Engineering Commons^™

Wind Turbine Rotor Design Using High-Fidelity Aerostructural Optimization, Marco Mangano, Sicheng He, Yingqian Liao, Denis-Gabriel Caprace, Andrew Ning, Joaquim R. R. A. Martins

Faculty Publications

Large wind turbines yield more energy but demand careful aeroelastic blade design. Coupled multiphysics design strategies can reduce wind energy costs exploiting fluid-structure interactions. This work presents the first high-fidelity aerostructural optimization study of a large wind turbine rotor.We use blade-resolved fluid dynamics and structural solvers in a monolithic gradient-based optimization framework to explore steady-state torque and blade mass trade-offs. The coupled-adjoint approach computes gradients efficiently, enabling the optimization of over 100 structural and geometric parameters simultaneously. Our optimization study modifies a DTU 10 MW benchmark with a simplified structure and isotropic material properties. The tightly coupled optimizations increase torque …

Optimizing Hip And Knee Assistance For Walking And Sit-To-Stand Transitions: An Intrinsic Muscle Mechanics Based Predictive Approach, Neethan Ratnakumar

Dissertations

As the global population ages, the demand for wearable assistive technologies continues to rise, driven by their potential to enhance mobility and independence in older adults. Effectively designed controllers for lower-limb exoskeletons to assist sit-to-stand (STS) and walking are crucial for delivering efficient, safe, and comfortable assistance during daily activities. Traditionally, controller optimization involves biomechanical modeling and user-specific customization. Musculoskeletal simulations play a central role in this process by providing insights into human-exoskeleton interaction dynamics, thereby informing and refining control strategies.

This work presents a simulation-driven approach for developing exoskeleton controllers for walking and STS using two distinct methods: optimal …

Pressure And Force Dynamics In Artificial Muscle Actuators: A State-Space And Optimization-Based Approach, Mohammad Elzein

Dissertations and Theses

This two-part investigation explores the dynamic behavior of braided pneumatic actuators (BPAs) under bio-inspired pulse modulation, with the aim of improving their biomimetic force output and control. The first study examines the effect of pulse length and inter-pulse timing on BPA performance, revealing that force output is highly sensitive to the temporal structure of input pulses mirroring biological muscle behavior. Using dual-pulse actuation schemes, the results demonstrate that force responses exceed the additive contributions of individual pulses, with peak amplification occurring consistently at a 27 ms inter-pulse gap. Shorter pulse lengths (10–20 ms) yielded the highest normalized force increases, up …

Computational Fluid Dynamics (Cfd) Modeling For Bio-Inspired Aerodynamic Optimization In Autonomous Drones, Hyginus C.O. Unegbu, Danjuma Saleh Yawas

Makara Journal of Technology

This study explores the aerodynamic benefits of bio-inspired design modifications for autonomous drones using advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. Four bio-inspired configurations—leading-edge serrations, winglets, riblet surfaces, and curved wings—were assessed and compared against a baseline drone model to evaluate their impact on aerodynamic performance. The results indicated that all bio-inspired designs significantly enhanced lift, reduced drag, and improved overall aerodynamic efficiency. The leading-edge serration configuration achieved the highest performance gains, with a 33.6% increase in maximum lift coefficient (CL) and a 29.5% improvement in lift-to-drag ratio (CL/CD), primarily due to delayed flow separation and reduced turbulence. Winglets minimized wingtip …

Hourly Simulated Power Production Data With Snow Loss Model At Existing Utility-Scale Pv Sites (>5 Mw) In The U.S. Eastern Interconnection In 2018, Shelbie Wickett, Ana Dyreson

Simulated Solar Capacity Including Snow Cover in the Eastern U.S.

Project Summary: We ran PySAM power production simulations for utility-scale (>5 MW) PV sites located in the U.S. Eastern Interconnection in the year 2018. Site panel mounts (fixed-tilt or single-axis tracking), capacities, and locations (latitudes and longitudes) were extracted from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's Utility-Scale Solar 2024 Edition dataset. See 2018_PV_existing_site_metadata.csv file for individual site metadata.

Hourly Simulated Power Production Data With No Snow Loss Model At Existing Utility-Scale Pv Sites (>5 Mw) In The U.S. Eastern Interconnection In 2014, Shelbie Wickett, Ana Dyreson

Simulated Solar Capacity Including Snow Cover in the Eastern U.S.

