Abstract
We describe procedures for the multi-disciplinary design optimization of wind turbines, where design parameters are optimized by maximizing a merit function, subjected to constraints that translate all relevant design requirements. Evaluation of merit function and constraints is performed by running simulations with a parametric high-fidelity aeroservo- elastic model; a detailed cross-sectional structural model is used for the minimum weight constrained sizing of the rotor blade. To reduce the computational cost, the multidisciplinary optimization is performed by a multi-stage process that first alternates between an aerodynamic shape optimization step and a structural blade optimization one, and then combines the two to yield the final optimum solution. A complete design loop can be performed using the proposed algorithm using standard desktop computing hardware in onetwo days. The design procedures are implemented in a computer program and demonstrated on the optimization of multi-MW horizontal axis wind turbines and on the design of an aero-elastically scaled wind tunnel model.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 21-53 |
Number of pages | 33 |
Journal | Multibody System Dynamics |
Volume | 27 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 2012 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Aero-servo-elasticity
- Holistic design
- Multi-disciplinary optimization
- Multibody dynamics
- Wind turbine