Project WinDTwin Addresses Offshore Wind Energy Optimisation

The offshore wind energy sector is poised for a significant transformation with the launch of WinDTwin, a groundbreaking European-funded project aimed at revolutionising wind power production forecasting and management. With a grant of €6 million, this three-year initiative unites a diverse consortium of 13 entities from seven countries, unified by the goal of creating a highly accurate and dynamic digital twin (DT) for offshore wind farms.

As the global demand for renewable energy intensifies, expanding both onshore and offshore wind farms can play a role in helping to reach net zero. Existing wind farms highlight the importance of strategic micrositing of turbines and their optimal interconnection. However, as the energy sector moves towards integrating wind farms into larger clusters and virtual power plants, the potential for long-distance negative interactions emerges, which can detract from the efficiency gains that clusters aim to achieve.

To address these challenges, WinDTwin will develop a sophisticated digital twin platform. This platform aims to transform the industry by offering precise predictions of power production and energy demand. It will serve as a central hub for decision-makers, offering access to a suite of high-quality resources, models, scenarios, and visualisations, thus enabling more informed and strategic choices in the management of offshore wind energy.

The success of WinDTwin depends on the collaboration of its diverse and experienced consortium. With expertise in wind energy production, industrial codes, numerical methods, and algorithms, this collective effort is crucial for achieving the ambitious innovation-led research objectives set. The synergy among the participating entities ensures that the project harnesses a broad range of skills and perspectives, vital for driving forward its groundbreaking goals.

WinDTwin’s development will focus on numerous strategic objectives designed to enhance the capabilities and efficiency of offshore wind farms:

• Accurate Forecasting: Improve wind and weather predictions with enhanced models.
• Optimal Layout: Design precise spatial models to reduce inefficiencies.
• Efficient Turbine Control: Maximise turbine output with advanced control systems.
• Sustainable Energy: Explore hybrid and eco-friendly energy solutions.
• Precise Yield Prediction: Use simulations for accurate energy forecasts.
• Seamless Grid Integration: Ensure efficient connection with power grids.
• Demand and Price Insights: Model electricity demand and price trends.
• Proactive Maintenance: Monitor and maintain turbines with predictive analytics.
• Customised User Experience: Tailor digital twin features to user needs.
• Robust Data Systems: Implement efficient data management practices.
• Open-Source Innovation: Foster industry collaboration with open-source tools.
• Strategic Growth: Plan for the digital twin’s future development and commercial use.

“WinDTwin represents a significant leap forward in our ability to harness and manage offshore wind energy. By integrating advanced digital twin technology, we are setting a new benchmark for precision and efficiency in wind power forecasting and decision-making. Our collaborative approach, drawing on the expertise of our distinguished partners, positions us to drive impactful innovations that will benefit the entire renewable energy sector,” said Oriol Lehmkuhl, group leader of Barcelona Supercomputing Center and coordinator of WinDTwin.

Dublin-based non-profit energy R&D institute EPRI Europe will contribute to the project by developing an advanced strategic maintenance planning model that will be integrated into the digital twin. “EPRI Europe’s participation in WinDTwin highlights our commitment to driving innovation to tackle the challenges and opportunities in offshore wind energy. We will leverage our extensive knowledge of wind farm operations to help optimise maintenance planning for both the short and long term and, in parallel, collaborate to help the wind farms provide essential support services,” explained Clément Jacquet, senior researcher on wind farm optimization at EPRI Europe.

About the WinDTwin Consortium:

The WinDTwin project is a collaborative effort involving 13 leading organisations across Europe, including:

• Barcelona Supercomputing Center
• Fraunhofer IEE
• WAVEC Offshore Renewables
• EPRI Europe
• SOLUTE
• Universität Kassel
• IBERDROLA
• SINTEF Ocean
• +Atlantic
• Open Cascade
• CNET Centre for New Energy Technologies
• MET Centre
• ENGIE Laborelec

Together, these partners are committed to advancing the capabilities of offshore wind farm management and fostering innovation in the renewable energy sector.