Aerodynamics

ECN Wind Energy aims at optimizing the aerodynamic performance of the wind turbine rotor and of the wind farm as a whole. By developing new knowledge, methods and design software, the results of the long term research can directly be transferred to the industry. 

An additional result of the research is that Intellectual Property (either concepts or products) is generated. The tools and Intellectual Property are used for research purposes of turbine and blade manufacturers and project developers or are directly applied.  

A unique feature of its research is the combination of theoretical and numerical research with the various experimental test facilities: wind tunnels, scale wind farm and full scale test wind farm in the Wieringermeer. 

The aerodynamic research is divided in:

Rotor aerodynamics
Research in the field of rotor aerodynamics aims at the development of advanced aerodynamic design tools. The progressively advanced aerodynamic design tools are used to design and model future large wind turbine rotors with increased accuracies. 

Wind farm aerodynamics
For the construction of large offshore wind farms, the flow field in and around wind farms is investigated. Insight in wake effects in wind farms is essential. The improved knowledge and numerical tools will better model the wind farms in the atmospheric boundary layer.  

Innovative applications
ECN integrates its aerodynamic tools in the Aeromodule, which allows the aerodynamic modules to be coupled to the aero elastic codes. With its highly advanced tools, ECN Wind Energy develops innovative applications and products.

Information on European projects and IEA programmes is found here.