Multidisciplinary Design Optimization of Extra-Large Wind Turbine Monopile in Hurricane Conditions
Offshore wind energy is developing rapidly in the United States, particularly off the East coast, which has an extensive continental shelf and where the water depths are such that wind turbines founded directly on the seabed are the most attractive. Of the various foundation configurations that are feasible, it is the monopile that is expected to be most widely used. Another feature of the US East coast is that it is hurricane-prone region, which poses some unique challenges to designers. This paper summarizes research work undertaken to investigate how the role of modern optimization techniques can contribute to the design of such installation and does not establish any realistic project related implications. The project addresses the design of a 15 MW turbine, which represents the upper limit capacity of currently available wind turbines.