Investigation of suitable site selection criteria for offshore wind turbine and application for Aegean coasts of Turkey

Wind energy has been used by human beings for various purposes for about 2000 years. The development process, which started with windmills converting wind energy into mechanical energy, continues with offshore wind turbines in the 21st century. In this study, the development of offshore wind turbines and the factors causing this development are evaluated. The eligible site selection criteria, which constitute the most important step in the design process of offshore wind turbines, have been examined in detail. The methods and engineering solutions used in choosing the appropriate location were evaluated. It is aimed to determine suitable areas for monopile foundation offshore wind turbines on the Aegean coasts, which have high potential in terms of offshore wind energy. In this context, wind data obtained from 14 meteorological stations close to the coast in the Aegean region were first analyzed with the WAsP Climate Analyst 3.1 program. Later, vector maps for regions suitable for wind speed were created with Global Mapper and WAsP Map Editor. Wind atlases were obtained by making the final analysis with the WAsP 12.3 program. Since monopile foundation offshore wind turbines can be applied up to 40 m sea depths, areas over 40 m sea depth have been eliminated. Forbidden areas (military training and shooting fields, no-diving areas, sea floor cable lines and ship routes) that pose a problem for offshore wind turbine placement have been identified and written on maps. Turbine layout has been made for suitable regions.