Corrosion modelling of welded joints of wind power facilities

Abstract

Corrosion problems in offshore wind power plants are a significant contributor to operation and maintenance (O&M) costs, typically around 15–30 percent of the total life cycle costs. Corrosion can degrade the structural material, contribute to fatigue cracking, brittle failure, and unstable failure, and the integrity of the entire structure can be significantly compromised. In the literature, there are many numerical simulations of the growth of pits and cracks in seawater under the influence of mechanical loads. Computer modeling allows quick assessment of the corrosion processes development; however, most software packages have limitations when building models. To study the corrosion processes of wind power plants, it is suggested to use modeling in COMSOL Multiphysics followed by its correction using experimentally measured electrochemical parameters in order to quickly assess the impact of changes in environmental parameters on the speed of corrosion processes and to identify areas of the structure that require additional protection and regular monitoring. In the future, combining field and experimental studies with computer modeling of corrosion processes is necessary.