Integrated Design and Experimental–Numerical Validation of a 22 MW TLP FOWT

Tension leg platform (TLP) floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs) show strong potential for future commercial deployment for the advantages in global performance, cost efficiency, and economic spatial utilization. However, as system sizes expand and multi-source vibrations become more prominent, the integrated design and dynamic responses of the FOWT system grow increasingly complex. This research presents the design of a TLP foundation for a 22 MW FOWT and examines its dynamic response under extreme sea states via a combined numerical and experimental approach. An integrated numerical model of the TLP FOWT is established and subsequently calibrated using data obtained from a 1:64 scale physical model test in a wind-wave flume. By using the calibrated model, the reliability of the TLP FOWT was further validated through an extended Ultimate Limit State (ULS) analysis under a 50-year return period metocean data in the East China Sea. Numerical study demonstrates that the extreme motion responses under 50-year return period data comply with safe operational limits, and the safety factors meet standard specifications. Therefore, this study provides a systematic design scheme along with valuable model test data. These contributions serve as a critical reference for the design and research of future large-megawatt TLP FOWTs.