Vestas receives research grant from the Danish National Advanced Technology Foundation

The Danish National Advanced Technology Foundation grants DKK 15 million for research which - inspired by nature, is to improve wind turbine blades’ ability to operate in turbulence.

Many birds have a unique capability to stay still in the sky even under the influence of turbulent wind. The birds control the turbulence by constantly adapting their wings. Together, Vestas and DTU-Risø (Risø National Laboratory · Technical University of Denmark – DTU) will now show that the idea is applicable for the very large wind turbines.

“We know it works in theory. That has been proved by experiments with small elements in a wind tunnel. We also know that it works in nature. The challenge is to construct adjustable flaps for the turbine blades in order to reduce loads on blades and turbine structure, and thus design much more cost efficient turbines,” says Manager of Vestas’ Risø office, Carsten H. Westergaard.

Vestas expects the project to result in a successful implementation of new technology in MW turbines making the concept the most competitive in the world market.

“We are very pleased to receive the grant from the Danish National Advanced Technology Foundation. The grant facilitates cooperation between the best parties within this field. Being present with the most qualified people wherever they are in the world is very important to Vestas. Therefore, we are also present at Risø-DTU to ensure close cooperation and support to Danish Research,” says Carsten H. Westergaard.

Please address any questions regarding the research grant to Finn Strøm Madsen, President of Vestas Technology R&D, telephone +45 9730 0000.

Yours sincerely
Vestas Wind Systems A/S