A consortium consisting of LM Wind Power, GE Renewable Energy and TNO are working together to improve the efficiency of wind turbines. Within the TIADE (Turbine Improvements for Additional Energy) project, they are working to develop additions to blades that increase efficiency. The participating parties gave an update on the project's progress last week. This shows, among other things, that a new milestone has been achieved. Their wind turbine with optimised design was fully operational for the first time.
The consortium was set up in 2020. From the consortium, the TIADE project was set up, which has a duration of three years and 10 months. The project receives funding through a Top Sector Energy grant from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate.
3.8MW wind turbine in Wieringermeer
The parties are testing the innovations they are developing within the project on a 130-metre-high wind turbine in Wieringermeer. This was recently installed and offers a capacity of 3.8MW. Two-piece blades drive the turbine. The outer 12 metres of the blades can be replaced with various innovative tips.
The researchers are testing and validating all kinds of additions to blades within the TIADE project. These increase the efficiency of the blades. These include spoilers, saw teeth, vortex generators and so-called 'turbulators'. This should lead to higher annual wind energy production and lower costs of offshore wind energy.
Usable in practice from 2023
These solutions should be applicable to new wind turbines. And partly also on existing wind turbines. The parties involved expect that the solutions can be installed in wind turbines from 2023.
"Our revolutionary two-piece blade design has helped us reduce energy costs. In this project, we are applying new technology to significantly increase the speed of testing and validation and reduce costs," explains Ben Hendriks, Chief Engineer Turbine System Integration at LM Wind Power.
'Making sustainable wind energy more affordable'
"Innovations in wind turbine blades are essential to make wind energy even more affordable. We are proud to be validating blade innovations and aerodynamic simulation tools in the field, together with GE Renewable Energy and LM Wind Power. To do so, we use advanced measurement techniques in a unique setup that combines detailed wind measurements around the blade and around the turbine," said Peter Eecen, R&D manager at TNO Wind Energy.
Author: Wouter Hoeffnagel
