Study on Trimaran Floating Platform of 200 kW Marine Current Turbine Converter

Driven by climate change, Indonesia has committed to a 30% greenhouse gas emission reduction target towards Net Zero Emission (NZE). One approach is utilizing trimaran platforms for ocean current turbine-based renewable energy systems. Studies state that trimaran technology has advantages in stability, durability, and deck space. Research on the design of a Vertical Axis Ocean Current Turbine (VAOCT) trimaran platform is under development. However, hydrostatic and hydrodynamic analyses remain limited. This study investigates the hydrostatic and the hydrodynamic performance of a trimaran platform for ocean current turbines, focusing on resistance characteristics and static stability under varying loading scenarios, particularly when lifting all the turbines above the deck during maintenance operations. A combined approach of numerical simulations and physical model testing has been employed to ensure accurate and validated assessments. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations, supported by grid convergence analysis, have provided resistance predictions across a range of Froude numbers. The results have been validated against towing tank tests, yielding a similar trend in the resistance curve and an acceptable Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) of 18.89%, with higher deviations observed at low velocities (Fn < 0.14). Stability evaluations, performed under IMO MSC.36(63) criteria, have confirmed that the platform meets intact stability requirements in both transverse and longitudinal directions across all the tested conditions. The trimaran offers enhanced stability, but the increased center of gravity during turbine retrieval reduces it, requiring caution.