Clara Matutano

Bio: Clara Matutano is an academic researcher from Technical University of Madrid. The author has contributed to research in topics: Offshore wind power & Legislation. The author has an hindex of 6, co-authored 8 publications receiving 186 citations.

Offshore Wind Foundation Design: Some Key Issues

Abstract: Despite the growth of the offshore wind industry, there are currently doubts relating to the design of wind facilities in the sea. This paper expounds current, already identified structural uncertainties: problems for soil characterization and transition piece (TP) design. This document also introduces new doubts or issues to be researched in the near future in this field (wave theory, scour process, wave load actions, scale difficulty, etc.), not as yet identified due to the scarce experience in the offshore wind industry. With this in mind, technical offshore wind standards related to foundation design have been reviewed.

Dimensionless wave height parameter for preliminary design of scour protection in offshore wind farms

Abstract: Matutano, C., Negro, V., Lopez-Gutierrez, J.S., Esteban, M.D. and del Campo, J.M, 2013. Dimensionless wave height parameter for preliminary design of scour protection in offshore wind farms The scour phenomenon jeopardizes the operating capacity of offshore structures since it compromises their stability. The study of this phenomenon in the field of offshore wind farms began few years ago. Considering that these structures are subjected to waves, currents and tides. This article describes the results of an investigation aimed at the analysis methods used in the design of the protections against scour phenomenon on offshore wind farms in transitional waters, using medium and large diameter monopile type deep foundations. In order to do this, a thorough review of those premises was performed, from one of the first experiences in 1991 (Denmark), to the recently implemented and proposed in the UK, defining its main characteristics (acting maritime climate, the correlation between wave height and peri...

An analysis of recent changes in Spanish Coastal Law

Abstract: Negro, V., Lopez-Gutierrez, J.S., Esteban, M.D., Matutano, C., 2014. An analysis of recent changes in Spanish Coastal Law. In: Green, A.N. and Cooper, J.A.G. (eds.), Proceedings 13th International Coastal Symposium (Durban, South Africa), Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 70, pp. 448–453, ISSN 0749-0208. Spanish coastal legislation has changed in response to changing circumstances. The objective of the 1969 Spanish Coastal Law was to assign responsibilities in the Public Domain to the authorities. The 1980 Spanish Coastal Law addressed infractions and sanctions issues. The 1988 Spanish Coastal Law completed the responsibilities and sanctions aspects and included others related to the delimitation of the Public Domain, the private properties close to the Public Domain, and limitations on landuse in this area. The 1988 Spanish Coastal Law has been controversial since its publication. The “European Parliament Report on the impact of extensive urbanization in Spain on individual rights o...

Foundations of offshore wind turbines: A review

Abstract: Offshore wind is a source of clean, renewable energy of great potential value to the power industry in the context of a low carbon society. Rapid development of offshore wind energy depends on a good understanding of technical issues related to offshore wind turbines, which is spurring ongoing research and development programmes. Foundations of offshore wind turbines present one of the main challenges in offshore wind turbine design. This paper reviews the present state of knowledge concerning geotechnical and structural issues affecting foundation types under consideration for the support structures of offshore wind turbines, and provides recommendations for future research and development.

Evaluation and comparison of the levelized cost of tidal, wave, and offshore wind energy

Abstract: In the current context of environmental degradation and depletion of fossil fuels, marine energy has emerged as an alternative to traditional energy resources. However, being in an initial step of development, extracting energy from the ocean is often regarded as difficult and uneconomical. The existing models for assessing marine energy costs are often oversimplified, leading to uncertainties that may hold investors back and slow down the market penetration of this renewable. Therefore, an accurate prediction of marine energy costs is fundamental to drawing conclusions about its competitiveness. Among the different possibilities of marine energy, this paper focuses on the economic analysis of tidal, wave, and offshore wind energy. The individual costs involved in the construction of these offshore energy parks and operation and maintenance tasks during their lifetime are determined. With this information, the levelized cost (€/MW h) is calculated for offshore wind, wave and tidal energy (€165/MW h, €225/MW h and €190/MW h, respectively). It is found that these renewables have a higher energy cost than traditional energy sources; however, considering factors such as the learning rate or externalities enhances their competitiveness. In the second part of this paper, combined energy systems, such as hybrid converters, are presented as a future solution to boost the development of marine energies. The synergies between these renewables are outlined, as well as the cost savings that can be achieved through diversified energy systems.