Evaluation of Wind Power Plants from the Aspect of Earthquake Design

Abstract

In recent years Türkiye has steadily invested in renewable energy including wind turbines Conseqently their share in the total generation of energy in the country has been increasing every year. Considering the cost of wind power plants together with the targeted amount of energy generation earthquake planning for these systems becomes crucial. Earthquakes are one of the principal risks of wind energy investments especially when considering the earthquake hazard level in a large portion of the country. Under the present circumstances the companies producing wind turbines conduct the analysis and planning they deem necessary and forward these to the investors in our country. The extent to which manufacturers consider earthquake parameters and analysis methods in the design of wind turbines for earthquake resistance is not well-defined. The lack of clarity makes it difficult for investors to accurately evaluate the suitability of wind turbine tower and foundation designs for the specific conditions of the country. This study evaluates earthquake design methods by investigating the regulations used in the design of wind turbines around the world. The magnitude of ground motion considered in the earthquake design the method of analysis used the load combinations on which the designs are based and the criteria for the designs have been inspected. Moreover the design documents for a wind turbine that is being constructed have been examined in detail with the earthquake design stage being especially scrutinized. Assessments and recommendations have been made regarding the design specifications analysis methods and criteria used in the analysis and design of the wind turbines currently being built in our country. Subsequently obtained recommendations have been taken into consideration to propose an earthquake design procedure for the earthquake design of wind turbines.