Project Summary: We ran PySAM power production simulations for utility-scale (>5 MW) PV sites located in the U.S. Eastern Interconnection in the year 2014. Site panel mounts (fixed-tilt or single-axis tracking), capacities, and locations (latitudes and longitudes) were extracted from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's Utility-Scale Solar 2024 Edition dataset. See 2014_PV_existing_site_metadata.csv file for individual site metadata.

Hourly Simulated Power Production Data With No Snow Loss Model At Queued Utility-Scale Pv Sites Simulated As Single-Axis Tracking Systems In The U.S. Eastern Interconnection For Weather Year 2014, Shelbie Wickett, Ana Dyreson

Simulated Solar Capacity Including Snow Cover in the Eastern U.S.

Using 2014 weather data, we ran PySAM power production simulations for utility-scale PV sites in the U.S. Eastern Interconnection queue. Site IDs, capacities, and locations (counties) were extracted from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's Queued Up: 2024 Edition dataset. No panel mount information was provided, so all sites were assumed to be the centers of the installation counties. See queued_site_metadata.csv file for individual site metadata

Hourly Simulated Power Production Data With No Snow Loss Model At Queued Utility-Scale Pv Sites Simulated As Single-Axis Tracking Systems In The U.S. Eastern Interconnection For Weather Year 2021, Shelbie Wickett, Ana Dyreson

Simulated Solar Capacity Including Snow Cover in the Eastern U.S.

Using 2021 weather data, we ran PySAM power production simulations for utility-scale PV sites in the U.S. Eastern Interconnection queue. Site IDs, capacities, and locations (counties) were extracted from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's Queued Up: 2024 Edition dataset. No panel mount information was provided, so all sites were assumed to be the centers of the installation counties. See queued_site_metadata.csv file for individual site metadata

Hourly Simulated Power Production Data With No Snow Loss Model At Queued Utility-Scale Pv Sites Simulated As Single-Axis Tracking Systems In The U.S. Eastern Interconnection For Weather Year 2022, Shelbie Wickett, Ana Dyreson

Simulated Solar Capacity Including Snow Cover in the Eastern U.S.

Using 2022 weather data, we ran PySAM power production simulations for utility-scale PV sites in the U.S. Eastern Interconnection queue. Site IDs, capacities, and locations (counties) were extracted from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's Queued Up: 2024 Edition dataset. No panel mount information was provided, so all sites were assumed to be the centers of the installation counties. See queued_site_metadata.csv file for individual site metadata

Hourly Simulated Power Production Data With Snow Loss Model At Existing Utility-Scale Pv Sites (>5 Mw) In The U.S. Eastern Interconnection In 2022, Shelbie Wickett, Ana Dyreson

Simulated Solar Capacity Including Snow Cover in the Eastern U.S.

Project Summary: We ran PySAM power production simulations for utility-scale (>5 MW) PV sites located in the U.S. Eastern Interconnection in the year 2022. Site panel mounts (fixed-tilt or single-axis tracking), capacities, and locations (latitudes and longitudes) were extracted from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's Utility-Scale Solar 2024 Edition dataset. See 2022_PV_existing_site_metadata.csv file for individual site metadata.

Hourly Simulated Power Production Data With No Snow Loss Model At Existing Utility-Scale Pv Sites (>5 Mw) In The U.S. Eastern Interconnection In 2017, Shelbie Wickett, Ana Dyreson

Simulated Solar Capacity Including Snow Cover in the Eastern U.S.

Project Summary: We ran PySAM power production simulations for utility-scale (>5 MW) PV sites located in the U.S. Eastern Interconnection in the year 2017. Site panel mounts (fixed-tilt or single-axis tracking), capacities, and locations (latitudes and longitudes) were extracted from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's Utility-Scale Solar 2024 Edition dataset. See 2017_PV_existing_site_metadata.csv file for individual site metadata.

Hourly Simulated Power Production Data With No Snow Loss Model At Existing Utility-Scale Pv Sites (>5 Mw) In The U.S. Eastern Interconnection In 2018, Shelbie Wickett, Ana Dyreson

Simulated Solar Capacity Including Snow Cover in the Eastern U.S.

