Course content

The goal of the course is to give a balanced and broad introduction to offshore wind energy, with a focus on the design of wind turbines, and will consider both classical material and current research literature. Topics include: history of wind energy, wind resources and characteristics of the wind field, turbulence, wind spectra and spatial coherence, momentum theory and Betz limit, different concepts for wind energy converters, loads and loadcases, structural dynamics, vibrations, and design (especially of blade, tower and foundations), wave forces, installation aspects, control of wind turbines, economic aspects and cost models, software and simulation technology. The course is given every year for the minimum of 3 participants.

Learning outcome

The purpose of the course is to give the candidate an introduction related to design, analysis, construction and maintenence of modern wind turbines. Knowledge: The candidate should have knowledge of: - History of wind energy - The wind resource - Spectral models of turbulent wind and irregular waves - Aerodynamic load calculations by the Blade Element Momentum theory - The Betz limit - Optimal rotor design - Wake models - Wave load calculations by Morison approach - Current design standards and practices - Available simulation codes and tools - How variable speed pitch control works - What support structure concepts exist - Current challenges with operation, maintenance and installation; Skills: The candidate should be able to: - Calculate theoretical power output of offshore wind turbines - Perform simple design calculations - Simulate turbulent wind and irregular wave time series - Perform simulations of offshore wind turbines with special software; General competence: The student has: - General knowledge of offshore wind energy market and available technological solutions - A general idea of the complexity of an offshore wind turbine - Practical experience with wind turbine simulation - A basis for further work or research related to offshore wind energy

Learning methods and activities

Lectures and exercises. The lectures will be given in the form of a seminar. Participants have to be prepared by reading book chapters and/or research articles, which will be discussed by the group. Each participant will present a topic and moderate the discussions during one week. Exercise groups will be held for getting experience with wind turbine simulation software and with relevant analysis methods using Python scripts. In addition to an oral exam, each student has to work on an agreed research task and hand in a comprehensive report at the end of the semester.

Compulsory assignments

• Presentation

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

Basic programming skills (e.g. in Python or MATLAB).

Required previous knowledge

Basic knowledge of fluid mechanics, strength of materials, vibrations and statistics. The course will be run if at least 3 students with relevant background wish to attend. If you wish to attend, please contact the course coordinator. Students not admitted to the PhD programme in engineering may be approved by the course coordinator.

Course materials

Main course text: J.F. Manwell, J.G. McGowan, A.L. Rogers: Wind energy explained (available electronically) Additional materials: T. Burton, N. Jenkins, D. Sharpe, E. Bossanyi: Wind energy handbook (available electronically) A number of research papers and journal articles will be used as well.