Analysis of Challenges in the Mechanical Design of Offshore Wind Turbines

Öz

This article examines the key engineering challenges associated with the mechanical design of offshore wind turbines operating in harsh marine environments. The study discusses the main structural categories–foundations, towers, and rotors–emphasizing their suitability for different sea depths and geological conditions. Mechanical factors that significantly influence structural reliability are analysed, including loads, corrosion, fatigue, vibration, and aerodynamic as well as mechanical noise. The research also highlights current technological trends such as the increasing use of composite materials, hybrid tower structures, anti–corrosion solutions, floating platforms for deep–water installations, and smart monitoring systems supported by artificial intelligence. Additionally, the paper evaluates international experience and its relevance to the Baltic Sea region, focusing on Lithuania’s potential and engineering priorities for offshore wind development. The findings show that the integration of modern materials, digital diagnostics, and advanced foundation technologies can considerably improve operational efficiency, reduce maintenance costs, and extend structural lifespan.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Baltic Sea
• corrosion
• fatigue
• offshore wind turbines
• structural reliability

Destekleyen Kurum

Klaipėdos valstybinė kolegija / Higher Education Institution

Açık deniz rüzgar türbinlerinin mekanik tasarımındaki zorlukların analizi

Öz

Bu makale, zorlu deniz koşullarında çalışan açık deniz rüzgar türbinlerinin mekanik tasarımıyla ilişkili temel mühendislik zorluklarını incelemektedir. Çalışma, temeller, kuleler ve rotorlar olmak üzere temel yapısal kategorileri ele alarak bunların farklı deniz derinlikleri ve jeolojik koşullar için uygunluklarını vurgulamaktadır. Yükler, korozyon, yorulma, titreşim ve aerodinamik ile mekanik gürültü dahil olmak üzere yapısal güvenilirliği önemli ölçüde etkileyen mekanik faktörler analiz edilmektedir. Araştırma ayrıca, kompozit malzemelerin artan kullanımı, hibrit kule yapıları, korozyon önleyici çözümler, derin su tesisleri için yüzen platformlar ve yapay zeka destekli akıllı izleme sistemleri gibi güncel teknolojik eğilimleri de vurgulamaktadır. Ek olarak, makale uluslararası deneyimi ve bunun Baltık Denizi bölgesiyle ilişkisini değerlendirerek, Litvanya'nın açık deniz rüzgarı gelişimindeki potansiyeline ve mühendislik önceliklerine odaklanmaktadır. Bulgular, modern malzemelerin, dijital teşhislerin ve gelişmiş temel teknolojilerinin entegrasyonunun operasyonel verimliliği önemli ölçüde artırabileceğini, bakım maliyetlerini azaltabileceğini ve yapısal ömrü uzatabileceğini göstermektedir.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Baltık Denizi
• korozyon
• yorulma
• açık deniz rüzgar türbinleri
• yapısal güvenilirlik

Destekleyen Kurum

Klaipėdos valstybinė kolegija / Higher Education Institution

Kaynakça

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