Project Summary: We ran PySAM power production simulations for utility-scale (>5 MW) PV sites located in the U.S. Eastern Interconnection in the year 2018. Site panel mounts (fixed-tilt or single-axis tracking), capacities, and locations (latitudes and longitudes) were extracted from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's Utility-Scale Solar 2024 Edition dataset. See 2018_PV_existing_site_metadata.csv file for individual site metadata.

Hourly Simulated Power Production Data With No Snow Loss Model At Existing Utility-Scale Pv Sites (>5 Mw) In The U.S. Eastern Interconnection In 2022, Shelbie Wickett, Ana Dyreson

Simulated Solar Capacity Including Snow Cover in the Eastern U.S.

Project Summary: We ran PySAM power production simulations for utility-scale (>5 MW) PV sites located in the U.S. Eastern Interconnection in the year 2022. Site panel mounts (fixed-tilt or single-axis tracking), capacities, and locations (latitudes and longitudes) were extracted from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's Utility-Scale Solar 2024 Edition dataset. See 2022_PV_existing_site_metadata.csv file for individual site metadata.

Hourly Simulated Power Production Data With No Snow Loss Model At Queued Utility-Scale Pv Sites Simulated As Single-Axis Tracking Systems In The U.S. Eastern Interconnection For Weather Year 2015, Shelbie Wickett, Ana Dyreson

Simulated Solar Capacity Including Snow Cover in the Eastern U.S.

Using 2015 weather data, we ran PySAM power production simulations for utility-scale PV sites in the U.S. Eastern Interconnection queue. Site IDs, capacities, and locations (counties) were extracted from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's Queued Up: 2024 Edition dataset. No panel mount information was provided, so all sites were assumed to be the centers of the installation counties. See queued_site_metadata.csv file for individual site metadata

Hourly Simulated Power Production Data With No Snow Loss Model At Existing Utility-Scale Pv Sites (>5 Mw) In The U.S. Eastern Interconnection In 2021, Shelbie Wickett, Ana Dyreson

Simulated Solar Capacity Including Snow Cover in the Eastern U.S.

Project Summary: We ran PySAM power production simulations for utility-scale (>5 MW) PV sites located in the U.S. Eastern Interconnection in the year 2021. Site panel mounts (fixed-tilt or single-axis tracking), capacities, and locations (latitudes and longitudes) were extracted from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's Utility-Scale Solar 2024 Edition dataset. See 2021_PV_existing_site_metadata.csv file for individual site metadata.

Hourly Simulated Power Production Data With No Snow Loss Model At Queued Utility-Scale Pv Sites Simulated As Single-Axis Tracking Systems In The U.S. Eastern Interconnection For Weather Year 2013, Shelbie Wickett, Ana Dyreson

Simulated Solar Capacity Including Snow Cover in the Eastern U.S.

Using 2013 weather data, we ran PySAM power production simulations for utility-scale PV sites in the U.S. Eastern Interconnection queue. Site IDs, capacities, and locations (counties) were extracted from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's Queued Up: 2024 Edition dataset. No panel mount information was provided, so all sites were assumed to be the centers of the installation counties. See queued_site_metadata.csv file for individual site metadata

Hourly Simulated Power Production Data With No Snow Loss Model At Queued Utility-Scale Pv Sites Simulated As Single-Axis Tracking Systems In The U.S. Eastern Interconnection For Weather Year 2017, Shelbie Wickett, Ana Dyreson

Simulated Solar Capacity Including Snow Cover in the Eastern U.S.

Using 2017 weather data, we ran PySAM power production simulations for utility-scale PV sites in the U.S. Eastern Interconnection queue. Site IDs, capacities, and locations (counties) were extracted from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's Queued Up: 2024 Edition dataset. No panel mount information was provided, so all sites were assumed to be the centers of the installation counties. See queued_site_metadata.csv file for individual site metadata

Hourly Simulated Power Production Data With No Snow Loss Model At Queued Utility-Scale Pv Sites Simulated As Single-Axis Tracking Systems In The U.S. Eastern Interconnection For Weather Year 2020, Shelbie Wickett, Ana Dyreson

Simulated Solar Capacity Including Snow Cover in the Eastern U.S.

