Selection of Sustainable Wind Turbine Tower Geometry and Material Using Multi-Level Decision Making

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Stratton ◽  
Daniel Martino ◽  
Kemper Lewis ◽  
John Hall
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Wind Turbine ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Structural Integrity ◽  
Optimization Techniques ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Wind Turbine Tower ◽  
Cyclical Loading ◽  
Multi Level ◽  
Future Work

Wind turbine tower design looks primarily at the structural integrity and durability of the tower. Optimization techniques are sometimes employed to maximize the loading capability while reducing material use and cost. Still, the tower is a dynamic part of a complex wind energy conversion system. During system operation, the tower is excited and sways back and forth. This undesirable movement increases cyclical loading on the tower and drivetrain components. To minimize this motion the tower frequency must be offset from the natural frequency of other components. Hence, it is necessary to look at the relationships that exist between the tower and other wind turbine components, such as the rotor, nacelle, and foundation. In addition, tradeoffs between cost, structural performance, and environmental impact can be examined to guide the designer toward a truly sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. Ultimately, an optimal design technique can be implemented and used to automate tower design. This work will introduce the analytical model and decision-making architecture that can be used to incorporate greater considerations in future studies. In this paper, nine wind turbine tower designs with different materials and geometries are analyzed using Finite Element Analysis (FEA). The optimal tower design is selected using a multi-level variation of the Hypothetical Equivalents and Inequivalents Method (HEIM). Using this analysis, a steel tower with variable thickness has been chosen. The findings reaffirm that steel is a favorable choice for turbine tower construction as it performs well on environmental, performance, and cost objectives. The method proposed in this work can be expanded to examine additional design goals and present a higher fidelity model of the wind turbine tower system in future work.

A Design Framework for Optimizing the Mechanical Performance, Cost, and Environmental Impact of a Wind Turbine Tower

2016 ◽  
Vol 138 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Stratton ◽  
Daniel Martino ◽  
Felipe M. Pasquali ◽  
Kemper Lewis ◽  
John F. Hall
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Impact ◽  
Wind Turbine ◽  
Structural Integrity ◽  
Mechanical Performance ◽  
Integrated Control ◽  
System Optimization ◽  
Optimization Techniques ◽  
Design Framework ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Trade Offs

The tower represents a significant portion of the materials and cost of the small wind turbine system. Optimization techniques typically maximize the tower loading capability while reducing material use and cost. Still, tower design focuses mainly on structural integrity and durability. Moreover, tower motion that intensifies drivetrain and structural loads is only rarely considered. The environmental impact of the wind turbine must also be considered since wind energy promotes sustainability. Trade-offs between the structural performance, cost, and environmental impact are examined to guide the designer toward a sustainable alternative. Ultimately, an optimal design technique can be implemented and used to automate tower design. In this study, nine tower designs with different materials and geometries are analyzed using finite element analysis (FEA). The optimal tower design is selected using a multilevel-decision-making procedure. The analysis suggests that steel towers of minimal wall thickness are preferred. This study is a continuation of the previous work that optimized energy production and component life of small wind systems (Hall et al., 2015, “An Integrated Control and Design Framework for Optimizing Energy Capture and Component Life for a Wind Turbine Variable Ratio Gearbox,” ASME J. Sol. Energy Eng., 137(2), p. 021022). The long-term goal is to develop a tool that performs optimization and automated design of small wind systems. In our future work, the tower and drivetrain designs will be merged and studied using higher fidelity models.

Methodology for seismic risk assessment for tubular steel wind turbine towers: application to Canadian seismic environment

2011 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 293-304 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena Nuta ◽  
Constantin Christopoulos ◽  
Jeffrey A. Packer
Keyword(s):  
Seismic Hazard ◽  
Wind Turbine ◽  
Seismic Loading ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Design Spectrum ◽  
Wind Turbine Tower ◽  
Damage States ◽  
Wind Turbine Towers ◽  
Hazard Level ◽  
Hazard Levels

The seismic response of tubular steel wind turbine towers is of significant concern as they are increasingly being installed in seismic areas and design codes do not clearly address this aspect of design. The seismic hazard is hence assessed for the Canadian seismic environment using implicit finite element analysis and incremental dynamic analysis of a 1.65 MW wind turbine tower. Its behaviour under seismic excitation is evaluated, damage states are defined, and a framework is developed for determining the probability of damage of the tower at varying seismic hazard levels. Results of the implementation of this framework in two Canadian locations are presented herein, where the risk was found to be low for the seismic hazard level prescribed for buildings. However, the design of wind turbine towers is subject to change, and the design spectrum is highly uncertain. Thus, a methodology is outlined to thoroughly investigate the probability of reaching predetermined damage states under any seismic loading conditions for future considerations.

