Durability and Fatigue Challenges in Wind,
Wave and Tidal Energy

Engineering Integrity Society

Wednesday, 29 November 2006

BAWA, Bristol, UK

INTRODUCTION

The sustainable energy sectors of engineering and in particular offshore systems are currently experiencing a rapid growth. This includes the relatively established wind power systems and the emerging new technologies for generating energy from the sea (waves and tides). In order to reduce the risk of investment, new standards are required for durability and reliability assessments of renewable systems that are comparable to those in long established engineering areas such as transportation (for example aircraft and vehicle design) and in the non-renewable power generation sector.

The durability of renewable systems is of special interest in view of the fact that these structures are fundamentally involved with harnessing forces of nature; hence the analysis includes non-deterministic and complex loads. The new challenges faced by the durability engineer to design a reliable renewable system are therefore quite formidable. For instance, in design against fatigue failure of wind generators one often has to account for a complex and multi-axes stress pattern that is random and consists of a large number of cycles. Frequently, a complex load is applied to a tailor made mechanical component that is not easily inspected during operation. Additionally, the rotors are now often made of composites and have grown in size to capture more energy from the wind, with diameters of over 80m, larger then the Airbus A380 wing span.

This EIS event brings recent developments in fatigue and durability assessment for renewable structures and in particular highlights the design and development of offshore systems. The speakers are drawn from established companies in this sector, as well as from emerging technologies with experienced professionals in advanced monitoring and theoretical assessment of renewable structures. The Engineering Integrity Society which has organized this event is a UK based charity promoting the academic and social advancement of engineering. These aims are achieved through regular technical seminars, conferences and meetings to review current engineering practices. The EIS provides a pragmatic and practical arena for engineers on a multidisciplinary basis and has previously run events on related aspects of engineering, for example the durability of composites, welded structures and corrosion fatigue.

The event organisers have a long term commitment to this sector. It is our hope that this event will consolidate for the future as a regular gathering of professional engineers and academics to exchange opinions and discuss recent progress and challenges in this sector.

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