Simplified support structure design for multi-rotor wind turbine systems

Abstract

In this study different multi-rotor wind turbine systems (MRSs) are designed in such a way that the space frame, forming the connection between rotor nacelle assemblies (RNAs) and the tower, is modeled as an ideal truss work. To dimension the tube diameters and wall thicknesses, a simplified load case is used with an adjusted safety factor for loads. This simplified approach allows for fast computations of a large variety of different support structure designs. By variation of rotor number, space frame topology, space frame depth and positioning of yaw bearings, it is possible to gain an understanding of the optimal MRS design. As such, the simplified approach is a preliminary step helping to choose a good design parameter combination for a more detailed and comprehensive analysis.