Modern Wind Turbines - Challenges and New Design Technologies for Tower Structures

Abstract

<p>Wind energy is already significant and will become even more important among the renewable energies in the future. The development of modern wind turbines provides new challenges for tower and foundation structures. Typical tower heights of modern wind turbines are between 100 m and 160 m. The towers are usually made of steel. However, hybrid towers are also common for high towers. This paper gives, firstly, a short overview on the current situation of the wind energy market and thereof the challenges for modern wind turbines. Then, steel and hybrid tower concepts of wind turbines are shown. Typical design guidelines for wind turbines are presented with the focus on special requirements for the tower design as well as recent developments. The paper focuses on the challenges of modern wind turbines and future trends regarding the tower design; particularly on the influence of the fatigue behaviour.</p>