Energy
This case highlights how simulation and modelling expertise of researchers in the Department of Management Science provided companies operating in the offshore wind industry with a mechanism to support decisions with a financial consequence in the order of £30M. In addition to the immediate financial benefits for the companies involved, this case highlights a development in the process of reducing the costs of offshore wind as an energy source.
Who was involved?
This project brought together expertise from industry and academia with companies operating in the offshore wind industry involved. Industry experts from each company worked closely with researchers from the Department of Management Science and the Department of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Marine Engineering to investigate the potential for reduced costs and improved efficiencies during the installation phase of an offshore wind farm.
What was involved?
Offshore wind farms are progressing to larger sites located further offshore in deeper waters, where offshore operations are subject to harsh environmental conditions. There is limited industry experience with the size and location of these new developments, and it is essential to pursue cost-efficient installation scenarios to minimise the lifetime costs of a site and ensure that the maturing offshore wind industry is competitive with traditional energy sources.
How we helped?
The aim of the project was to provide a means to support the key logistical decisions which comprise an installation scenario for an offshore wind farm. Specifically, our key objective was to develop a tool which would enable decision makers to evaluate the comparative advantages and disadvantages of alternative logistical decisions. This included decision support on the selection and use of the specialist installation vessels which are required to install the key assets on an offshore wind farm, the selection and use of ports to support vessel operations, and the scheduling of the offshore installation campaign.
What did we do?
A logical model of the installation process was developed, which captured the sequence of operations required to install each of the key assets and the relationship between these operations across the different types of asset. A simulation tool was then developed to model the progress of the installation under a set of potential weather conditions. The simulation tool was developed in conjunction with an accessible user-interface, which enabled end-users with limited programming experience to deploy the tool.
Both tools were developed in conjunction with an accessible user-interface, which enabled end-users with limited programming experience to deploy the tool.
Future engagement
Since the completion of this project, one industry partner is currently employing the simulation tool to support contracting negotiations with offshore installation contractors. Future collaborations will involve development of similar tools in other renewable areas, including tidal energy.
