The primary objective of Task 56 (the Offshore Code Comparison Collaboration 7 Project – OC7) is to evaluate and enhance the predictive accuracy of modeling tools used in the design of offshore wind systems. Additionally, the project aims to propose effective strategies to achieve the highest attainable accuracy in these load predictions. The OC7 project will center its efforts on tackling three pivotal facets of wind turbine design, which help to address the outstanding Grand Challenges in the wind energy sector. By conquering these challenges, the project aspires to pave the way for the future wind power plant capable of providing cost-effective electricity supply. Emphasis will be placed on floating wind systems, acknowledging the heightened uncertainties in this realm, while also recognizing the substantial potential for cost reduction.

The proposed task will address the following key challenges:

• The evolution of innovative designs for floating wind structures transcends the conventional oil and gas substructures that initially shaped our hydrodynamic modeling theory. Adapting our modeling methodologies to facilitate more precise hydrodynamic load forecasts across the expansive design spectrum under consideration becomes paramount.
• As we grow the dimensions of wind turbines and optimize their configurations to reduce cost, the inherent flexibility of the floating support structure becomes more pronounced. It is imperative to incorporate this structural flexibility into our design capabilities and rigorously assess its implications for predicting loads at the individual member level, while also assessing its impact on global dynamics.
• Shifting from the perspective of isolated turbines to the holistic functioning of wind farms is imperative. Anticipating loads for any turbine within a wind farm becomes a necessity, especially as turbines experience wake effects from neighboring units. This is particularly pertinent for floating wind systems, where wake behavior takes on distinct characteristics.

The task will build off the success of the previous OC3-OC6 projects, which have been a recognized guiding force in the advancement of offshore wind energy design capabilities. Three fundamental work packages will be developed, aligned with the key challenges above.