Wind power meteorology
The exact location of a wind turbine is critical to its overall energy production and actual lifetime. Our research into turbulence, climatology, atmospheric flow and boundary-layer meteorology all contribute to the development of numerical models and software tools that are necessary for the reliable prediction of a wind turbine's production and lifetime Aeroelastic modelling
The design characteristics of a wind turbine and the choice of materials affect its lifetime as well as safe operation and energy output. New numerical and mathematical models, based on aerodynamics, structural dynamics and control, contribute to design improvements that will help extract maximum energy output from the wind under optimised loading conditions. Any adverse impact on the wind turbine is kept to a minimum by the best possible combination of built-in aeroelastic characteristics and active control. Optimisation and cost reduction
The economics of a wind turbine are increasingly dependent on the operational phase of its lifetime. We employ probabilistic design and modelling to map operational uncertainties and to optimise the operation and maintenance strategy. The purpose of this is to improve production revenue by reducing the number of stoppages and overall downtime. New concepts, components and materials
New technological possibilities arise as a consequence of the development of new materials with improved properties. For a long time now, the wind turbine sector has focused on the reduction of weight and increase in strength of blades. At Risø we seek to combine experimental tests with finite element analysis in order to establish new design and test criteria for wind turbine blades. However, components such as the gear train and generator will also benefit from the use of new materials and advanced simulations. |
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Wind power and the energy system
The fluctuating nature of the wind poses a significant challenge to energy systems. The use of simulation tools that are able to model wind turbines together with the overall system, enables us to study the impact of wind power on the energy system. We also analyse the control properties of individual wind turbines and entire wind farms, and we develop new concepts for modelling and controlling wind power in the power system. Offshore wind power
An increasing number of wind farms are being located offshore, where difficult access is an impediment to construction as well as operation and maintenance. Furthermore, the wind turbines are exposed to harsh weather conditions in a very corrosive environment. Research fields such as geophysics and meteorology are employed when calculating the impact of weather conditions on offshore wind farms. Through this work, we aim to improve the reliability of wind turbines, thereby reducing the need for maintenance and repair.
Wind turbine approval
Before erecting wind turbines in Denmark – be it inland or offshore – the wind turbine and its foundation needs technical approval. The rules and recommendations underlying the procedure of approval are administrated and maintained by the Danish Energy Agency’s Secretariat for the Wind Turbine Certification Scheme which is located at Risø’s Wind Energy Division. |