Optimization of 5-MW wind turbine blade using fluid structure interaction analysis

• DOI: 10.1007/s12206-017-0124-2
• Publication Date: 2017-02-18T06:15:16Z
• Authors: Dong-Hoon Kim; O-Kaung Lim; Eun-Ho Choi; Yoojeong Noh
• Keywords: 0203 mechanical engineering; 02 engineering and technology; 7. Clean energy

The blade of a wind turbine is a critical component that can be damaged by extreme loads; thus, its structural safety is paramount. Further, because its manufacturing cost comprise a high proportion of overall wind power production cost, its weight should be optimized to save on production and material cost. Much research has been conducted on structural optimization of wind turbine blades; however, focus has only been on exterior design. In this study, we optimize the cross-sectional dimensions of a 5-MW wind turbine blade by performing 3-D fluid analysis of the blade and using the pressure distribution obtained as input loads to find the inner structural shape of its cross section. Subsequent 2-D and 3-D fluid structural analyses conducted to find the maximum stress on the overall blade and its cross sections confirm that the cross section of the blade is minimized and that it is structurally safe.