Optimization of Quatropod Jacket Support Structures for Offshore Wind Turbines Subject to Seismic Loads Using Genetic Algorithms

Abstract

This paper presents evolutionary-based least-weight topology and size optimization procedure for designing offshore wind turbine supporting structures. A modified version of Genetic Algorithms is presented herein. The GA technique is used for solving the nonlinear constrained optimization problem of 3D quatropod jacket offshore support structure. In this optimum design formulation, the objective function is the material weight of the supporting truss; the design variables are the locations of the ends of the truss members as well as the cross-sectional areas of the truss members. The constraints are the stresses in members and the displacements of the joints. The constraints are handled using non-stationary (dynamically modified) penalty functions. The quatropod jacket, one of the most commonly used design alternatives for offshore supporting structures is presented as demonstration to the efficiency of the presented GA algorithm. The quatropod jacket test problem is subjected to gravity, wind, wave and earthquake loading conditions. The results show that the GA method is efficient in finding the best discovered optimal solution [structural topology and weight].

Review of Recent Offshore Wind Turbine Research and Optimization Methodologies in Their Design

“…With a similar approach, Oest et al [83] applied an analytically-derived gradient and a sequential linear programming method to optimize the entire mass of the OC4 jacket offshore wind turbine. Recently, metaheuristic optimization approaches based on genetic algorithms were presented by AlHamaydeh et al [84,85] and Kaveh and Sabeti [86], although these approaches incorporated limited load assumptions without appropriate structural code checks. Pasamontes et al [87] conducted an optimization study on the jacket of the OC4 project.…”

Dynamic analysis of 10 MW offshore wind turbines with different support structures subjected to earthquake loadings

“…Wind, wave and current loadings are the virtual environmentally induced excitations needed for OWTs structural design, and should be considered along with earthquake loading in the seismic analysis of OWTs [33][34]. It should be noted that high computational resources are required when calculating wind, wave and current loadings using CFD.…”

Optimization of Support Structures for Offshore Wind Turbines Using Genetic Algorithm with Domain‐Trimming

“…The resulting effects of nonlinearities associated with fluid-structure interaction may be too significant for a thoughtless dismissal in the design phase [4]. Furthermore, the interaction between the soil, foundation, and the structure is crucial phenomenon to be studied for the development of enhanced structural system designs supporting offshore wind towers [5][6][7][8][9][10].…”