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An optimum design of the onshore wind turbine (WT) tower structure is crucial for achieving an economic, efficient and safe design of the entire onshore WT system. In this study, an integrated structural optimisation framework for onshore WT towers is established through combining a parametric finite element analysis (FEA) model with a genetic algorithm (GA). The bottom and top diameters as well as the thickness distribution of the onshore WT tower are considered as design variables. The mass of the onshore WT tower is minimised by the structural optimisation framework under multiple design constraints. The framework has been validated and then applied to the structural optimisation of a representative 2.0 MW onshore WT tower presently installed in a wind farm in Middle East. It is demonstrated that the structural optimisation framework developed in this work can considerably lower the mass of the tower while fulfilling design requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current design of wind turbine (WT) towers is generally based on the partial safety factor (PSF) method, which treats uncertain variables deterministically and applies PSFs to account for uncertainties. This simplification in the design process leads to either over-engineered or under-engineered designs most of the time. In this study, a reliability-based design optimisation (RBDO) framework for WT towers is developed, accurately taking account of uncertainties in wind loads and material properties. A parametric finite element analysis (FEA) model for WT towers is developed, taking account of stochastic variables. After validation, it is then combined with response surface method and first order reliability method to develop a reliability assessment model. Five limit states are considered, i.e. ultimate, fatigue, buckling, modal frequency and tower top rotation. The reliability assessment model is further integrated with a genetic algorithm (GA) to develop a RBDO framework. The RBDO framework has been applied to a typical 2.0 MW onshore WT tower currently installed in a representative location in Middle East. The results demonstrate that the proposed RBDO framework can effectively and accurately achieve an optimal design of WT towers to meet target reliability. • A reliability-based design optimisation (RBDO) framework for wind turbine (WT) towers is developed. • The RBDO framework has been applied to a typical 2 MW onshore WT tower. • The proposed framework can achieve an optimal design of the WT tower to meet target reliability. • The optimal design of the WT tower achieves a 15.1% mass reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]