Proposal for a coupled aerodynamic–structural wind turbine blade optimization

An advanced design algorithm for the AOC 15/50 wind turbine is hereby presented: both aerodynamic and structural parameters are considered as the design variables for a coupled BEM–FEM optimization. In order to obtain an improvement in rotor blade design, a modified version of the S.O.C.R.A.TE. algo- rithm combines a BEM evaluation of its aerodynamic performance, a FEM structural analysis and a genetic algorithm. Both the aerodynamic power (resulting from the BEM analysis) and the tip displace- ment (produced by the aerodynamic forces and the inertial loads) are considered as the fitness functions for the optimization problem. An improved distribution of both chord values and twist angles is determined, as well as an optimal layout of the blade composite skin. A slight increase in the aerodynamic power generation is obtained, as well as a marked improvement in overall blade deformation characteristics.