Dynamic Response Analysis of Wind Turbine Structure to Turbulent Wind Load: Comparative Assessment in Time and Frequency Domains

Abstract

This study investigates wind turbine structural dynamics using stochastic analysis and computational methods in both the time and frequency domains. Simulations and experiments are utilized to evaluate the dynamic response of a wind turbine structure to turbulent wind loads, with the aim of validating the results based on real wind farm conditions. Two approaches are employed to analyze the dynamic responses: the frequency domain modal analysis approach, which incorporates von Kármán spectra to represent the turbulent wind loads, and the time domain Monte Carlo simulation and Newmark methods, which generate wind loads and determine dynamic responses, respectively. The results indicate that, for a larger number of samples, both methods consistently yield simulated turbulent wind loads, dynamic responses and peak frequencies. These findings are further validated through experimental data. However, when dealing with a smaller number of samples, the time domain analysis produces distorted results, necessitating a larger number of samples to achieve accurate findings, while the frequency domain method maintains accuracy. Therefore, the accurate analysis of wind turbine structural dynamics can be achieved using simulations in both the time and frequency domains, considering the importance of the number of samples when choosing between time domain and frequency domain analyses. Taking these considerations into account allows for a more comprehensive and robust analysis, ultimately leading to more effective outcomes.