Stabilization of Floating Wind Turbines: Experimental Insights into Moonpool Dynamics

Abstract

This article presents a series of experimental investigations conducted on small-scale floating wind turbine prototypes de-veloped by Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM) and barge-type platforms equipped with moonpools designed by theUniversidad del Pa ́ıs Vasco (UPV/EHU). The primary focus is on characterizing and identifying the natural dynamics of a barge-type floating wind turbine, moored by four catenary lines. A comparative analysis is carried out to evaluate the platform’sdynamic response under varying moonpool configurations—namely, open, closed, and passively or actively controlled oscillat-ing states. Furthermore, the potential of a gyroscopic actuator to mitigate platform oscillations and enhance system stability isexperimentally assessed. The results provide valuable insights into the role of internal fluid damping mechanisms and activecontrol strategies in improving the dynamic behavior of floating offshore wind systems.