When the wind passes through the rotor disc of a wind turbine with its rotating blades, the wind speed behind the turbine is reduced – the turbine extracts kinetic energy from the wind to convert it into electrical energy. This…
Many analyses in the field of wind energy are based on virtual models. However, these simulation models are not freely available for every real wind turbine. Fraunhofer IWES solves this problem with an innovative approach. Researchers at IWES are currently…
Part 3: Rapid testing of blade bearings – The first endurance run. In Part 1, I introduced the idea of an accelerated endurance run for blade bearings, which would consist of all wear-inducing cycles in direct succession. In Part 2,…
The deformation under load and the load distribution within the bearing are of great significance for the design of large rolling bearings such as rotor blade bearings. FE models are indispensable when it comes to determining the load distribution and…
Authors: Karoline Pelka and Dr.-Ing. Katharina Fischer Power converters are among the most frequently failing components of wind turbines. The causes remained unexplained for many years. Seasonal failure patterns point to environmental influences and shift the focus to the climatic…
Authors: Dr.-Ing. Katharina Fischer, Karoline Pelka Wind turbines generate electricity – and a whole lot of data. The amount of data is growing continuously as the number of operating years increases, but also as turbines are equipped with more and…
Author: Dipl.-Ing. Norbert EichThe Fraunhofer IWES has commissioned a development environment to test mechanical application for research purposes. Improved control concepts and mechanical issues can thus be tested more quickly more cost-effectively and in parallel with productive operation. With this,…
Part 2: Rapid testing of blade bearings – from the desk to the test bench The first milestones on our journey to a blade bearing test are described in part 1. In mid-2013, we submitted a project outline with the…
All wind turbine and wind farm operators and owners know what questions to expect at the end of each quarter or the year: Is the energy yield satisfactory? What does the wind farm’s yield to date mean for the future?…
An ambitious measuring campaign has been under way at the alpha ventus offshore wind farm ever since it was installed back in 2010. The measurement data from the wind turbines, the substation, and the marine environment are available to scientists…
