Using Finite Element Analysis for the Design of a Modular Offshore Macroalgae Farm

A dynamic numerical modeling approach was used to inform the design process and economic analysis for an offshore kelp farm with a modular structure designed to scale to 1,000 hectares. This modeling approach incorporated finite-element representations of kelp aggregates and was implemented using the software OrcaFlex. А sequence of dynamic loading scenarios corresponding to extreme events observed in the Gulf of Maine (North Atlantic) was developed and implemented in numerical simulations. The simulations were used to predict the overall dynamic response of the considered modular offshore kelp farm and estimate the highest tensions in various farm components including the anchor lines. Both regular and random wave loadings were considered. It was shown that utilization of regular (monochromatic) wave model can lead to significant overprediction of expected tensions and overdesign of the structure under investigation. Identification of the appropriate worst-case loading scenarios allowed for the well justified specification of the farm components and a subsequent techno-economic analysis.