Using 2020 weather data, we ran PySAM power production simulations for utility-scale PV sites in the U.S. Eastern Interconnection queue. Site IDs, capacities, and locations (counties) were extracted from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's Queued Up: 2024 Edition dataset. No panel mount information was provided, so all sites were assumed to be the centers of the installation counties. See queued_site_metadata.csv file for individual site metadata

Hourly Simulated Power Production Data With Snow Loss Model At Existing Utility-Scale Pv Sites (>5 Mw) In The U.S. Eastern Interconnection In 2015, Shelbie Wickett, Ana Dyreson

Simulated Solar Capacity Including Snow Cover in the Eastern U.S.

Project Summary: We ran PySAM power production simulations for utility-scale (>5 MW) PV sites located in the U.S. Eastern Interconnection in the year 2015. Site panel mounts (fixed-tilt or single-axis tracking), capacities, and locations (latitudes and longitudes) were extracted from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's Utility-Scale Solar 2024 Edition dataset. See 2015_PV_existing_site_metadata.csv file for individual site metadata.

Hourly Simulated Power Production Data With Snow Loss Model At Existing Utility-Scale Pv Sites (>5 Mw) In The U.S. Eastern Interconnection In 2016, Shelbie Wickett, Ana Dyreson

Simulated Solar Capacity Including Snow Cover in the Eastern U.S.

Project Summary: We ran PySAM power production simulations for utility-scale (>5 MW) PV sites located in the U.S. Eastern Interconnection in the year 2016. Site panel mounts (fixed-tilt or single-axis tracking), capacities, and locations (latitudes and longitudes) were extracted from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's Utility-Scale Solar 2024 Edition dataset. See 2016_PV_existing_site_metadata.csv file for individual site metadata.

Hourly Simulated Power Production Data With Snow Loss Model At Existing Utility-Scale Pv Sites (>5 Mw) In The U.S. Eastern Interconnection In 2017, Shelbie Wickett, Ana Dyreson

Simulated Solar Capacity Including Snow Cover in the Eastern U.S.

Project Summary: We ran PySAM power production simulations for utility-scale (>5 MW) PV sites located in the U.S. Eastern Interconnection in the year 2017. Site panel mounts (fixed-tilt or single-axis tracking), capacities, and locations (latitudes and longitudes) were extracted from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's Utility-Scale Solar 2024 Edition dataset. See 2017_PV_existing_site_metadata.csv file for individual site metadata.

Hourly Simulated Power Production Data With Snow Loss Model At Existing Utility-Scale Pv Sites (>5 Mw) In The U.S. Eastern Interconnection In 2019, Shelbie Wickett, Ana Dyreson

Simulated Solar Capacity Including Snow Cover in the Eastern U.S.

Project Summary: We ran PySAM power production simulations for utility-scale (>5 MW) PV sites located in the U.S. Eastern Interconnection in the year 2019. Site panel mounts (fixed-tilt or single-axis tracking), capacities, and locations (latitudes and longitudes) were extracted from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's Utility-Scale Solar 2024 Edition dataset. See 2019_PV_existing_site_metadata.csv file for individual site metadata.

Hourly Simulated Power Production Data With Snow Loss Model At Existing Utility-Scale Pv Sites (>5 Mw) In The U.S. Eastern Interconnection In 2020, Shelbie Wickett, Ana Dyreson

Simulated Solar Capacity Including Snow Cover in the Eastern U.S.

Project Summary: We ran PySAM power production simulations for utility-scale (>5 MW) PV sites located in the U.S. Eastern Interconnection in the year 2020. Site panel mounts (fixed-tilt or single-axis tracking), capacities, and locations (latitudes and longitudes) were extracted from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's Utility-Scale Solar 2024 Edition dataset. See 2020_PV_existing_site_metadata.csv file for individual site metadata.

Hourly Simulated Power Production Data With Snow Loss Model At Existing Utility-Scale Pv Sites (>5 Mw) In The U.S. Eastern Interconnection In 2021, Shelbie Wickett, Ana Dyreson

Simulated Solar Capacity Including Snow Cover in the Eastern U.S.

Project Summary: We ran PySAM power production simulations for utility-scale (>5 MW) PV sites located in the U.S. Eastern Interconnection in the year 2021. Site panel mounts (fixed-tilt or single-axis tracking), capacities, and locations (latitudes and longitudes) were extracted from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's Utility-Scale Solar 2024 Edition dataset. See 2021_PV_existing_site_metadata.csv file for individual site metadata.

