Energies 17 06006
Energies 17 06006
Energies 17 06006
Abstract: The construction process of offshore wind farms involves multiple complexities, which is
very complex to be scheduled manually, and the coordinating and optimized scheduling not only
decreases project construction costs but also increases the construction speed. The impact of mete-
orological conditions on offshore wind power construction has been considered, and optimizing
resource-allocation strategies under complex influencing factors has been analyzed. Then, a com-
prehensive strategy optimization index system is developed, which includes key indicators, such as
the minimum working hours, resource-allocation-optimization rate, window period utilization rate,
and cost–benefit ratio. Additionally, an offshore wind power resource-allocation-optimization
model is formulated based on discrete event simulation (DES). A statistical analysis of each optimi-
zation index was performed using this model to assess the impact of resource-allocation strategies.
The simulation results demonstrate that the model can not only simulate the construction process
of offshore wind farms and monitor the state of wind turbines, personnel, and meteorological con-
ditions in real time but also accurately calculate key indicators, such as the minimum working hours,
resource-allocation-optimization rate, window period utilization rate, and cost–benefit ratio. This
Citation: Wu, N.; He, R.; Jin, C.; Xu,
Y.; Pan, G.; Qi, L. Research on the
strategy effectively enhances resource-allocation efficiency during the wind farm installation phase
Resource Allocation Optimization and improves the overall construction process efficiency.
Strategy for Offshore Wind Power
Construction Considering Complex Keywords: offshore wind power; influential factors; resource allocation; strategy optimization;
Influencing Factors. Energies 2024, discrete event simulation
17, 6006. https://doi.org/10.3390/
en17236006
offshore wind power construction under complex influencing factors to accelerate wind
farm development and enhance the economic benefits of these projects.
The optimization of resource-allocation strategies for offshore wind power construc-
tion is a crucial means to achieve cost reduction and improve the efficiency of offshore
wind farms. Consequently, many scholars, both domestically and internationally, have
conducted extensive research in this area. Zhao et al. [15] proposed a cloud-edge-end col-
laboration framework enhanced by Internet of Things (IoT) technology. To assess the eco-
nomic feasibility of the novel foundation applied to offshore wind projects, a full life cycle
economic assessment model for offshore wind projects was developed. Wu et al. [16],
using a 300 MW offshore wind farm as a case study, evaluated the whole-life-cycle eco-
nomic benefits of the new pile-friction ring composite foundation by calculating the con-
struction cost and key economic indicators during the operational phase of the wind farm.
Santos et al. [17,18] proposed a maritime project vessel planning method based on mete-
orological uncertainty, using a discrete simulation and genetic algorithms, which ensures
the stable operation of maritime projects while saving costs. Scholz et al. [19] proposed a
mathematical model based on which an optimal ship construction scheduling table is cal-
culated using weather forecast data to optimize the delivery of components for dockside
WTGs; Abderrahim et al. [20] addressed the issue of planning the overall installation of
an offshore wind farm by developing a mathematical model to generate a mid-term plan-
ning schedule for project evaluation, aimed at reducing the total project costs. Venkitachalam
et al. [21] conducted a construction planning simulation of the installation process for subma-
rine cables in wind farms, and to enhance the realism of the simulation, uncertain variables
were incorporated into the model to investigate their impact on the installation process.
These studies have provided a valuable reference for resource allocation in offshore
wind power construction. Significant progress has been made in promoting the develop-
ment of offshore wind farms, yet systematic research in this field remains insufficient. In
particular, the optimization of offshore wind power construction strategies is particularly
crucial in addressing weather uncertainties. Therefore, this study aims to conduct a com-
prehensive assessment of the complex factors influencing the resource-allocation process
in offshore wind power construction and to perform an in-depth analysis of this process.
To optimize resource allocation in offshore wind farm construction, this study establishes
an evaluation index system and constructs a planning model. The model simulates the
construction progress and completion of each task, considering the impact of weather and
human resources. By doing so, it aims to enhance construction efficiency and reduce costs.
other relevant dimensions. The process classification and descriptions are shown in Table
1.
A logical sequence exists between the processes. For example, the transportation of
the tower must be completed before it can be barged and lifted. Furthermore, the inter-
ruptibility of the process plays a critical role; if an interruptible process is delayed by ex-
ternal factors, it must be completed in sections based on minimum working hours. Delays
occur randomly, and the Poisson distribution is typically used to model the probability of
process delays.
