DHI to host test lab for floating wind turbines in the 20-MW class

The test lab will include facilities for wind, waves and a model-scale wind turbine. The measurements will be connected directly to calculation models in a 'Digital Twin' setup.

Floating foundations must be able to withstand extreme waves and storms, while their costs must be brought down. This places new demands on calculation models for both turbines and foundations. This is precisely where the new FloatLab project contributes to uncover new physics, reducing risks and validating the engineering models used for turbine and floating foundation design.

"FloatLab will change the way we combine numerical models and measurement data," says Henrik Bredmose, Professor at DTU and leader of the project. He continues: "We establish a direct link between the measurement setup and the calculation models, so that we can ultimately make the design process faster and more accurate."

The laboratory will be located at DHI, where a new wind generator and a new model scale wind turbine will be built to be mounted on models of new floating foundations. The project partners are DTU, DHI, Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, Stiesdal Offshore, Stromning and Ørsted. Among the aspects to be tested during the project are 3D waves, loads from breaking waves, turbulence and failure of mooring lines.

"Floating offshore wind turbines are still a relatively new technology, and production and processes are still not optimised. With FloatLab, we will increase the industry knowledge and can eventually reduce risks and costs for offshore wind entrepreneurs and thereby accelerate the green transition," says Pietro Danilo Tomaselli, Senior Hydraulic Engineer and head of the FloatLab activities at DHI.