Wind Turbine

The Approach

DRVN Advanced Engineering were tasked with developing the most efficient structure for offshore wind turbine blades. Leveraging our expertise in engineering challenges with high variable counts, we employed Finite Element Analysis and Optimisation techniques. The process involved defining aerodynamic constraints, material properties and multiple load cases to converge on preliminary solutions swiftly. Subsequent refinement stages focused on capturing manufacturing details, such as fixing inserts and adhesive applications, while monitoring weight efficiency and performance indices.

Aerodynamic profiles are defined in order to maximise the effectiveness of the turbine delivered within the space and shape confinements.  The blade was to resist aerodynamic loads in dynamic conditions with a range of wind speeds applied.  Furthermore, the manufacturing of such large structures provided additional constraints on the structural design, in addition to the surface durability requirement of the outer leading edge of the blades. The final design offered many advantages to structural efficiency and also managed to optimise material use, ensuring manufacturing costs were minimised.

The final design, characterised by an unconventional non-symmetric construction, emerged as the optimal balance between performance, manufacturability, and weight. Fully modelled in FEA toolsets, the design’s characteristic deflection and frequency response performance were established. Computer Aided Designers detailed the design in CATIA, integrating manufacturing specifics.

Manufacturing teams assessed feasibility and efficiency, providing input for further enhancements before production. The deliverables, including supporting reports, layup books, hand calculations, and CAD data, were provided as an end-to-end service to the client.