Reliability analysis of wind turbines under non-Gaussian wind load

Based on translation models, both Gaussian and non-Gaussian wind fields are generated using the harmony superposition method for examining the reliability of a typical wind turbine at operational and parked conditions. Using the blade aerodynamic model and multibody dynamics, wind turbine responses are calculated and then probability characteristics are analyzed in details. The short-term extreme response distribution is estimated by the average conditional exceedance rate method at each mean wind speed bin, and the long-term extreme response distribution is then determined by further integrating the short-term extreme response distribution conditional on wind speed with the distribution of mean wind speed. Additionally, crack initiation life and crack propagation life are evaluated using the linear cumulative damage theory and linear crack propagation theory, respectively. The results indicate that non-Gaussian characteristics of wind inflows have a noticeably greater influence on both extreme response and fatigue damage, and the Gaussian assumption cannot suit wind turbine in complex terrain.