This paper describes equations for estimating maximum along-wind load on the structural design of a wind turbine tower in the operational condition. Some parameters are derived from field measurements and wind tunnel tests. Furthermore, the wind load estimation method is based on the gust effect factor method. First, the application terms and fundamental wind load estimation methods are shown. Second, the modeling of parameters of the equations is investigated. Lastly, the gust effect factors and maximum overturning moments are calculated using the suggested equations, and compared with field measurements. The estimated maximum along-wind loads agree with the field measurements, thus confirming the applicability of the equations.
