Broadly Windwind turbines are converters of energy types. They start from the kinetics of the wind, make the mechanics and then this becomes electricity and they are supplied to the network to meet the energy demand in a renewable and sustainable way.
A From the wind it is possible to generate clean electricitySo wind energy is considered a source of renewable energy, which is also easily available and free. That is why Wind energy generation Every day it is more important in the mix of renewable energy sources that are needed to complete the energy transition.
Increased wind potations
In recent years, Wind turbines have experienced a significant increase in their dimensions. When comparing the turbine models of the last decade with that projected for the near future, impressive growth is observed, with a force that in some cases can even triple. This progress offers major benefits in energy production, but also increases important technical and logistical challenges.
One of the Most important challenges that the increase in size entails Wind turbines is the economic impact it generates, for example in its design and validation phase. The realization of large -scale tests is very expensive and has few centers available for the awareness, which can cause enormous delays if the results are not satisfactory.
This challenge is worsens because of the complexity of guaranteeing the reliability of the components Once in use. As they grow in dimension, taxes increase, which makes maintenance difficult, especially in environments offshore With extreme circumstances. Reliability therefore becomes a crucial factor, because unforeseen or early failures pose an important threat to the operation, safety and profitability of wind farms.
To tackle this problem, the partners of the scale project ‘Research in Methodology is Hybrid tests To climb to the next one Generation of components with high reliability in wind turbines“ They work on the validation of the reliability of large mechanical and structural components without the need to resort to large test benches.
Scaling project
This work will be carried out through three research lines: aerodynamic scalability of the properties obtained in wind tunnels, the development of a new probabilistic structural calculation method and a method for validating results and making them extrapolable. Likewise, the project methodology combines simplified essays, advanced virtual models and techniques from popping up To predict large -scale behavior of critical components.
The main objectives of scaling up the reliability of the components both on the current scale and in models larger than 20 MW, to optimize the design and production processes of the components and to extend the lifespan of the wind turbines, both the electricity and the Futures. Moreover, it is intended to generate new Knowledge in the wind sector about uncertainties that influence reliability of the components, such as the variability of the material, the impact of the production processes and the stochastic behavior of fatigue.
A set of Critical components whose reliability is essential, Since the failure of expensive stops, repairs or even catastrophic malfunctions can cause, so that the effect, safety and profitability of wind projects are directly influenced, as can be seen in the attached infographic.
Scale-up presents itself as a unique opportunity for Euskadi, emphasizing and promoting the strengths of the companies involved in the project. Moreover, a collaboration is encouraged so that the Basque industry can be placed in the market in a differential way.
Formation of a consortium
The consortium is formed by: Nabla Wind Hub, project coordinator and independent supplier of solutions for the expansion of the lifetime and improvement of wind turbines; Sue[2]sensor specialists for the monitoring of lubrication systems; Erreka, manufacturers of screwed trade unions; Galvasala, a company specialized in the treatment and coating of galvanized metals; Hine and Glual Energy, two reference companies in hydraulic pitch systems; Intza, suppliers of lubricating systems for wind turbines; Sidenor, steel manufacturer for the production of components such as towers and metal wind turbine structures; and Virlab, laboratory with experience in vibrationessays.
They are also part of the project 7 -entities of the Basque network of science, technology and innovation. The Technological Centers Ikerlan, Tecnalia and Tekniker; The Mondragon Goi Eskola Politeknikoa University; Business R&D units: Glual Innova and Sidenor R&D, and A mediation agent.
Moreover, the consortium has the support of two companies of the advisory committee: swimming, operator and Developer of renewable energy, developer, and Siemens Gamesa, specialized in the design, production, installation and maintenance of wind turbines.
He Project takes three years (2024-2026) And that’s Subsidized by the Department of Industry, Energy Transition and Sustainability of the Basque Government (Hazitek Program) and the European Regional Development Fund (Feder).