Space@Sea

Space@Sea

Status

ongoing

Scientists

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Bettar Ould el Moctar
Grusche Seithe M.Sc.

Project Description

As a result of new developments of ocean usage such as renewable energy, farming and housing, the demand for affordable deck space at sea is increasing. A sustainable and cost-effective platform to operate safely at sea is required. Therefore, the Space@Sea project introduces a floating concept, consisting of multiple coupled floaters, suitable for deeper waters. Further, it can be relocated if needed. The overall goal is the development of a sustainable and affordable workspace at sea by developing a standardised and cost efficient modular island with low ecological impact.

Existing knowledge from the maritime industry is considered. However there are still some novel challenges to be addressed. For example, the multi-body interaction of a large number of floaters needs to be investigated. Smart mooring systems are required for cost efficient and safe station keeping of the structures. The Space@Sea consortium is facing the challenge of designing floating systems that are larger than ever built before.

Space At Sea
Fig 1: Initial floating concept

The University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE) contributes to this project by developing, validating and applying numerical methods in the following fields:

  • Extension of existing numerical methods for the simulation of multibody dynamics in waves.
  • Development of complex mooring simulation technologies that are suitable for the introduced floater concept to predict the articulation forces.
  • Numerical prediction of motions and loads of the floater including the effect of structural dynamics and articulation forces.
  • The UDE is responsible for identifying and determining the limiting criteria using the developed numerical methods.
  • The detailed design will be assessed in terms of structural integrity, motions and relative motions to identify critical sea states.
Funding

Eu-logo Funded by the European Commission