Reliability-Based Optimization Design with Interval Parameters for Reducing Yaw Braking Noise

Abstract

This study introduces a reliability-based optimization design approach, incorporating interval parameters, to address the issue of braking noise during yaw braking in wind turbines. This approach is grounded in the utilization of complex modal analysis and reliability-based optimization design with interval parameters. By employing the finite element method, complex modal analysis is employed to forecast the yaw braking noise. In addition, the adoption of reliability-based optimization design with interval parameters aims to reduce yaw braking noise and enhance system stability. In this framework, uncertain parameters, such as the friction coefficient and groove chamfers, are treated as interval variables. Notably, parameters including groove width, chamfer width, and friction coefficient are deemed significant influential factors. Objective functions are selected based on the tendency of instability and the reliability index. To construct a reliability-based optimization model with interval parameters, orthogonal experiments, response surface methods, and reliability analysis are employed. The NSGA-II Algorithm is subsequently utilized to obtain optimal values for the design parameters from the optimization model. Upon application of the proposed methodology to yaw brake design, yaw braking noise is significantly reduced, accompanied by an increase in system stability. Specifically, the tendency of instability decreases by 46.85%, while the reliability index increases by 66.07%. The findings of this research offer valuable insights for the design of wind turbine yaw brakes. © 2025 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.