The Finite Element Analysis and Comparison of Wind Turbine Tower under Static Wind Load and Fluctuating Wind Load

2013 ◽  
Vol 446-447 ◽  
pp. 733-737
Author(s):  
Chi Chen ◽  
Hao Yuan Chen ◽  
Tian Lu
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Dynamic Analysis ◽  
Wind Turbine ◽  
Modal Analysis ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Wind Load ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Finite Element Software ◽  
Wind Turbine Tower ◽  
Fluctuating Wind

In this paper, a 1.5 MW wind turbine tower in Dali, Yunnan Province is used as the research object, using large-scale finite element software Ansys to carry on the dynamic analysis. These natural frequencies and natural vibration type of the first five of tower are obtained by modal analysis and are compared with natural frequency to determine whether the resonance occurs. Based on the modal analysis, the results of the transient dynamic analysis are obtained from the tower, which is loaded by the static wind load and fluctuating wind load in two different forms. By comparing the different results, it provides the basis for the dynamic design of wind turbine tower.

Wind Blade Material Optimization

2011 ◽  
Vol 66-68 ◽  
pp. 1199-1206
Author(s):  
Samir Ahmad ◽  
Izhar-ul-Haq
Keyword(s):  
Wind Turbine ◽  
Structural Integrity ◽  
Rotor Blades ◽  
Dust Particles ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Composite Blade ◽  
Material Optimization ◽  
Finite Element Analysis Simulation ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Future Direction

In recent years the wind turbine blade has been the subject of comprehensive study and research amongst all other components of the wind turbine. As our appetite for renewable energy from the wind turbine continues to increase, companies now focus on rotor blades which can go up to 80m in length. The blade material not only have to face large aerodynamic, inertial and fatigue loads but are now being designed to endure environmental effects such as Ultraviolet degradation of surface, accumulation of dust particles at sandy locations, ice accretion on blades in cold countries, insect collision on blades and moisture ingress. All this is considered to ensure that the blades complete its designated life span. Furthermore exponential increase in composite blade manufacturing is causing a substantial amount of unrecyclable material. All these issues raise challenges for wind blade material use, its capacity to solve above mentioned problems and also maintain its structural integrity. This paper takes on this challenge by optimizing from the properties, merits, demerits and cost of different possible competing materials. Then the material is checked for its structural integrity through Finite Element Analysis simulation using standards like IEC-61400-1.This paper also shows the future direction of research by elaborating the influence nanotechnology can have in the improvement of the wind blade.

scholarly journals On Lifetime Extension of Wind Turbine Drivetrains

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly Tartt ◽  
Amir R. Nejad ◽  
Abbas Kazemi-Amiri ◽  
Alasdair McDonald
Keyword(s):  
Service Life ◽  
Wind Turbine ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Structural Integrity ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Assessment Practices ◽  
Structural Members ◽  
Marine Vessels ◽  
Lifetime Extension

Abstract The focused shift to reduce carbon emissions by substituting fossil fuels with renewable energy sources, including wind, is increasing. This means that more and more wind turbines are being installed, both onshore and offshore and as this number increases, more and more turbines are reaching their end of designed service life. Extending this designed service life, which is commonly referred to as lifetime extension (LTE), is particularly favoured by owner/operators, due to economic reasons. Whilst there are relatively well-established practices for lifetime extension of structural members or those preserving structural integrity, the electro-mechanical and drivetrain systems are often overlooked. Therefore, this paper reviews lifetime extension assessment practices executed within a variety of industries, such as oil and gas, marine vessels, electrical machines, mechanical rotating equipment and bearings, to determine if any of these practices can be implemented or adapted within the wind industry, particularly on wind turbine drivetrains.

Finite Element Analysis of Concrete Filled Double Skin Steel Tubes for Wind Turbine Tower

2014 ◽  
Vol 680 ◽  
pp. 551-556
Author(s):  
Wei Kong ◽  
Hong Liang Wang ◽  
Ying Cai
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Wind Speed ◽  
Wind Turbine ◽  
Normal Operation ◽  
Mode Shapes ◽  
Strength Analysis ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Finite Element Software ◽  
Wind Turbine Tower ◽  
Double Skin

In order to save the steel consumption,ensure the better economy of wind turbine tower,this paper designeda new concrete filled double skin steel tube for wind turbine tower,based on the parameters of 1. 5 MW wind turbine tower.A three-dimensional finite element model of wind turbine tower was built by using the finite element software ANSYS,then the static strength analysis and modal analysis were carried out,in which the stress and displacement at the top of the tower were calculated under three kinds of working conditions: normal operation with rated wind speed,normal operation with cutout wind speed and shutdown under extreme wind conditions,the natural frequency and mode shapes of the tower were obtained as well. The results show that the tower does not resonate with blades,and its structure can meet the strength and stiffness requirements of engineering.

