Date of Award

3-10-2021

Publication Type

Master Thesis

Degree Name

M.A.Sc.

Department

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Keywords

Distributed energy, Financial model, Floating structure, Offshore dynamics, Offshore wind, Wind energy

Supervisor

Rupp Carriveau

Supervisor

Lindsay Miller

Rights

info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess

Abstract

The demand for energy is continuously increasing, but the ability to meet it is becoming challenging. Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) will be key players in the future energy mix. This work considers innovations in DERs, and key factors in their developments. This thesis first presents an analysis of the best options for Canada’s involvement in the offshore wind scene. It compared three different scenarios which considered drivers, barriers, support, incentives, and technology advancements. The most favorable scenario is to export Canadian expertise, as the country’s experience in the offshore oil and gas industry can be transferred to offshore wind projects. Installation in Canadian waters is suggested only after developing further understanding of requirements in similar waters. This research also includes the results and analysis of a 1:150 scaled experimental study on the dynamics of a floating offshore platform model under extreme wind conditions. Four configurations were tested under straight wind (ABL), tornado (TLV), and downburst (DB) conditions. It was observed that motions varied greatly when the platforms were subjected to different wind conditions. In general, the TLV and DB flows caused the greatest instability and loosely moored platforms experienced movements of higher magnitude and frequency than tightly moored ones. A major factor in any new project is the financial aspect and business case associated. The final study completed within this thesis is the generation and analysis of a 30-year financial model of a carbon neutral microgrid. Case and location specific factors are considered as well as non-monetary benefits. Ontario-specific policies and incentives are also discussed, and it is determined that presently, they are a major factor in the feasibility of a large microgrid project such as the one presented here.

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