Targeting areas to develop

The limits of current test and simulation methods for wind turbine analysis are being reached. Experimental measurement of dynamic phenomena, like the interaction of wind and turbine, is a demanding task. In order to this to a more detailed degree, technology before the current state of the art is required.
Knowledge can be acquired by experimental measurements, from simulations or combinations of both. Using computational methods, the UPWARDS project aims to provide detailed and accurate prediction of isolated phenomena like stresses in a turbine structure. The focus will be on methods for simulation of an operating wind turbine, which will better couple the wind flow involved and the structural dynamics of the turbine.
A thorough understanding of these interactions is needed to optimise the performance of wind turbines and wind energy parks.