Sensitivity of Uncertainty in Wind Characteristics and Wind Turbine Properties on Wind Turbine Extreme and Fatigue Loads

Kelsey Shaler, Amy Robertson, Latha Sethuraman, Jason Jonkman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticle

39 Scopus Citations

Abstract

Wind turbine design relies on the ability to accurately predict turbine ultimate and fatigue loads. The loads analysis process requires precise knowledge of the expected wind-inflow conditions as well as turbine structural and aerodynamic properties. However, uncertainty in most parameters is inevitable. It is therefore important to understand the impact such uncertainties have on the resulting loads. The goal of this work is to assess which input parameters have the greatest influence on turbine power, fatigue loads, and ultimate loads during normal turbine operation. An Elementary Effects (EE) sensitivity analysis is performed to identify the most sensitive parameters. Separate case studies are performed on (1) wind-inflow conditions and (2) turbine structural and aerodynamic properties, both using the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 5-MW baseline wind turbine. The focus is on individual parameter sensitivity, though interactions between parameters are considered.
Original languageAmerican English
Number of pages41
JournalWind Energy Science Discussions
DOIs
StatePublished - 2019

Bibliographical note

See NREL/JA-5000-74876 for final paper as published in Wind Energy Science

NREL Publication Number

  • NREL/JA-5000-74246

Keywords

  • extreme loads
  • FAST
  • fatigue loads
  • sensitivity analysis
  • turbine properties
  • wind
  • wind characteristics

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