Seaweed production in the offshore environment has gained significant attention from commercial entities, research institutions, and government agencies in recent years due to the products and environmental impact that could be achieved if produced on mass. Simultaneously, the offshore wind industry in Australia has gained exceptional momentum in recent years with several offshore wind zones being developed along the south-east coastline. Co-locating seaweed production with offshore wind farms provides a realistic opportunity as offshore seaweed production requires significant surface area to grow, and the floating offshore wind turbine foundations may be installed several kilometres apart.
In order to develop co-located seaweed and offshore wind turbine farms that share infrastructure (moorings, anchors, etc), a detailed understanding of the hydrodynamic loading and interactions between the kelp and wind turbine structures is required.
This PhD project intends to systematically investigate the hydrodynamic interactions and loading conditions between offshore seaweed production facilities and floating offshore wind turbine structures. The primary methodology of this work involves model scale hydrodynamic experimentation of a floating offshore wind turbine foundation and an offshore mariculture production facility at the Australian Maritime College, University of Tasmania. The successful candidate will explore both fatigue related aspects of the co-located system in operational sea states and wave loading in extreme conditions. The candidate may also utilise numerical tools that would be validated using the experimental works to investigate solutions that look to improve the compatibility of the co-located system.
Upon completion, this work will provide BECRC industry and research partners with objective data and recommendations relevant to hydrodynamic interactions between offshore mariculture systems and floating offshore wind turbines.
Apply here.Â
