Multi-disciplinary constrained optimization of wind turbines

We describe procedures for the multi-disciplinary design optimization of wind turbines, where design parameters are optimized by maximizing a merit function, subjected to constraints that translate all relevant design requirements. Evaluation of merit function and constraints is performed by running simulations with a parametric high-fidelity aero-servo-elastic model; a detailed cross-sectional structural model is used for the minimum weight constrained sizing of the rotor blade. To reduce the computational cost, the multi-disciplinary optimization is performed by a multi-stage process that first alternates between an aerodynamic shape optimization step and a structural blade optimization one, and then combines the two to yield the final optimum solution. A complete design loop can be performed using the proposed algorithm using standard desktop computing hardware in one-two days. The design procedures are implemented in a computer program and demonstrated on the optimization of multi-MW horizontal axis wind turbines and on the design of an aero-elastically scaled wind tunnel model.