Multi-objective integrated optimization of horizontal-axis wind turbines

Abstract

Extracting energy from wind is a contemporary, still actively developing topic. When designing wind turbine blades, as the key components of the HAWT system, the greatest cost reductions can be made in aerodynamic (geometrical modelling, production techniques) and structural (material) sectors. The paper presents one possible approach to the integrated, both aerodynamic and structural, constrained optimization process by particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. The goal of the study is achieving maximal annual energy production (AEP) while minimizing blade mass. Inlet parameters include complete blade geometry (radius, airfoils, twist and chord distributions) as well as its structural definition (ply numbers and orientations). Aerodynamic performances of the blade were estimated by vortex method, while subsequent structural analyses (by importing aerodynamic loads) were realized by finite element method. Presented results include possible wind turbine designs as well as experiences gained while performing the study.