Performance-based design of a wind turbine under typhoon and earthquake loads

Two extreme load levels, Levels 1 and 2, for typhoons and earthquakes were considered in the performance-based design of a wind turbine. The failure modes considered are tower buckling failure, anchor bolt pull-out and soil bearing capacity failure. For each load case the probabilities of failure for three damage states (minor, moderate and major) were analyzed. The cost of strengthening and the failure costs were also obtained. Finally an optimal investment cost is proposed which is important for wind farm owners for capital budgeting purposes. This value also corresponds to a target probability of failure of a wind turbine which can be used in the design of wind turbines in typhoon and earthquake-prone areas