Mechanical-dynamic loads

Wind turbine technology has been growing rapidly in the past decade. The innovative concepts, larger onshore and offshore turbines as well as floating turbines require dynamic analysis considering comprehensive load modeling. Loads in the operational and survival conditions including fault cases, controller actions and response-induced forces govern the design and the limit states requirements associated with it. The wind turbine industry has good experience in bottom-fixed applications. However, when it comes to floating wind turbine technology, there are only a few commercial cases in operation. Further research is needed to fill the gap and enhance the floating wind turbine technology. This article provides an introduction to loads for both onshore and offshore wind turbines with a focus on the wave- and wind-induced loads as well as controller loads and load actions to assess the structural integrity and power performance of wind turbines.