ForWind - Center for Wind Energy Research
| ForWind - Center for Wind Energy Research | |
|---|---|
| founding | 2003 |
| place | Oldenburg (office), Hanover, Bremen |
| management | equal board |
| Employee | about 150 |
| Website | www.forwind.de |
ForWind is the center for wind energy research at the Universities of Oldenburg , Hanover and Bremen . With a broad spectrum in the fields of physics and engineering, ForWind bundles the research activities of the three universities in wind energy . ForWind conducts basic research , supports industrially oriented projects scientifically and organizes the training and further education of specialists.
History and organization
The Lower Saxony Ministry for Science and Culture founded ForWind in 2003. The aim is to bundle wind energy research and to use synergy effects between the research areas at the participating universities. Since then, wind energy research at the Universities of Oldenburg and Hanover has been combined in ForWind. In 2009, the University of Bremen joined as a new partner and once again significantly expanded ForWind's research spectrum.
ForWind is headed by an equal board of directors, which includes two members each from the Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg , the Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz University of Hanover and the University of Bremen . The scientific advisory board is made up of experts from research and industry.
The following institutes at the Universities of Oldenburg and Hanover work together as part of ForWind. Your wind energy activities are bundled in ForWind.
- Bremen Institute for Measurement, Automation and Quality Science (BIMAQ), University of Bremen, Andreas Fischer
- Franzius Institute for Hydraulic Engineering and Coastal Engineering, University of Hanover, habil. Torsten Schlurmann
- Institute for Drive Systems and Power Electronics, University of Hanover, Axel Mertens and Bernd Ponick
- Institute for Building Materials, University of Hanover, Ludger Lohaus
- Institute for Energy Supply and High Voltage Technology, University of Hanover, Lutz Hofmann
- Institute for Foundation Engineering, Soil Mechanics and Hydraulic Energy Engineering, University of Hanover, Martin Achmus
- Institute for Machine Elements, Construction Technology and Tribology (IMKT), University of Hanover, Gerhard Poll
- Institute for Solid Construction, University of Hanover, Jürgen Grünberg
- Institute for Physics, AG Energy Meteorology, University of Oldenburg, Detlev Heinemann
- Institute for Physics, AG Turbulence, Wind Energy and Stochastics (TWiSt), University of Oldenburg, Joachim Peinke
- Institute for Steel Construction, University of Hanover, Peter Schaumann
- Institute for Fluid Mechanics and Environmental Physics in Civil Engineering, University of Hanover, Insa Neuweiler
- Institute for Statics and Dynamics, University of Hanover, Raimund Rolfes
- Institute for Turbomachinery and Fluid Dynamics TFD, University of Hanover, Jörg Seume
- Institute for Wind Energy Systems, University of Hanover, Andreas Reuter
- Center for Marine Environmental Sciences at the University of Bremen (MARUM), University of Bremen, Tobias Mörz
Associate members of ForWind
- Endowed Chair of Wind Energy, University of Stuttgart, Martin Kühn
- Institute for Foundation Engineering and Soil Mechanics, University of Duisburg-Essen, Werner Richwien
Research areas
ForWind works on the central questions of wind energy research in numerous projects. These can be roughly divided into four research areas: Resource wind , machine and rotor of wind turbines, the support structures of the systems and the integration of wind power into the electrical network .
Resource wind
Wind is the "fuel" of wind energy. It determines the energy yield of a wind turbine and influences its service life. ForWind is researching the most accurate possible forecast of wind conditions for wind farms and regions. The center examines the development of weather on large and medium scales. From this, possible wind potentials and probable power outputs can be derived.
ForWind analyzes wind fields and their influence on the yield of wind turbines. The turbulence generated in the wake of wind turbines is also examined: The issue here is how it affects neighboring systems in the wind farm. Important information can be obtained from these analyzes, in particular for the design parameters and the most favorable geometric arrangement of several systems in a park .
Machine and rotor
This area focuses on the mechanics and electrics of wind turbines . In the wind tunnel and numerical simulations, scientists, the flow around the rotor blades. A special monitoring concept is being developed for use on the high seas: sensors on the rotor blades should detect damage at an early stage. With the help of modern numerical simulation methods, the rotor blade can be optimally adapted to the requirements.
Support structures
The main supporting structures are the foundation and the tower of a plant and their connecting parts. Efficient use of materials and monitoring concepts are the focus of research in this area. ForWind works on reliable service life forecasts, researches in the field of force-fit connections and develops intelligent approaches for system monitoring. In particular, the support structures of offshore wind farms are the subject of current research. Permanent anchoring in the subsoil under dynamic loads plays a major role.
Electrical network
Depending on the weather, wind turbines generate different amounts of electricity. In order to compensate for the strong fluctuations, the power grid operator needs the most accurate information possible about the expected wind power. ForWind is developing new methods for forecasting wind power and optimizing existing approaches.
In addition, it is investigating which transmission systems are suitable for connecting offshore wind farms to the grid and how the electricity generated on the high seas can be fed into the network. In this context, the scientists are also developing scenarios for expanding the transmission networks.
Initial and continuing education
The German wind energy sector has developed from a niche industry to an internationally active branch of the economy with significant sales. Specialists and executives are wanted in all areas of the industry today.
At the Universities of Oldenburg and Hanover, students can specialize in the field of wind energy within the framework of various bachelor's and master's degrees. Postgraduate studies with a focus on renewable energies are also possible in Oldenburg.
With the advanced training course in wind energy technology and management, ForWind and the wind energy agency WAB eV offer the nationwide first academic advanced training program specifically for the wind energy industry. The eleven-month course is tailored to the needs of working people. Practical and scientifically sound content from the fields of natural and engineering science, technology, IT, business administration and law is conveyed. A certificate from the University of Oldenburg confirms successful completion.
The ForWind Academy offers a range of practical seminars that address current scientific issues.
further activities
ForWind organizes public lecture series, scientific conferences and workshops. In this way, the center supports the rapid transfer of current developments and research results to the public, business and politics and contributes to scientific exchange.
ForWind takes up current research questions in the field of wind energy in seminars and workshops . The semester-accompanying series of lectures with national and international speakers informs a broad audience about current developments in the field of wind energy. ForWind organizes conferences and symposia on its own initiative and as a commissioned organizer. The clients include the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU), the Lower Saxony Ministry for Science and Culture, the Association of European Regions and the City of Oldenburg .