Evaluating the influence of a high-fidelity generator model on the gearbox dynamic responses of wind turbines

2021 ◽  
Vol 35 (12) ◽  
pp. 5273-5285
Author(s):  
Yunpeng Zhou ◽  
Chengwu Lee
Author(s):  
Marco Masciola ◽  
Xiaohong Chen ◽  
Qing Yu

As an alternative to the conventional intact stability criterion for floating offshore structures, known as the area-ratio-based criterion, the dynamic-response-based intact stability criteria was initially developed in the 1980s for column-stabilized drilling units and later extended to the design of floating production installations (FPIs). Both the area-ratio-based and dynamic-response-based intact stability criteria have recently been adopted for floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs). In the traditional area-ratio-based criterion, the stability calculation is quasi-static in nature, with the contribution from external forces other than steady wind loads and FOWT dynamic responses captured through a safety factor. Furthermore, the peak wind overturning moment of FOWTs may not coincide with the extreme storm wind speed normally prescribed in the area-ratio-based criterion, but rather at the much smaller rated wind speed in the power production mode. With these two factors considered, the dynamic-response-based intact stability criterion is desirable for FOWTs to account for their unique dynamic responses and the impact of various operating conditions. This paper demonstrates the implementation of a FOWT intact stability assessment using the dynamic-response-based criterion. Performance-based criteria require observed behavior or quantifiable metrics as input for the method to be applied. This is demonstrated by defining the governing load cases for two conceptual FOWT semisubmersible designs at two sites. This work introduces benchmarks comparing the area-ratio-based and dynamic-response-based criteria, gaps with current methodologies, and frontier areas related to the wind overturning moment definition.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peng Chen ◽  
Changhong Hu ◽  
Zhiqiang Hu

Abstract Artificial intelligence (AI) brings a new solution to overcome the challenges of Floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs) to better predict the dynamic responses with intelligent strategies. A new AI-based software-in-the-loop method, named SADA is introduced in this paper for the prediction of dynamic responses of FOWTs, which is proposed based on an in-house programme DARwind. DARwind is a coupled aero-hydro-servo-elastic in-house program for FOWTs, and a reinforcement learning method with exhaust algorithm and deep deterministic policy gradient (DDPG) are embedded in DARwind as an AI module. Firstly, the methodology is introduced with the selection of Key Disciplinary Parameters (KDPs). Secondly, Brute-force Method and DDPG algorithms are adopted to changes the KDPs’ values according to the feedback of 6DOF motions of Hywind Spar-type platform through comparing the DARwind simulation results and those of basin experimental data. Therefore, many other dynamic responses that cannot be measured in basin experiment can be predicted in good accuracy with SADA method. Finally, the case study of SADA method was conducted and the results demonstrated that the mean values of the platform’s motions can be predicted with higher accuracy. This proposed SADA method takes advantage of numerical-experimental method, basin experimental data and the machine learning technology, which brings a new and promising solution for overcoming the handicap impeding direct use of conventional basin experimental way to analyze FOWT’s dynamic responses during the design phase.


Author(s):  
Yajun Ren ◽  
Vengatesan Venugopal

Abstract The complex dynamic characteristics of Floating Offshore Wind Turbines (FOWTs) have raised wider consideration, as they are likely to experience harsher environments and higher instabilities than the bottom fixed offshore wind turbines. Safer design of a mooring system is critical for floating offshore wind turbine structures for station keeping. Failure of mooring lines may lead to further destruction, such as significant changes to the platform’s location and possible collisions with a neighbouring platform and eventually complete loss of the turbine structure may occur. The present study focuses on the dynamic responses of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)’s OC3-Hywind spar type floating platform with a NREL offshore 5-MW baseline wind turbine under failed mooring conditions using the fully coupled numerical simulation tool FAST. The platform motions in surge, heave and pitch under multiple scenarios are calculated in time-domain. The results describing the FOWT motions in the form of response amplitude operators (RAOs) and spectral densities are presented and discussed in detail. The results indicate that the loss of the mooring system firstly leads to longdistance drift and changes in platform motions. The natural frequencies and the energy contents of the platform motion, the RAOs of the floating structures are affected by the mooring failure to different degrees.


Author(s):  
Martin L. Pollack ◽  
Brian J. Petersen ◽  
Benjamin S. H. Connell ◽  
David S. Greeley ◽  
Dwight E. Davis

Coincidence of structural resonances with wind turbine dynamic forces can lead to large amplitude stresses and subsequent accelerated fatigue. For this reason, the wind turbine system is designed to avoid resonance coincidence. In particular, the current practice is to design the wind turbine support structure such that its fundamental resonance does not coincide with the fundamental rotational and blade passing frequencies of the rotor. For offshore wind turbines, resonance avoidance is achieved by ensuring that the support structure fundamental resonant frequency lies in the frequency band between the rotor and blade passing frequencies over the operating range of the turbine. This strategy is referred to as “soft-stiff” and has major implications for the structural design of the wind turbine. This paper details the technical basis for the “soft-stiff” resonance avoidance design methodology, investigates potential vulnerabilities in this approach, and explores the sensitivity of the wind turbine structural response to different aspects of the system’s design. The assessment addresses the wind turbine forcing functions, the coupled dynamic responses and resonance characteristics of the wind turbine’s structural components, and the system’s susceptibility to fatigue failure. It is demonstrated that the design practices for offshore wind turbines should reflect the importance of aerodynamic damping for the suppression of deleterious vibrations, consider the possibility of foundation degradation and its influence on the support structure’s fatigue life, and include proper treatment of important ambient sources such as wave and gust loading. These insights inform potential vibration mitigation and resonance avoidance strategies, which are briefly discussed.


Author(s):  
M. Borg ◽  
M. Collu

The need to further exploit offshore wind resources in deeper waters has led to a re-emerging interest in vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs) for floating foundation applications. However, there has been little effort to systematically compare VAWTs to the more conventional horizontal axis wind turbine (HAWT). This article initiates this comparison based on prime principles, focusing on the turbine aerodynamic forces and their impact on the floating wind turbine static and dynamic responses. VAWTs generate substantially different aerodynamic forces on the support structure, in particular, a potentially lower inclining moment and a substantially higher torque than HAWTs. Considering the static stability requirements, the advantages of a lower inclining moment, a lower wind turbine mass and a lower centre of gravity are illustrated, all of which are exploitable to have a less costly support structure. Floating VAWTs experience increased motion in the frequency range surrounding the turbine [number of blades]×[rotational speed] frequency. For very large VAWTs with slower rotational speeds, this frequency range may significantly overlap with the range of wave excitation forces. Quantitative considerations are undertaken comparing the reference NREL 5 MW HAWT with the NOVA 5 MW VAWT.


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