Generative design and additive manufacturing techniques on the optimization of multi-MW offshore direct-drive wind turbine electrical generators

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Gonzalez-Delgado, Daniel and Jaen-Sola, Pablo and Oterkus, Erkan (2024) Generative design and additive manufacturing techniques on the optimization of multi-MW offshore direct-drive wind turbine electrical generators. Engineering Proceedings, 71 (1). 4. ISSN 2673-4591 (https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2024071004)

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Abstract

New advances in structural optimization techniques and manufacturing methods, such as generative design (GD) and additive manufacturing (AM), are revolutionizing the capabilities to generate high-efficiency and lightweight models in comparison with conventional processes. This study addresses a structural optimization strategy for offshore wind turbine direct-drive generator structures using generative design (GD) and additive manufacturing (AM) techniques. The use of multi-objectives structural optimization processes using GD techniques allows for the exploration of a wide number of unconventional topologies on a tailored, fit-for-purpose strategy, and the implementation of AM methods makes possible the fabrication of complex designs with metallic and composite materials. GD and AM represent a revolution in the field of design optimization, offering flexibility and adaptability while collecting a vast amount of structural analysis data, crucial for a cost-effective approach in the early stages of design projects. The implementation of these techniques demonstrated over 7% weight reduction, a 40% increase in operational range, and a decrease in the cost of manufacturing.

ORCID iDs

Gonzalez-Delgado, Daniel, Jaen-Sola, Pablo ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1936-5611 and Oterkus, Erkan ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4614-7214;
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)