Analysing the effects of earthquakes on wind turbines

• Main Author: Oliver Claxton 1980-
• Other Authors: Háskólinn í Reykjavík
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: 2014
• Subjects: Byggingarverkfræði; Jarðskjálftar; Orkuver; Vindorka; Sveiflufræði; Tækni- og verkfræðideild; Meistaraprófsritgerðir; Civil engineering; Earthquakes; Wind turbines; Seismic risk; School of Science and Engineering; Búrfell; Iceland
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1946/19377

Modern wind parks are largely built in areas where seismic risk is low. With an increased emphasis on the use of wind power it may be assumed that wind turbines will in the future increasingly be built in areas where higher seismic risk exists. The aim of this study is to gain insight into the importance of earthquake action for wind power installations as well as attain improved understanding of the dynamic behaviour of wind turbine structures. Wind turbines are special type of structures as they are slender but with a large top-mass. On one hand their slenderness and relatively long first natural period may reduce the seismic effects, but on the other hand the high top-mass will increase the earthquake induced inertia force. This study uses recorded acceleration data from three large Icelandic earthquakes to evaluate the seismic response of a typical wind turbine assuming that it is located at the recording site. A 0.9 MW Enercon wind turbine recently erected near the Búrfell Power Station in South Iceland is used as for the case study. The turbine is modelled using FEM technique in SAP2000 and Matlab. The analysis workflow includes the selection of seismic data, modal analysis, response history analysis and response spectrum analysis. Through these analyses an estimate of potential seismic vulnerability of wind turbines in an Icelandic environment is achieved. Key response parameters, such as the top displacement, base shear and base moment are systematically evaluated using both time history analysis and response spectrum analysis. The methods applied are in line with analysis methods recommended by the various relevant design guidelines. Their systematic application gives insight into their applicability and may, among other things, provide supportive information for designers regarding the appropriate methodology for assessing the influence of earthquakes on wind turbines. Nútíma vindorkuver eru að mestu byggð á svæðum þar sem jarðskjálfta hætta er lítil . Með aukinni áherslu á notkun vindorku má gera ...