Abstract
Shake table tests were undertaken on a full-scale wind turbine (65-kW rated power, 22.6-m hub height, and 16-m rotor diameter) using the Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation Large High Performance Outdoor Shake Table at the University of California, San Diego. Structural response characteristics and modal parameters are presented for base shaking imparted in two configurations, both parallel (configuration 1) and perpendicular (configuration 2) to the axis of rotation of the rotor. Results are summarized for a series of progressively stronger motions imparted in configuration 1, with analysis identifying damage sources leading to an overall loss in stiffness. Two sources of observed softening are identified and quantified: (1) degradation of grout at the tower base, and (2) loss of bolt torque at the connections between tower segments. Results showed that the two configurations had little difference in structural response and demand parameters. for the tested turbine, with appropriate consideration of boundary conditions and modal characteristics, linear theory for a single degree-of-freedom system can explain most of the observed dynamics. Although not significant for the tested turbine, it was observed that higher mode behavior may be important for large turbines.
Recommended Citation
I. Prowell et al., "Shake Table Testing of a Utility-Scale Wind Turbine," Journal of Engineering Mechanics, vol. 138, no. 7, pp. 900 - 909, American Society of Civil Engineers, Jan 2012.
The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)EM.1943-7889.0000391
Department(s)
Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering
Keywords and Phrases
Earthquakes; Renewable energy; Seismic effects; Shake table tests; Turbines
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
1943-7889; 0733-9399
Document Type
Article - Journal
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2024 American Society of Civil Engineers, All rights reserved.
Publication Date
01 Jan 2012
Comments
National Science Foundation, Grant CMMI 0830422