Wind Energy

Wind turbines continue to get larger and heavier and, thus, place new demands on materials and construction. In order to prove the technical reliability of these turbines, special testing procedures and simulation methods are being developed. For example, the stability and structural dynamics of rotor blades and supporting structures are being examined. In the sector of offshore wind energy, experts carry out site investigations and aeroelastic simulations in order to define the overall dynamic of the offshore wind turbine in combination with factors such as wind, sea condition and subsoil. Moreover, the Fraunhofer Energy Alliance develops strategies and technologies for maintenance and offers comprehensive services for the management and grid integration of wind turbines.

Competencies of the Fraunhofer Energy Alliance in the field of Wind Energy

Wind Turbine Technology

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft offers a broad portfolio of services for both offshore and onshore wind turbines: Functional layers, sensor technology, control systems, as well as databases and monitoring programs for wind energy are constantly being developed.

Projects

 

WInD-Pool

The acronym WInD-Pool stands for Windenergy-Information-Data-Pool. It is a common knowledge base of the wind industry (more information in German).

 

NextGen

In the NextGen project, the scientists are developing a 10 MW generator based on highly efficient PTF technology, which enables 2.5 % higher efficiency while requiring 90 % less material.

 

Windmonitor

The windmonitor delivers news and results on onshore as well as offshore wind energy farms. The project is sponsored by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Energy (more information in German).

Wind Farm and Wind Turbines – Planning and Operation

The institutes of the Fraunhofer Energy Research support their customers in the design and development of wind farms. Numerous analyses of onshore and offshore areas are carried out and the planning reliability of wind farms is increased by innovative measurement methods

Projects

 

LiMeS

In order to adapt the planning of wind farms, their operational management, and the design of the turbine components to these loads, the AIRE project partners are investigating the factors influencing them by analyzing...

 

RAVE

The research Initiative carries out research and development work on the offshore test field alpha ventus. It generates experience and knowledge that advance the construction and further development of offshore wind energy.

 

DTWO

In the DTWO project, the partners are developing a customizable platform for the creation of bespoke digital twins that reduces uncertainties by integrating large quantities of data and existing simulation models...

Offshore Wind Energy

Due to its great potential, offshore wind energy plays a major role in the expansion of sustainable energy supply. Institutes of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft accompany the construction and operation of test fields and carry out extensive monitoring and analyses of the highly stressed components and wind measurement experiments.

Projects

 

ENGEL

With the aim of better understanding and minimizing said risks, a one-of-a-kind test facility for the grid integration of future turbines with a capacity of up to 30 MW is being set up as part of the ENGEL research project.

 

VGROW

In the InGROW project, Fraunhofer IWES developed and patented a concept for increasing the load-bearing capacity of existing monopiles. The VGROW research project is now validating the technical and economic feasibility...

 

LIGHTWIND

LIGHTWIND is an international project in which the project partners are developing a lightweight, modular drive train for offshore wind turbines on the basis of the patented OptiGen technology and testing its economic viability.