Fraunhofer Institute for Wind Energy Systems
The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft promotes and engages in internationally networked, application-based research for the direct benefit of the business community and to the advantage of society. Customer satisfaction is a crucial success indicator for Fraunhofer institutes.
Unlike research institutions that concentrate more heavily on basic research, direct assignments from industry constitute a central element of the organisation's funding and are the precondition for growth and success. The consistent focus on the needs of industry and its timing lie at the heart of the organisation's research activities. Ensuring the confidentiality of information and results is therefore of paramount importance.
For an industry organisation like IWES, which focuses entirely on wind energy, a close alliance with industrial partners is a matter of existential importance. In order to exactly understand the needs of industry and to develop methods and solutions for acute and future problems, numerous interfaces have been created for a regular exchange of ideas.
A board of trustees consisting of national and international representatives of rotor blade manufacturers, suppliers and politicians advises Fraunhofer IWES on its strategic orientation and its positioning in the growth markets for wind energy.
A steering committee for rotor blade testing has existed since test benches were first established. Direct feedback at regular meetings ensures that test programmes and methods are tailored to the requirements of industry, but are at the same time absolutely neutral in their execution. In addition, staff of IWES cooperate with manufacturers on IEC special committees in developing requirements for future standards.
Fraunhofer IWES taps the benefits offered by a powerful association of highly specialized players through substantive collaboration in the Fraunhofer Materials and Components Group and Fraunhofer Group for Energy Technologies and Climate Protection as well as cooperations with individual institutions in relation to specific issues.