Equipment
Vessel Crane
Attributes
Load Capacity/(kg) — —
Wave Resistance/(m/s) 𝐻𝑆 𝐻𝑆
Wind Resistance/m 𝑉𝑆 𝑉𝑆
Cost 𝐺𝐴 𝐺𝐴
Maximum Speed (m/s) —
3. Resource-Allocation-Optimization Indicators
3.1. Minimum Working Hours
In offshore wind projects, the minimum working hours are a key scheduling param-
eter that determines the minimum time that each process can work after it has started.
This metric has a direct impact on construction interruptibility and efficiency. For pro-
cesses that can be started and stopped flexibly, such as material transportation, the mini-
mum working hours are typically shorter. This means that if unfavorable conditions are
encountered, these processes can be adjusted quickly without significant resource wast-
age. For processes that require continuous operation, such as blade lifting, longer mini-
mum working hours are necessary to ensure construction quality and safety. In this way,
the construction time can be effectively managed by the construction team to ensure that
requirements are met while maximizing resource efficiency.
Simulation process
Weather factors
Start
Resource
Temperature Set up project Human
configuration resources
Set up project
configuration
Rainfall Weather Transportatio
limitations resource n resources
Select process constraints
Low-altitude simulation
Hoisting
wind resources
Exclude other
High-altitude influences
wind Remaining effects
End Supply
Wave delay
Operational
duration flexibility
.
.
.
the remaining time in a day is insufficient to complete the process, construction will be
halted. The weather design module within the simulation system is presented in Figure 2.
The cost structure of offshore wind projects is complex, and the project cost structure
is defined by the system as labor costs, equipment lease, operational costs, and other ex-
penses. According to the report “Cost Composition of Offshore Wind Power Construction
(2022),” construction and installation costs account for about 35% of the total cost, while
equipment lease operational costs account for about 50% of the construction and installa-
tion costs, with an installed capacity of 100 MW for the offshore wind power project. The
daily equipment lease operational cost is 1.4 million yuan. Other costs include sea area
acquisition, offshore booster stations, high-voltage sea cables, interest, and insurance ex-
penses, which account for about 10%. These additional costs amount to 496,000 yuan.
In summary, the daily cost for the offshore wind power project is approximately 1.93
million yuan. The expected construction time is 36 days, while the simulation system in-
dicates that it only takes 23 days. From this, the CBR is calculated to be 0.638. A CBR value
Energies 2024, 17, 6006 8 of 9
less than 1 indicates that the actual cost of the project is lower than the expected cost,
suggesting that the project has good economic benefits.
5. Conclusions
The construction of offshore wind farms is characterized by high investment costs,
long construction periods, high construction difficulty, and vulnerability to environmen-
tal factors, making it challenging to plan the construction process and coordinate resource
allocation in advance for offshore wind power projects. This paper conducts an in-depth
study of the optimization of resource-allocation strategies for offshore wind power con-
struction and establishes a resource-allocation-strategy model based on a discrete event-
simulation platform. This model accounts for various complex influencing factors while
finely managing the construction process. It addresses the difficulty of establishing a pre-
cise long-term construction plan during the pre-construction phase of offshore wind farms
and provides guidance for the allocation of project construction resources.
The model can objectively and effectively evaluate the required manpower, material
resources, and time needed for each task, generating predictive results that optimize re-
source scheduling during wind farm installation and improve overall efficiency. Data
show that the resource-allocation efficiency and economic benefits can be significantly im-
proved by implementing the optimization strategy. The utilization rate of the window
period reached 91.6%, the optimization rate of resource allocation increased by 36%, and
the cost–benefit ratio was 0.638, indicating that the actual cost of the project is lower than
expected, resulting in better economic outcomes. A scientific and effective solution is pro-
vided by this study for optimizing resource-allocation strategies in offshore wind power
construction, which holds significant theoretical and practical value for accelerating wind
farm construction and enhancing economic benefits.
Author Contributions: Conceptualization, N.W.; Methodology, R.H., C.J. and G.P.; Software, R.H.
and Y.X.; Validation, C.J.; Resources, N.W.; Writing—original draft, Y.X.; Writing—review & editing,
L.Q.; Visualization, N.W.; Supervision, G.P.; Project administration, R.H. All authors have read and
agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Funding: This research was funded by the National Key Research and Development Program of
China [Grant No. 2017YFA0700300] and the Zhejiang Province Key Research and Development Pro-
gram [Grant No. 2022C01244].
Data Availability Statement: The data that support the findings of this study are available from the
corresponding author, Y.X., upon reasonable request.
Conflicts of Interest: Authors Ning Wu, Rongrong He and Chunwei Jin were employed by the com-
pany PowerChina HuaDong Engineering Corp., Ltd. The remaining authors declare that the re-
search was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be con-
strued as a potential conflict of interest.
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