Using Topology Optimization for Actuator Placement within Motion Systems

Topology optimization is a strong approach for generating optimal designs which cannot be obtained using conventional optimization methods. Improving structural characteristics by changing the internal topology of a design domain has been fascinating scientists and engineers for years. Topology optimization can be described as a distribution of...

Support Structure Optimization: On the use of load estimations for time efficient optimization of monopile support structures of offshore wind turbines

Over the years, the installed capacity of offshore wind turbines is increasing rapidly. However, the Levelized Costs Of Energy (LCOE) is still higher than the LCOE of traditional energy production methods like nuclear power or energy from coals or gas. This research focuses on a further decrease of the LCOE, by minimizing the mass of a monopile...

Maintenance Optimization of Tidal Energy Arrays: Design of a Probabilistic Decision Support Tool for Optimizing the Maintenance Policy

The increasing demand for electricity offers many opportunities for renewable energy production, of which one alternative is tidal stream energy. Several feasibility studies have shown that the global tidal stream energy potential can contribute significantly to producing renewable energy. This tidal energy can mostly be produced at the 'tidal...

Improving the economic performance of AkzoNobel's EVB plant

AkzoNobel Energie Voorzienings Bedrijf (EVB – Energy Supply Company) is located at the Botlek business park in Rotterdam. EVB produces and supplies energy and utilities to other production plants at the Botlek site. Due to the intertwined value chain and reuse of each other’s residual and waste products, the situation at the Botlek is...