LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN OF FRONT NACELLE BASE FOR WIND TURBINE BASED ON TOPOLOGY OPTIMIZATION

Wang Hui; Shu Jiaojiao; Ni Min; Zhao Chunyu; Liu Shengju; Long Kai

doi:10.19912/j.0254-0096.tynxb.2024-0626

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Acta Energiae Solaris Sinica ›› 2025, Vol. 46 ›› Issue (9) : 11-16. DOI: 10.19912/j.0254-0096.tynxb.2024-0626

LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN OF FRONT NACELLE BASE FOR WIND TURBINE BASED ON TOPOLOGY OPTIMIZATION

Wang Hui, Shu Jiaojiao, Ni Min, Zhao Chunyu, Liu Shengju, Long Kai

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Abstract

To achieve the lightweight design of the front nacelle base for wind turbines, a structural design process driven by topology optimization and shape optimization is proposed. Within the scope of topology optimization, a comparative analysis was conducted to assess the differences and similarities in the results obtained under various conditions, including compliance-weighted optimization for multiple load cases, minimization of the maximum compliance, and topology optimization under the influence of a single bending moment. This examination aimed to elucidate the strengths and weaknesses of each type of topology optimization model, and to identify their respective applicability ranges. Inspired by topology optimization, the geometric model is reconstructed, and shape optimization is employed to address localized strength deficiencies, reinforcing the structure through optimized design. The ultimate optimized structure achieves an 8.85% weight reduction by optimizing the available space （eliminating the base plate and bearing seat）, while fully meeting the strength design requirements. These results validate the feasibility of the proposed topology optimization method in the conceptual design of the front nacelle base.

Key words

wind turbines / structural design / topology optimization / front nacelle base / strength assessment

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Wang Hui, Shu Jiaojiao, Ni Min, Zhao Chunyu, Liu Shengju, Long Kai. LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN OF FRONT NACELLE BASE FOR WIND TURBINE BASED ON TOPOLOGY OPTIMIZATION[J]. Acta Energiae Solaris Sinica. 2025, 46(9): 11-16 https://doi.org/10.19912/j.0254-0096.tynxb.2024-0626

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