliness and low-carbon. Considering that the construction and installation cost of an offshore wind power foundation account for 35%-55% of the development cost of an offshore wind farm, the innovation in foundation forms and their installation technologies is of great significance. In this paper, more than 280 works on the topic of offshore wind turbine installation processes are reviewed, the latest progress and development trend in this field are summarized. The integrated installation technology based on a wide and shallow suction bucket foundation is focused, which has already been widely commercialized. First, three kinds of installation method are described, including the component installation method, partially integrated installation method, and integrated installation method. Second, the existing floating wind turbine infrastructures and their installation methods are summarized, respectively. Third, from the aspects of force mechanism, design principle, control method, monitoring results and economy, the integrated floating and installation technology based on the wide and shallow suction bucket foundation is analyzed comprehensively. Finally, the technical challenges in the future are discussed, and the latest research progress in possible solutions is introduced. This review aims to provide reference for the design of offshore wind power foundations and the development of integrated installation technology.

Automated summary

Wind power is driving the global energy structure towards cleanliness and low-carbon as one of the fastest-growing renewable energy sources. This paper reviews over 280 works on offshore wind turbine installation processes and summarizes the latest progress and development trend in this field. It focuses on the integrated installation technology based on a wide and shallow suction bucket foundation. The paper describes different installation methods, summarizes existing floating wind turbine infrastructures and their installation methods, and comprehensively analyzes the integrated floating and installation technology based on the wide and shallow suction bucket foundation. The paper also discusses future technical challenges and introduces the latest research progress in possible solutions.