Analysis of Various Materials for Service Platform in Wind Turbine Generator

2015 ◽  
Vol 766-767 ◽  
pp. 534-538
Author(s):  
V. Sriram
Keyword(s):  
Wind Turbine ◽  
Structural Integrity ◽  
Ansys Software ◽  
Turbine Generator ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Service Platform ◽  
Wind Turbine Generator ◽  
Structural Support ◽  
The Finite Element Analysis ◽  
The Cost

Wind Turbine Industry is always seeking to improve and better its product options to its customers. One way of doing so is by bettering and optimizing its existing product offerings. The structural support component of a Wind Turbine Generator, which is approximately 15% of the total wind turbine cost and includes the tower and rotor yaw mechanism. It is possible to both discreetly increase the strength of the platforms and reduce its overall cost in terms of material costs by selecting suitable alternate material. The new platform is tested for stability under practical loading conditions by the Finite Element Analysis (FEA) using ANSYS software. The aim of the project is to minimize the cost and weight of the Service platform by 15-18% without compromising on its structural integrity interfaces.

scholarly journals Behavioral Evaluation of Modular ICH RC Columns through Quasi-Static Cyclic Tests

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 203-213
Author(s):  
Sungwon Kim ◽  
Hyemin Hong ◽  
Taek Hee Han
Keyword(s):  
Wind Turbine ◽  
Lateral Force ◽  
Lateral Loads ◽  
Dissipation Energy ◽  
Static Test ◽  
Bending Performance ◽  
Single Body ◽  
Rc Structure ◽  
Wind Turbine Tower ◽  
Future Work

Owing to the recent expansion in sizes of wind turbines, the required height for the wind turbine tower is increasing. Therefore, new types of structures are needed to fulfill this requirement. In this study, a modular Internally Confined Hollow Reinforced Concrete (ICH RC) column was suggested for a wind power tower, and quasi-static test was performed to evaluate its bending performance. One single body specimen (SP-S) and two modular specimens (SP-MP, SP-MF) applying different connection methods were fabricated. The specimens were designed and manufactured while considering the numerical analysis and conditions of the testing laboratory. The test was conducted by controlling the displacement according to the drift ratio. The experimental results of moments, lateral loads, displacements, dissipation energy, ductility, etc. for each specimen were compared with those of numerical modeling. Consequently, plastic hinges were found at the bottom of the column and connection part for SP-S and modular specimens, respectively, which is due to the rigidity change at the connection of the modular specimens. Therefore, the result of energy dissipation was 40% higher in the case of the modular specimens than that of SP-S whereas the lateral force and moment in the case of the modular specimens were smaller than those of SP-S. In terms of displacement and energy ductility, modular specimens exhibited 50% higher results than those of SP-S. For the future work, it is necessary to enhance the performance of the connection part to apply the modular ICH RC structure to a wind turbine tower.

Finite Element Analysis of Composite Offshore Wind Turbine Blades Under Operating Conditions

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Tarfaoui ◽  
M. Nachtane ◽  
H. Boudounit
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Wind Turbine ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Turbine Blades ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Offshore Wind ◽  
Offshore Wind Turbine ◽  
Element Analysis

Abstract World energy demand has increased immediately and is expected to continue to grow in the foreseeable future. Therefore, an overall change of energy consumption continuously from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, and low service and maintenance price are the benefits of using renewable energies such as using wind turbines as an electricity generator. In this context, offshore wind power refers to the development of wind parks in bodies of water to produce electricity from wind. Better wind speeds are available offshore compared to on land, so offshore wind power's contribution in terms of electricity supplied is higher. However, these structures are very susceptible to degradation of their mechanical properties considering various hostile loads. The scope of this work is the study of the damage noticed in full-scale 48 m fiberglass composite blades for offshore wind turbine. In this paper, the most advanced features currently available in finite element (FE) abaqus/Implicit have been employed to simulate the response of blades for a sound knowledge of the mechanical behavior of the structures and then localize the susceptible sections.

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