An integrated aerodynamic–structural optimization method for wind turbine blades to enhance energy capture and deformation resistance

Abstract With the increasing concerns of global energy depletion and environmental protection, wind turbines have emerged as an advanced solution for utilizing green and renewable energy. To maximize wind energy capture and reduce power generation costs, a design methodology for offshore wind turbine blades that balances aerodynamic and structural performance has been proposed. First, we optimize high-performance blunt–trailing-edge airfoils to improve the lift-to-drag ratio at the design angle of attack under full-scale operating conditions while increasing the sectional moment of inertia. Based on these optimized airfoils, the whole blade with enhanced overall stiffness is further optimized by considering parameters related to the internal configuration of the blade, and not increasing the blade mass. The aerodynamic and structural performance of the optimized blade is then assessed. The results indicate that compared with the initial blade, the power enhancement of optimized blade at rated wind speed is around 2%, and the deformation decreases in flapwise, edgewise, and torsional deformations are 7.94%, 7.65%, and 12.69%, respectively. Overall, the optimized blade demonstrates improved aerodynamic efficiency and deformation resistance.