Combined Method with Transfer Matrix and Measurement for Investigating the Dynamic Behavior of Wind Turbine Tower

The tower and foundation are important structural components of modern horizontal axis wind turbines. The dynamic behavior of tower and foundation must be considered in wind turbine design and operation. This paper presents a combined method for analyzing the dynamic behavior of tower and foundation of wind turbines. The combined method consists of transfer matrix method and tower natural frequency measurement. The transfer matrix method is used for generating the simulation model with reasonable simplification and assumption. The results from tower natural frequency test in wind farms can be used for determining the parameters of boundary conditions. By this way, the dynamic behavior of tower can be analyzed accurately. Moreover, the influences of foundation stiffness and damping on the natural frequencies and mode shapes of a wind turbine tower can also be revealed.