Wind power meteorology
The exact location of a wind turbine is critical to its overall energy production and actual lifetime. Research in fields such as turbulence, climatology, atmospheric flow and boundary-layer meteorology all contribute to the development of both physical models and calculation methods that are used for the prediction of a turbine's production and lifetime. Aeroelastic modelling
The design of a wind turbine and the choice of materials affect its lifetime as well as its safe operation and energy output. New physical and mathematical models, based on aerodynamics, structural dynamics and control, contribute to design improvements that will help extract maximum energy output from the wind. At the same time, any negative impact on the wind turbine itself or the surrounding environment must be kept to a minimum. 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 the operational uncertainties as well as optimise the operation and maintenance strategy. The main purpose of this work is to improve production revenue by reducing the number of stoppages and overall downtime. New concepts, components and materials
The development of new materials, components and concepts produces new and improved properties, which in themselves accelerate technological development. For a long time now, the wind turbine sector has been focused on the reduction of weight and increase in strength of turbine blades. However, components such as the gear train and generator can also be improved further with the use of new materials. |
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Wind power and the energy system
The fluctuating nature of the wind poses a significant challenge to energy systems. By using simulation tools that are able to model wind turbines together with the overall system, we can study the impact of wind power on the energy system. We also analyse the control properties of individual wind turbines as well as entire wind farms, and we develop new concepts for modelling and controlling the entire electricity network.
Risø's experimental electricity network, SysLab, has enabled us to work hands-on with a distributed energy system, which may be scaled up using simulation models, thus enabling us to gain valuable insight into real-life energy systems. Offshore wind power
An ever 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 turbines themselves 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. |