This sub-project focuses on the fluid-structure-soil interaction with marine physics and its relevance for hydro- and morphodynamic load assessments.

In order to ensure the sustainable design and operation of OWPs, a robust assessment and prediction of these interactions and the associated loads on foundation structures is required. Hydrodynamic loads as a result of breaking waves and tidal currents as well as erosion processes in the vicinity of turbines must be taken into account in impact assessments and design approaches.

To this end, measurement campaigns are being developed and current and wave measurements are being carried out in the vicinity of offshore wind turbines.

The effects of altered spatial current and wave fields on the marine environment and biodiversity are being investigated.

Changes in hydrodynamics, water quality, stratification and sediment transport are analysed.

To record these processes, both short-term and long-term as well as event-driven measurement strategies are planned and implemented as part of sea-going measurement campaigns.

An acoustic model is to be developed that includes all relevant sound sources in the life cycle of a wind farm.

The resulting model will then be coupled with a hydrodynamic model of the North Sea and thus enable precise determination of noise scenarios under external environmental conditions and wind turbine operating conditions. To validate the model, extensive underwater noise measurements will be carried out in the vicinity of an offshore wind turbine in operation.

Scenario-based What-IF simulations are used to analyse the cumulative effects of individual and multiple wind farms during installation, operation and decommissioning, taking into account future climate change forecasts and operating options on marine physics and the environment.