Assessments of Seismic Response and Energy Harvesting of Offshore Wind Turbines Equipped with Tuned Mass Damper Inerter

authored by: Said Elias, Michael Beer, Hussam Mahmoud
Abstract: This study investigates the dynamic performance, energy harvesting capacity, and seismic reliability of offshore wind turbine towers equipped with tuned mass dampers with inerters and electromagnetic energy harvesting (TMDI-EM) systems under earthquake loading. The TMDI-EM system is analyzed for its dual functionality of vibration mitigation and energy harvesting, compared to traditional TMDIs. The results demonstrate the superior efficacy of the TMDI-EM in reducing structural vibrations, broadening the damping response over multiple frequencies, and improving the seismic resilience of the tower. In addition, the system shows moderate energy harvesting capabilities, though improvements are needed to enhance its efficiency under low seismic intensities. A reliability analysis using fragility and reliability curves highlights the TMDI-EM's capacity to significantly reduce the probability of structural damage under seismic events. The study further compares Monte Carlo simulation and latinized partially stratified sampling (LPSS), confirming that LPSS delivers comparable accuracy with greater computational efficiency. Overall, the TMDI-EM system provides a multifunctional approach to enhancing the dynamic performance and sustainability of offshore wind turbines in seismic regions, reducing the risk of structural degradation while also capturing renewable energy. Future research is recommended to optimize energy harvesting performance and develop more adaptive predictive models for turbine behavior under seismic loading.
Organisation(s): Institute for Risk and Reliability
External Organisation(s): University of Liverpool
Tongji University
Colorado State University
Type: Article
Journal: Journal of structural engineering
Volume: 151
ISSN: 0733-9445
Publication date: 01.10.2025
Publication status: Published
Peer reviewed: Yes
ASJC Scopus subject areas: Civil and Structural Engineering, Building and Construction, General Materials Science, Mechanics of Materials, Mechanical Engineering
Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy
Electronic version(s): https://doi.org/10.1061/JSENDH.STENG-14938 (Access: Closed)