A generative design approach for the dynamic optimisation of multi-MW offshore direct-drive wind turbine electrical generator supporting structures using modal analysis

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Gonzalez-Delgado, Daniel and Jaen-Sola, Pablo and Oterkus, Erkan (2024) A generative design approach for the dynamic optimisation of multi-MW offshore direct-drive wind turbine electrical generator supporting structures using modal analysis. Wind, 4 (2). pp. 172-189. ISSN 2674-032X (https://doi.org/10.3390/wind4020009)

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Abstract

Generative design techniques together with the rapid development of additive manufacturing represent a revolution in the field of structural optimisation processes. In this study, a static structural and modal analysis was integrated to drive a multi-objective generative design optimisation process for a 3 MW direct-drive offshore wind turbine electrical generator rotor structure. This novel optimisation approach implements an automated fittest-for-purpose process including a static structural analysis and a modal analysis as the input for the optimisation strategy algorithm, allowing the exploration of a wide range of non-conventional topologies. If compared with the simple generator rotor disc structure, the results obtained using this innovative method achieved over 7% of weight reduction and a 39% increment in the generator operational range with the consequent growth in the wind turbine energy capture capability. Moreover, this approach generates a vast amount of structural analysis information, crucial at an early stage of the development of large-scale projects for a cost-effective scheme.

ORCID iDs

Gonzalez-Delgado, Daniel, Jaen-Sola, Pablo and Oterkus, Erkan ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4614-7214;
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)