Extreme wind design standards and tropical cyclone–resilient wind turbines: a review

Large numbers of wind farms have been built onshore and many more are planned for offshore areas in tropical cyclone regions. A review of past wind turbine failures in tropical cyclones reveals six general types of design weaknesses. Several key studies show that extreme winds in tropical cyclones, especially in Saffir–Simpson hurricane classes 3 through 5 (major tropical cyclones), are poorly understood. In response to evolving tropical cyclone wind turbine design standards, known design weaknesses in tropical cyclones (and more frequent and intense winds due to climate change) promising wind turbine design innovations may significantly reduce the risk of wind turbine failures and financial losses associated with tropical cyclones. This study identifies three key priorities: (1) adoption of site-specific (Class S) assessments to account for localised cyclone dynamics, (2) implementation of a 100-year return period design standard for structural resilience, and (3) integration of innovative blade force survivability technologies, such as adaptive pitch control and composite reinforcement. Leveraging innovative solutions will play a pivotal role in securing the viability of wind farms in tropical cyclone-prone regions.