Structural optimisation framework for onshore wind turbine towers considering multiple design constraints

An optimum design of the onshore wind turbine (WT) tower structure is crucial for achieving an economic, efficient and safe design of the entire onshore WT system. In this study, an integrated structural optimisation framework for onshore WT towers is established through combining a parametric finite element analysis (FEA) model with a genetic algorithm (GA). The bottom and top diameters as well as the thickness distribution of the onshore WT tower are considered as design variables. The mass of the onshore WT tower is minimised by the structural optimisation framework under multiple design constraints. The framework has been validated and then applied to the structural optimisation of a representative 2.0 MW onshore WT tower presently installed in a wind farm in Middle East. It is demonstrated that the structural optimisation framework developed in this work can considerably lower the mass of the tower while fulfilling design requirements.