Hourly Simulated Power Production Data With No Snow Loss Model At Existing Utility-Scale Pv Sites (>5 Mw) In The U.S. Eastern Interconnection In 2013, Shelbie Wickett, Ana Dyreson

Simulated Solar Capacity Including Snow Cover in the Eastern U.S.

Project Summary: We ran PySAM power production simulations for utility-scale (>5 MW) PV sites located in the U.S. Eastern Interconnection in the year 2013. Site panel mounts (fixed-tilt or single-axis tracking), capacities, and locations (latitudes and longitudes) were extracted from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's Utility-Scale Solar 2024 Edition dataset. See 2013_PV_existing_site_metadata.csv file for individual site metadata.

Hourly Simulated Power Production Data With No Snow Loss Model At Existing Utility-Scale Pv Sites (>5 Mw) In The U.S. Eastern Interconnection In 2020, Shelbie Wickett, Ana Dyreson

Simulated Solar Capacity Including Snow Cover in the Eastern U.S.

Project Summary: We ran PySAM power production simulations for utility-scale (>5 MW) PV sites located in the U.S. Eastern Interconnection in the year 2020. Site panel mounts (fixed-tilt or single-axis tracking), capacities, and locations (latitudes and longitudes) were extracted from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's Utility-Scale Solar 2024 Edition dataset. See 2020_PV_existing_site_metadata.csv file for individual site metadata.

Hourly Simulated Power Production Data With No Snow Loss Model At Queued Utility-Scale Pv Sites Simulated As Single-Axis Tracking Systems In The U.S. Eastern Interconnection For Weather Year 2019, Shelbie Wickett, Ana Dyreson

Simulated Solar Capacity Including Snow Cover in the Eastern U.S.

Using 2019 weather data, we ran PySAM power production simulations for utility-scale PV sites in the U.S. Eastern Interconnection queue. Site IDs, capacities, and locations (counties) were extracted from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's Queued Up: 2024 Edition dataset. No panel mount information was provided, so all sites were assumed to be the centers of the installation counties. See queued_site_metadata.csv file for individual site metadata

Hourly Simulated Power Production Data With No Snow Loss Model At Queued Utility-Scale Pv Sites Simulated As Single-Axis Tracking Systems In The U.S. Eastern Interconnection For Weather Year 2016, Shelbie Wickett, Ana Dyreson

Simulated Solar Capacity Including Snow Cover in the Eastern U.S.

Using 2016 weather data, we ran PySAM power production simulations for utility-scale PV sites in the U.S. Eastern Interconnection queue. Site IDs, capacities, and locations (counties) were extracted from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's Queued Up: 2024 Edition dataset. No panel mount information was provided, so all sites were assumed to be the centers of the installation counties. See queued_site_metadata.csv file for individual site metadata

Hourly Simulated Power Production Data With No Snow Loss Model At Queued Utility-Scale Pv Sites Simulated As Single-Axis Tracking Systems In The U.S. Eastern Interconnection For Weather Year 2018, Shelbie Wickett, Ana Dyreson

Simulated Solar Capacity Including Snow Cover in the Eastern U.S.

Using 2018 weather data, we ran PySAM power production simulations for utility-scale PV sites in the U.S. Eastern Interconnection queue. Site IDs, capacities, and locations (counties) were extracted from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's Queued Up: 2024 Edition dataset. No panel mount information was provided, so all sites were assumed to be the centers of the installation counties. See queued_site_metadata.csv file for individual site metadata

Hourly Simulated Power Production Data With Snow Loss Model At Existing Utility-Scale Pv Sites (>5 Mw) In The U.S. Eastern Interconnection In 2013, Shelbie Wickett, Ana Dyreson

Simulated Solar Capacity Including Snow Cover in the Eastern U.S.

Project Summary: We ran PySAM power production simulations for utility-scale (>5 MW) PV sites located in the U.S. Eastern Interconnection in the year 2013. Site panel mounts (fixed-tilt or single-axis tracking), capacities, and locations (latitudes and longitudes) were extracted from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's Utility-Scale Solar 2024 Edition dataset. See 2013_PV_existing_site_metadata.csv file for individual site metadata.