Generative Design and Additive Manufacturing Techniques on the Optimization of Multi-MW Offshore Direct-Drive Wind Turbine Electrical Generators

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

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.

Citation

Gonzalez-Delgado, D., Jaen-Sola, P., & Oterkus, E. (2024, June). Generative Design and Additive Manufacturing Techniques on the Optimization of Multi-MW Offshore Direct-Drive Wind Turbine Electrical Generators. Presented at ASWEC 2024: 4th Annual Conference Solar and Wind Power, Edinburgh

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Paper (published)
• Conference Name: ASWEC 2024: 4th Annual Conference Solar and Wind Power
• Start Date: Jun 4, 2024
• End Date: Jun 6, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Jul 29, 2024
• Publication Date: Jul 29, 2024
• Deposit Date: Aug 9, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Aug 9, 2024
• Electronic ISSN: 2673-4591
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 71
• Issue: 1
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2024071004
• Keywords: offshore wind turbine; direct-drive electrical generator; structural optimization; generative design; additive manufacturing