The global wind and energy sector is currently gathered in Copenhagen for the WindEurope Electric City 2021 event, and as an important player in this field of research, DTU is also taking part.
Green electrification of society requires energy from renewable energy sources. So far, wind is one of the safest bet on an energy source that can supply the necessary green power. If we are to achieve the European target of a 55 per cent reduction of greenhouse gases and the Danish target of a 70 per cent reduction of greenhouse gases by 2030, the wind power industry has a busy time ahead.
HRH Crown Prince Frederik, who opened the event on 22 November, shares the industry’s interest in accelerating the green transition.
“The challenges are big, but so is the potential,” as he pointed out.
One new area of development is the digitalization of the huge energy plants that the wind turbines of the future will be based on. Studies by WindEurope show that digitalization is key to making just about everything faster, smarter, and cheaper. And digitalization is a field that DTU is particularly interested in.
Research boosts efficiency
Among other things, DTU conducts research into so-called digital twins, which generate a digital model of a wind turbine blade via sensors on the physical wind turbine blade. By collecting data from the physical wind turbine blade throughout its service life, the researchers gather new insights. Using the digital twin and automated monitoring, the researchers can track and predict the future state of each blade throughout its life cycle. This generates information about each blade's movements, rotations, wear, and fractures, which can be used to optimize the production and maintenance of wind energy systems.
"Digitalization, wind technology, electrification, sector linking, and innovative solutions for the global green energy system of the future are all areas that we research and contribute to at DTU. "
Anders Bjarklev
The digital twins of wind turbine blades are developed by Siemens Digital Industries Software.
Read more about digital turbine blades: www.reliablade.com
An issue for future engineers
As President of DTU, Anders Bjarklev is aware that educational and research institutions also have a responsibility to contribute to the green transition.
“Digitalization, wind technology, electrification, sector linking, and innovative solutions for the global green energy system of the future are all areas that we research and contribute to at DTU. We also train engineers to develop sustainable technological solutions. That’s why fifty of our students at the event are wearing red t-shirts. It shows that they represent DTU’s unique contribution to society, and that they are the employees of the future. We’re lucky to have some really talented students, whom I have great confidence in,” says Anders Bjarklev.
Caption: Crown Prince Frederik and DTU President Anders Bjarklev discuss the green transition during DTU’s demonstration of a future digital possibility - sitting on a wind turbine blade.
Photo: Mattias Andersson
Video: Simon Rubin
See also: Research and test facilities at DTU Wind Energy