HYDROKINETIC ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEMS FOR RIVER APPLICATIONS: RELIABILITY ASSESSMENT AND LRFD LOAD FACTORS AT DIFFERENT SAFETY LEVELS

摘要

The paper presents a general methodology for the reliability assessment of hydrokinetic energy conversion systems harnessing a river current renewable resource. The methodology is applicable to different limit states and performance levels, and it is illustrated with an example using an operating conversion system. The paper also discusses the calibration of a load and resistance factored design (LRFD) procedure for hydrokinetic energy systems for river applications, to achieve minimum target reliability levels or maximum tolerable probabilities of failure, for different limit states and over the service life. The paper presents results for load factors applicable to a combination of applied loads (a permanent load and up to two different live loads).