A Generative Design Approach for the Dynamic Optimisation of Multi-MW Offshore Direct-Drive Wind Turbine Electrical Generator Supporting Structures Using Modal Analysis

Gonzalez-Delgado, Daniel; Jaen-Sola, Pablo; Oterkus, Erkan

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.

Citation

Gonzalez-Delgado, D., Jaen-Sola, P., & Oterkus, E. (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), 172-189. https://doi.org/10.3390/wind4020009

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jun 13, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Jun 19, 2024
• Publication Date: 2024
• Deposit Date: Aug 8, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Aug 8, 2024
• Journal: Wind
• Print ISSN: 2674-032X
• Electronic ISSN: 2674-032X
• Publisher: MDPI
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 4
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 172-189
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/wind4020009
• Keywords: offshore wind turbine; direct-drive electrical generator structure; mechanical design optimisation; generative design; modal analysis