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 measuring campaigns and wind modeling as well as investigating geological subsurface characteristics. Innovative technologies tried and tested in feasibility studies, data analyses, and actual offshore deployments are employed for sound site investigations.
IWES also offers in-depth experience for offshore projects in international waters. CFD (computational fluid dynamics) models are employed to simulate the offshore wind conditions according to the atmospheric flow. The effects of existing wind farms are also included. Floating lidar systems are employed for the offshore wind measuring campaigns. They deliver accurate results, as an algorithm takes their own motion into consideration.
For subsurface investigation, IWES has developed 2D and 3D geological investigation technologies with ultra-high-resolution multichannel seismics and brought them to market maturity. A further field of application is boulder detection performed with the aid of refraction seismic data analysis and artificial intelligence.
IWES offers efficient project and risk management as a basis for successful and cost-efficient planning and installation as well as operation of offshore wind farms. Together with partners, IWES also develops new technologies with the aim of being able to exploit the potential of the direct offshore production of green hydrogen and other power-to-x products effectively.
The project partners are developing a validated, model-based calculation method for the prediction of the ring creep of main bearings and planet carrier bearings. BMWK, 05/2024 - 04/2027
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The project partners are establishing the scientific basis for further improvement of the site assessment methods in the offshore wind industry. Fraunhofer Gesellschaft, ICON program, 09/2023 - 08/2026
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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. BMWK, 01/2020 - 12/2024
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The wind farm RADAR project enables the use of a new technology to measure wind fields. BMWK, 08/2020 - 05/2025
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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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Fraunhofer IWES is currently developing a cost-effective monitoring method for the recording of time-varying subsoil parameters in the pile area of offshore wind turbines using ultrahigh-resolution 4D seismics. BMWK, 06/2021 - 05/2025
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The project partners are developing a new measurement method to localize and determine the depth of burial of power cables in the sea floor. BMWK, 11/2020 - 06/2024
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The project partners are optimizing the multi-bucket concept as an environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative for offshore wind turbine foundations. BMWK, 09/2020 - 08/2024
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Fraunhofer IWES is developing novel material models for rotor blades that, with optimized blade mass, ensure reliable operation even under extreme temperature conditions. BMWK, 04/2020 - 12/2025
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The project partners are building up an academic network for the training of a creative and industry-oriented academic generation in the field of atmospheric flow physics and wind energy. Horizon Europe, MSCA 07/2023 – 06/2027
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Fraunhofer Institute for Wind Energy Systems