Effects of Control Strategies on the Dynamics of a 15-MW Semi-submersible Floating Wind Turbine: A Pywind-based Numerical Study

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Floating wind turbines (FWTs) are a key technology for deep-water wind energy exploitation, where control systems are essential to ensure both power stability and structural safety. However, the effects of advanced control strategies on system dynamics remain insufficiently understood. This study investigates the effects of advanced control strategies on the dynamic response of a 15-MW semi-submersible FWT. Firstly, this study introduces Pywind, an in-house developed fully coupled aero-hydro-servo-elastic simulation tool. Secondly, a detailed FWT model is established, consisting of a 15-MW wind turbine mounted on an independently designed three-column floating platform. Thirdly, comprehensive simulations are conducted under diverse operational scenarios. These include combinations of thrust peak shaving and floating feedback control strategies, as well as various environmental conditions representing typical offshore wind regimes. The simulations systematically evaluate the effectiveness of advanced control strategies in reducing structural loads while maintaining power stability. The results indicate that these strategies effectively reduce platform pitch motion and tower base loads while maintaining stable power output. The findings provide practical guidance for optimizing the design and control of large-scale floating wind turbines while validating Pywind’s reliability and efficiency as a simulation platform for floating wind turbine research.