Designing and constructing offshore wind farms demands comprehensive knowledge of the environmental conditions at the selected location. This is the only way for the project to be a financial success. Fraunhofer IWES carries out wind measuring and modeling campaigns as well as the investigation of geological sub-surface characteristics and seismic surveys of the subsoil for offshore wind farms. Innovative technologies tried and tested in feasibility studies, data analyses, and actual offshore deployments are employed for sound site investigations.
Fraunhofer IWES has extensive experience in the development of offshore wind farms, from modeling wind conditions and wind measurements to sub-surface investigation and geological ground models. CFD (computational fluid dynamics) models are employed to simulate the offshore wind conditions according to relevant atmospheric characteristics. The effects of existing wind farms are also included. Floating lidar systems are employed for the offshore wind measuring campaigns. They meet the highest international standards and also offer innovative services for wind farm development.
For sub-surface investigation, Fraunhofer IWES has developed 2D and 3D geological investigation technologies with ultra-high-resolution multichannel seismics and brought them to market maturity. All wind farm areas in Germany that were centrally pre-investigated were measured by Fraunhofer IWES using this method. A further special field of application is boulder detection performed with the aid of of patented refraction seismic methods.
Effective project and risk management forms the basis for the successful and cost-efficient planning, construction and operation of offshore wind farms. During the planning and implementation phase, Fraunhofer IWES offers project planning and weather risk analyses in order to identify and assess potential risks at an early stage. In addition, Fraunhofer IWES supports partners in the development of new technologies to effectively exploit the potential of direct offshore generation of green hydrogen and other Power-to-X products.
The project partners are developing a decision-making basis for the efficient continued operation of offshore wind farms that combines site-specific yield and reliability predictions. BMWE, 06/2024 – 05/2027
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The project partners are analyzing the causes of power converter failure and developing methods for condition-based maintenance. BMWE, 03/2023 – 02/2026
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The project partners are developing a method for the preparation of reliable lifetime extension assessments for the continued operation of wind turbines. BMWE, 08/2023–07/2026
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The project partners are developing the design and the industrial manufacturing methods for a floating offshore wind turbine optimized for medium wind speeds. Horizon Europe, 01/2023 – 12/2027
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The project partners are investigating possibilities for reducing large-scale wake effects of offshore wind farms and developing recommendations for action for authorities and industry. BMWE, 05/2023 – 04/2026
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The project partners are developing a model for the identification and quantification of risk-assessed, cost-efficient, and sustainable decommissioning strategies for first-generation offshore wind farms. BMWE, 07/2024–06/2027
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The project partners are improving and validating modeling approaches for wake effects at a European level as well as developing recommendations for action for the offshore wind industry. BMWE, as part of the EU initiative Clean Energy Transition Partnership (CETP), 12/2024–11/2027
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The project partners are investigating the possible use of individual pitch control (IPC) in order to identify various optimization options for wind turbines. The goal is to reduce fatigue loads and sound emissions using IPC and, at the same time, have a positive impact on power generation and optimize the wind field in the wake of wind turbines. BMWE, 01/2020 - 06/2025
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The project partners are developing a scientific-technological platform for the preparation of the market penetration of Flettner rotors on different types of vessels and, in doing so, are contributing to lower-emission shipping. BMWE, 01/2023 - 12/2025
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The project partners are developing a hydrogen storage technology suitable for industrial applications based on an underwater metal hydride storage system to supply autonomous measuring stations on the high seas. BMWE, 11/2024 – 04/2028
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Fraunhofer Institute for Wind Energy Systems