NewStructuralDesignConceptsforLargeThermoplasticWindTurbineBladesUsingStructuralOptimizationTechniques
Year: 2010
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: This paper presents a structural optimization process for the design of large thermoplastic \nwind turbine blades. Previous work by one of the authors on topology optimization \nof a short section of a blade has shown that a structure with a box spar and ribs is optimal \nto minimize the compliance for a given amount of material. The optimization process \npresented in this paper consists of topology optimization on the inner half of a blade with \nthe inner volume of the blade as the design domain. Result of this problem (number and \nposition of shear webs and ribs) are then interpreted to build a shell model of the complete \nblade to perform composite size optimization based on a minimum mass objective \nsubjected to constraints on deflection, composite strength and structural stability. Different \nblade models using ribs are then optimized and compared against conventional blade \nstructure (spar box without ribs, single web without ribs). The use of ribs in wind turbine \nblade structures, which is more adapted to thermoplastic composite manufacturing, leads \nto slightly lighter blades than conventional blade structures.
DOI: 10.2514/6.2010-2578
Authors: Louis-Charles Forcier, Simon Joncas
Institution: Université du Québec
Language: English
Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4249925432