Research projects

The project partners are further developing a patent-pending method for the validation of future rotor blade generations for industrial use. BMWE, 05/2024-10/2026

Im Rahmen des Projektes wird ein Blattdesign für ein 40 Meter langes Rotorblatt entwickelt. Nach diesem Computer-Modell werden dann zwei Rotorblätter gebaut, die vorsätzlich eingefügte Fehler enthalten. Die Ergebnisse anschließender experimenteller Tests sollen das Verständnis von Schadensmechanismen vertiefen und die Validierung von Schadensmodellen ermöglichen. BMWK, 11/2018 – 10/2023

The aim of the project is to ensure that experimental testing of very long rotor blades remains economically viable for manufacturers. New testing procedures for the investigation of segments will offer a better understanding of critical areas and thus increase the informative value of the tests considerably. BMWE, state of Bremen (ERDF), BMFTR, 01/2019 - 06/2025

Scientists at Fraunhofer IWES are developing new methods that provide significantly more realistic data for testing rotor blade prototypes and enable a design that is appropriate for the loads. By the end of the first phase of the five-year project, the infrastructure should be operational and the test methods developed. Rotor blade manufacturers will benefit from the significantly shorter tests and particularly realistic load simulations. BMWK, EFRE (Land Bremen), 12/2015 - 06/2023

The project partners are laying the foundations for a structured and holistic process for the grid connection of offshore wind turbines in addition to setting up a one-of-a-kind test facility for this purpose. BMWE, 12/2023–11/2027

As part of the H2-SMORE “Megawatt-scale H2 stack test for offshore electrolysis” project, a megawatt-scale PEM electrolysis stack is being tested under realistic operating conditions at the Fraunhofer IWES Hydrogen Lab Leuna to determine its operational and aging behavior under offshore load conditions. BMFTR, 05/2026 – 04/2027

In the WoW research project, Fraunhofer IWES is conducting oscillating fatigue tests on large, scaled rotor blade bearings on a test bench to obtain application-relevant data and correction factors for life calculations based on ISO approaches, to validate rolling contact fatigue models, and thereby to improve the design, condition monitoring, and reliability of pitch bearings and other slewing bearings in wind turbines. BMWE, 04/2026 – 03/2029

In the WoW research project, Fraunhofer IWES is conducting oscillating fatigue tests on large, scaled rotor blade bearings on a test bench to obtain application-relevant data and correction factors for life calculations based on ISO approaches, to validate rolling contact fatigue models, and thereby to improve the design, condition monitoring, and reliability of pitch bearings and other slewing bearings in wind turbines. BMWE, 04/2026 – 03/2029

The TTH 2.0 research project aims to comprehensively modernize and expand the Test Center for Support Structures Hannover in order to enable large-scale validation of onshore and offshore support structures for the next generation of wind energy (15 MW+) through a globally unique 3D test strong floor and an innovative geotechnical test pit. BMWE, 08/2026 – 07/2031

As part of the ReWert project, the project partners are developing a pilot plant for a decommissioning center for end-of-life (EoL) rotor blades. Materials are identified using methods such as thermography, followed by selective dismantling and sorting of the recovered rotor blade materials by type. BMWE, 07/2026 – 06/2029