Seismic Response Analysis of Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine Tower Considering Aerodynamic Damping

Abstract

This paper presents an analysis of the seismic response of horizontal axis wind turbine tower considering aerodynamic damping. Loads acting on the wind turbine tower are analyzed using Blade Element-Momentum (BEM) theory. The dynamic motion equation of a tubular tower of wind turbine is derived based on the seismic acceleration spectrum and aerodynamic damping model. The dynamic response of the tower of a 2.0 MW wind turbine operating under wind and earthquake is calculated. Then the influence of earthquake on the deformation and loads of the tower considering time-varying aerodynamic damping is analyzed. The reason of excessive side-side seismic response of the tower is revealed. This study can provide a reference for aseismic design of wind turbines.