Structural Optimization Design of Horizontal-Axis Wind Turbine Blades Using a Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm and Finite Element Method

Xin Cai, Jie Zhu, Pan Pan and Rongrong Gu
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Xin Cai: College of Mechanics and Materials, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
Jie Zhu: College of Mechanics and Materials, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
Pan Pan: College of Mechanics and Materials, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
Rongrong Gu: College of Mechanics and Materials, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China

Energies, 2012, vol. 5, issue 11, 1-14

Abstract: This paper presents an optimization method for the structural design of horizontal-axis wind turbine (HAWT) blades based on the particle swarm optimization algorithm (PSO) combined with the finite element method (FEM). The main goal is to create an optimization tool and to demonstrate the potential improvements that could be brought to the structural design of HAWT blades. A multi-criteria constrained optimization design model pursued with respect to minimum mass of the blade is developed. The number and the location of layers in the spar cap and the positions of the shear webs are employed as the design variables, while the strain limit, blade/tower clearance limit and vibration limit are taken into account as the constraint conditions. The optimization of the design of a commercial 1.5 MW HAWT blade is carried out by combining the above method and design model under ultimate (extreme) flap-wise load conditions. The optimization results are described and compared with the original design. It shows that the method used in this study is efficient and produces improved designs.

Keywords: structural optimization design; horizontal-axis wind turbine (HAWT) blades; blade mass; particle swarm optimization (PSO); finite element method (FEM) (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2012
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (7)

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