Lifetime extension of offshore support structures of wind turbines: A review
Esmaeil Zavvar, Paulo Rosa-Santos, Francisco Taveira-Pinto, Elyas Ghafoori
Abstract
The support structures of offshore wind turbines (OWTs) play a crucial role in ensuring their stability and performance, often enduring harsh environmental conditions that can reduce their operational lifespan. Extending the life of OWT support structures is essential to improving the cost-effectiveness and sustainability of wind energy. This paper reviews the various strategies and technologies for extending the lifetime of OWT, including advanced monitoring systems, maintenance techniques, structural reinforcements, material enhancements, and lifetime extension methods, with main focus on structural parts. It also examines the economic and environmental benefits of life extension and provides an analysis of the current state of research in this field. A comprehensive review is presented, offering a detailed insight into advancements and challenges in extending the operational life of support structures for OWTs. • Lifetime extension of offshore support structures were comprehensively reviewed. • Most relevant technologies for lifetime extension were presented. • Economic perspective, maintenance, monitoring, and methods for offshore structures reviewed and gaps identified. • Several relevant challenges have been identified that require extensive investigation. • Opportunities for future investigation on lifetime extension of offshore structures were highlighted.