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Optimization of composite material tower for offshore wind turbine structures
Date Issued
2019-09
Date Available
2019-05-16T10:40:56Z
Abstract
The focus of this study was to investigate the application of lightweight fiber reinforced composite materials in the construction of offshore wind turbine support structures. A composite tower design suitable for the NREL 5 MW reference wind turbine is presented. The design is based on the most automated and low cost composite manufacturing methods (pultrusion and filament winding) and the conclusions of this study may not be applicable for offshore structures using different composite material construction techniques. The mass of the tower was minimized using gradient based optimization approach. The cost of a composite tower was calculated and levelized cost of energy (LCOE) projections are discussed in comparison with the existing steel tower cost. The study determined that while the composite tower is technically feasible and has a lower mass than a comparable steel tower, uncertainty remains in how it compares economically in terms of LCOE.
Sponsorship
Science Foundation Ireland
Other Sponsorship
Ove Arup Foundation
Type of Material
Journal Article
Publisher
Elsevier
Journal
Renewable Energy
Volume
140
Start Page
928
End Page
942
Copyright (Published Version)
2019 Elsevier
Language
English
Status of Item
Peer reviewed
ISSN
0960-1481
This item is made available under a Creative Commons License
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