Shape Optimization of Onshore Wind Turbine Foundations

This paper deals with the shape optimization of onshore wind turbine foundations. The importance of renewable energy is gaining importance globally. Onshore wind energy gained importance in countries with potential to generate renewable energy due to reducing the use of other non-renewable energy sources. The aim is to study different shapes configurations of onshore wind turbine foundations. Variables considered in the study are shape of the foundation, wind load and various angles of application of wind load. Simulation and analysis were carried out using STAAD Pro software to determine the forces on the foundation, while soil behavior was analyzed using PLAXIS 3D to better understand settlement behavior. A comparative study was carried out to check the parameters such as resultant forces, volume of materials concrete and steel required, settlement and strain characteristics of soil and safety factors. The most preferred configuration is a circular shape based on the variables and parameters considered in the study, but considering the ease of constructability, the configuration recommended is octagonal which is practical for onshore wind turbine applications.