• Wind and Structures
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.489-508
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• 2015

In this paper, a novel methodology is proposed to obtain optimum location of outriggers. The method utilizes genetic algorithm (GA) for shape and size optimization of outrigger-braced tall structures. In spite of previous studies (simplified methods), current study is based on exact modeling of the structure in a computer program developed on Matlab in conjunction with OpenSees. In addition to that, exact wind loading distribution is calculated in accordance with ASCE 7-10. This is novel since in previous studies wind loading distributions were assumed to be uniform or triangular. Also, a new penalty coefficient is proposed which is suitable for optimization of tall buildings. Newly proposed penalty coefficient improves the performance of GA and results in a faster convergence. Optimum location and number of outriggers is investigated. Also, contribution of factors like central core and outrigger rigidity is assessed by analyzing several design examples. According to the results of analysis, exact wind load distribution and modeling of all structural elements, yields optimum designs which are in contrast of simplified methods results. For taller frames significant increase of wind pressure changes the optimum location of outriggers obtained by simplified methods. Ratio of optimum location to the height of the structure for minimizing weight and satisfying serviceability constraints is not a fixed value. Ratio highly depends on height of the structure, core and outriggers stiffness and lateral wind loading distribution.

• Ocean Systems Engineering
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• v.1 no.4
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• pp.263-283
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• 2011

The performance of a rig tie-down system on a TLP (Tension Leg Platform) is investigated for 10-year, 100-year, and 1000-year hurricane environments. The inertia loading on the derrick is obtained from the three-hour time histories of the platform motions and accelerations, and the dynamic wind forces as well as the time-dependent heel-induced gravitational forces are also applied. Then, the connection loads between the derrick and its substructure as well as the substructure and deck are obtained to assess the safety of the tie-down system. Both linear and nonlinear inertia loads on the derrick are included. The resultant external forces are subsequently used to calculate the loads on the tie-down clamps at every time step with the assumption of rigid derrick. The exact dynamic equations including nonlinear terms are used with all the linear and second-order wave forces considering that some dynamic contributions, such as rotational inertia, centripetal forces, and the nonlinear excitations, have not been accounted for in the conventional engineering practices. From the numerical simulations, it is seen that the contributions of the second-order sum-frequency (or springing) accelerations can be appreciable in certain hurricane conditions. Finally, the maximum reaction loads on the clamps are obtained and used to check the possibility of slip, shear, and tensile failure of the tie-down system for any given environment.

• Journal of Electrical Engineering and Technology
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.487-495
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• 2015

This paper proposes a new robust decentralized power oscillation dampers (POD) design of doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG) wind turbine for damping of low frequency electromechanical oscillations in an interconnected power system. The POD structure is based on the practical $2^{nd}$-order lead/lag compensator with single input. Without exact mathematical model, the inverse output multiplicative perturbation is applied to represent system uncertainties such as system parameters variation, various loading conditions etc. The parameters optimization of decentralized PODs is carried out so that the stabilizing performance and robust stability margin against system uncertainties are guaranteed. The improved firefly algorithm is applied to tune the optimal POD parameters automatically. Simulation study in two-area four-machine interconnected system shows that the proposed robust POD is much superior to the conventional POD in terms of stabilizing effect and robustness.

• Wind and Structures
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.465-483
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• 2016

This study aims to enhance the understanding of the surface pressure distribution around rectangular bodies, by considering aspects such as the suction pressure at the leading edge on the top and side faces when the body aspect ratio and wind direction are changed. We carried out wind tunnel measurements and numerical simulations of flow around a series of rectangular bodies (a cube and two rectangular bodies) that were placed in a deep turbulent boundary layer. Based on a modern numerical platform, the Navier-Stokes equations with the typical two-equation model (i.e., the standard $k-{\varepsilon}$ model) were solved, and the results were compared with the wind tunnel measurement data. Regarding the turbulence model, the results of the $k-{\varepsilon}$ model are in overall agreement with the experimental results, including the existing data. However, because of the blockage effects in the computational domain, the pressure recovery region is underpredicted compared to the experimental data. In addition, the $k-{\varepsilon}$ model sometimes will fail to capture the exact flow features. The primary emphasis in this study is on the flow characteristics around rectangular bodies with various aspect ratios and approaching wind directions. The aspect ratio and wind direction influence the type of wake that is generated and ultimately the structural loading and pressure, and in particular, the structural excitation. The results show that the surface pressure variation is highly dependent upon the approaching wind direction, especially on the top and side faces of the cube. In addition, the transverse width has a substantial effect on the variations in surface pressure around the bodies, while the longitudinal length has less influence compared to the transverse width.