Wind Turbine Structural Dynamics - A Review of the Principles for Modern Power Generation, Onshore and Offshore

Wind turbines for electricity production have two seemingly opposing constraints; they need to be structural secure yet of low cost. To meet the first constraint, it would be an obvious choice to design a stiff structure of consequently large mass but this would drive up the cost. By reducing the mass a more cost effective turbine can be realized. However, such lightweight structures are by definition more flexible. To design a cost effective flexible system, thorough understanding of the dynamics is essential. This paper reviews the theoretical basics of the dynamic design options and applies these to realistic situations, including offshore machines under wave action. The wind energy converter and the support structure form an integrated dynamic system that must be developed in mutual interdependency and close co-operation. This paper provides a contribution to this integration process by extending the design approach initiated in the Opti-OWECS study [1] and the work of Kühn [2].