The 400-megawatt Rampion offshore wind farm – located approximately eight miles (13 km) offshore from Brighton, East Sussex – is the first wind farm off the south coast of the United Kingdom. Upon completion, it could supply the equivalent amount of electricity needed to power up to 300,000 homes.
Accurate and reliable information on wind, waves, and tides at the Rampion site are vital for determining the design of wind turbine and substation foundations. As part of this process, DHI established an 18-year database of Metocean conditions at the site.
Modelled wind, water levels and currents were based on an existing model database that we maintained, while a local high-resolution spectral wave model was also constructed for the study. Additionally, an extensive model validation exercise was performed to assess the model database for accuracy and consistency.
Using the database, we carried out detailed analyses of normal and extreme conditions for the foundation design. Joint probabilities of Metocean parameters were also performed according to technical guidance issued by certifying bodies.
This project was delivered to the foundation designers LIC Energy through collaboration between DHI offices in the United Kingdom, Sweden, Germany and Denmark.