Support Structure Optimization Research Articles

Support Structure Design and Optimization of Tidal Current Energy Conversion System

Support Structure Design and Optimization of Tidal Current Energy Conversion System

Offshore support structure optimization by means of integrated design and controls

ABSTRACTSupport structures are one of the main cost drivers offshore, and since other offshore rules apply with regards to design and site conditions, different methodologies have to be developed to mitigate the loads on the support structure and therefore to reduce the associated component costs. Detailed onshore studies and field tests have already shown that advanced control algorithms can be an effective way to reduce fatigue and extreme loading on a wind turbine. Still, the overall cost‐effectiveness for large offshore wind farms has not been studied in detail yet. In the scope of this paper, studies of new controller concepts are integrated within the design process of offshore support structures in order to stretch the applicability of monopiles to larger water depths or simply to reduce the structural weight and associated costs.A reference design of the support structure is made for a site in the Dutch North Sea. The focus is on reducing the dominant hydrodynamic excitation on the support structure. The implemented load mitigation concept leads to significant reductions in loading, allowing considerable material savings and therefore a more cost‐effective design. The presented approach allows material reductions of more than 9% for the studied support structure. Undesired side effects, such as increased wear of turbine components, are unlikely, as other system loadings and characteristics remain within an acceptable range. Even if some of the rotor–nacelle assembly loads are slightly increased by the applied controller, the increases are low and probably still within the margins of the type‐class fatigue loads. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Layout Optimization of Support Structure Based on ANSYS

This work is to present layout optimization of support structure based on ANSYS with stress constraint. Currently size, shape and topology optimization have been well studied, but layout optimization is still in the early stage and its application is limited by its massive mathematical model. In this paper the problem of numerical calculation is solved by the optimization algorithms of ANSYS and then through studying the mathematical model, sensitivity, controlling parameters and optimization criteria of it a toolkit is designed and programmed by C# language. At last, an optimization case is studied and the results show that more reasonable design prototypes can be found for engineers through using the toolkit especially in the conceptual design stage.

Analysis of the magnet support structure for the plasma fusion experiment Wendelstein 7-X

The world’s largest plasma fusion experimental device of the stellarator family named Wendelstein 7-X (W7-X) [ http://www.ipp.mpg.de/ippcms/eng/for/projekte/w7x/index.html] is being built at the Max-Planck-Institute for Plasma Physics (IPP) in Greifswald, Germany. The mission of the experiment is to prove the fusion reactor relevance of the stellarator principle [1,2]. Main subject of this paper is the description of the numerical simulation of the highly complex and multiple nonlinear W7-X magnet system structure with the code ADINA. This code was chosen right from the start of the project and has later been used in parallel with the subsequently installed ANSYS and ABAQUS codes until now. The ADINA W7-X global structure model is the result of a long term R&D work on the superconducting coils and related support structure optimization. Despite the fact that W7-X is already in the assembly phase, there are still large structural analysis efforts going on. Their aim is to accompany the machine construction by evaluating specific assembly issues, non-conformities and design changes, but also to evaluate the operational limits of the experimental device which in many respects is an absolute prototype worldwide.

Optimization of a telescope movable support structure by means of Volumetric Displacements

The Purpose of this paper is to show the applicability of a methodology, developed by the authors, with which to perform the mechanical optimization of space truss structures strongly restricted. This methodology use a parameter call "Volumetric Displacement", as the Objective Function of the optimization process. This parameter considers altogether the structure weight and deformation whose effects are opposed. The Finite Element Method is employed to calculate the stress/strain state and the natural frequency of the structure through a structural linear static and natural frequency analysis. In order to show the potentially of this simple methodology, its application on a large diameter telescope structure (10 m) considering the strongly restriction that became of its use, is presented. This methodology, applied in previous works on continuous structures, such as shell roof and fluid storage vessels, is applied in this case to a space truss structure, with the purpose of generalize its applicability to different structural topology. This technique could be useful in the morphology design of deployable and retractable roof structures, whose use has extensively spread in the last years.

A Low-Profile Ladder Filter for Portable Telephones Employing Length Expander Mode

A low-profile piezoelectric ceramic ladder filter was developed. It is less than 2 mm high. Therefore it is suitable for super compact portable telephones. New rectangular bar resonators using the length expander mode were presented and a ladder filter was constructed using these new resonators. The optimization of capacitance ratio and resonator support structure in resonator design and a new piezoelectric ceramic material were discussed. In particular, the heat resistant properties of the material and the vibration transmission to the support structure were considered. These properties were improved by using the new ceramic material and a new support structure. Finally an experimental filter was constructed. It exhibited excellent characteristics which satisfied the specifications for the second IF filter of a digital cellular telephone.

Structural Cost Optimization of Photovoltaic Central Power Station Modules and Support Structure

The results of a comprehensive study of photovoltaic module structural support concepts for photovoltaic central power stations and their associated costs are presented. The objective of the study has been the identification of structural cost drivers. Parametric structural design and cost analyses of complete array systems consisting of modules, primary support structures, and foundations were performed. Area related module cost was found to be constant with design, size, and loading. A curved glass module concept was evaluated and found to have the potential to significantly reduce panel structural costs. Conclusions of the study are: array costs do not vary greatly among the designs evaluated; panel and array costs are strongly dependent on design loading; and the best support configuration is load dependent.