The current release now incorporates structural optimization, associated
structural analyses, and the move to object-oriented data structures.
The exclusive use of the GUI in prior versions prevented automation in
optimizations. Thus, moving to these data structures enabled
optimization. Since the GUI functionality is advantageous in certain
situations, its functionality is still retained. Current documentation primarily
describes usage of the structural optimization, associated structural
analyses, and the object-oriented data structures.
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A new capability also includes the ability to accept input from the
International Energy Agency (IEA) Wind Task 37 blade ontology. This
is known to have enhanced collaboration. -
3D FEA shell analyses have been partially detached from the GUI and can now be
parameterized for various parameter studies and optimization. Data I/O for
ANSYS has been automated for mesh generation as well as various analyses,
such as tip-deflection, buckling, material rupture, total mass, and
frequencies. -
A technique was developed to determine the design loads. The
thousands of section forces and moments that occurred during the
dynamic structural analyses required in the system-level optimization
were reduced to nine critical load cases. -
The other newly developed analysis procedure allowed to evaluate
fatigue damage for every material layer at various cross-sections of
a blade. Further details on both new analyses are provided in the
journal article (to appear):
Camarena, Ernesto, et al. "Land-based wind turbines with flexible rail transportable blades–Part II: 3D FEM design optimization of the rotor blades." Wind Energy Science".