Research

Our overall research approach for developing methodologies and knowledge is to form interdisciplinary teams that balance technology push and domain specific application pull. In particular, we consider the combined use of physics-based and data-driven models, hereafter denoted as hybrid analysis and modelling
(HAM), as a science and engineering disruptor that can be exploited to achieve the goals of NorthWind. The Centre has three application specific work packages (WP1 structures, WP2 operation and WP3 electrical) and two overarching WPs (WP4 digital twin and WP5 sustainability) that strongly interact with each other.

Structures and Integrity – Work Package 1

De-risking critical aspects for concept selection and enabling cost-effective design and fabrication of support structures through reduced uncertainty and application of novel methods.

Marine Operations and Logistics – Work Package 2

Developing methods and tools for efficient and safe marine operations and logistic planning for installation and maintenance of offshore wind farms.

Electrical Infrastructure & System Integration – Work Package 3

Developing reliable and cost-effective electric power components and system solutions to enable profitable large-scale deployment of offshore wind energy in the North Sea.

Digital Twin and Asset Management – Work Package 4

Developing methodologies to elevate the capability level of Digital Twins from 0-2 to 3-5 (autonomy).

Sustainable Wind Development – Work Package 5

Developing tools and insights for sustainable development of wind energy to create a successful export industry, reduce cost and uncertainty, and resolve environmental and societal conflicts.

Work Package Interaction

Work Package 1, 2 and 3 will develop high fidelity modelling tools relevant for the specific application to be addressed. Work Package 4 will provide Work Package 1-3 a digital twin framework that can be used for holistic optimisation throughout the design, installation, operation, and decommissioning phases. The DT framework will facilitate rapid exploitable knowledge exchange between Research and Innovations with Design and Operations (RIDO) as the DT link them together real-time. The DT framework developed in Work Package 4 can also be used in Work Package 5 to assess sustainability. Work Package 5 will interact with the other work packages both through techno-economic models, environmental models, and socio-technical qualitative analyses. Work Package 5 will ensure that the technologies developed in Work Package 1-4 are sustainable, respecting both society and nature. The interdisciplinary approach is strengthened by the user case studies, which will be carried out by teams of experts from across work packages, working together with wind industry partners to address specific challenges.

Education

NorthWind will provide 27 PhDs, 200 MSc and BSc candidates, at least 200 peer-reviewed articles in internationally renowned journals, and a platform for a knowledge-based debate and policy on wind energy. Our research makes for great potential impact in academia. Possible impacts include:

Creating a unique research and innovation hub, supporting the free diffusion of knowledge and open science: The centre will follow open access publishing and deposition of scientific data guidelines, making high-quality new research results freely available.
Creating and disseminating high-quality new knowledge: The centre and associated projects are expected to produce at least 100 publications in open access high-impact peer-reviewed scientific journals, as well as participation at conferences and international events.
Strengthening competence and capacity: The centre and associated projects will through the recruitment and educational programme provide the industry with highly qualified personnel at MSc and PhD level.