New wind turbine control technology being developed at the University of Hull will be top of the agenda at a prestigious two-day workshop next month.
Delegates will be given an insight into unique research by Prof. Ron Patton of the Department of Engineering into developing sophisticated Fault Detection and Diagnosis and Fault Tolerant Control systems capable of maintaining high levels of performance in a range of wind conditions and improving fault detection and repair.
Some of the world’s leading turbine manufacturers are planning to attend the workshop, which provides an opportunity to share cutting edge intelligence on making offshore technology more reliable and efficient.
The Sustainable Control of Offshore Wind Turbines event aims to showcase the University’s leading role in developing robust control systems, which could hold the key to harnessing more of Britain’s wind power as the country’s renewable energy sector prepares for a period of unprecedented growth.
“There is more and more interest in offshore wind energy in the UK as a major renewable energy source for electric power,” said Prof. Patton. “While the technology is proven, it is still evolving and our aim is to make the next generation of wind turbines more cost-effective, reliable, safe and easier to maintain.”
Control systems being showcased at the event show that it is possible for offshore wind turbines to provide sustainable electrical power over a wide range of wind speeds and to survive undamaged in bad-to-extreme weather.
Tested using an advanced simulation of a 4.8MW turbine, they can also be used to provide constant condition monitoring, detecting and ‘self-repairing’ of faults before they become serious.
The workshop, on September 19-20, is being hosted by CASS, the University’s business-facing hub for renewable energy and the low carbon economy.
Prof. Stephanie Haywood, director of CASS, said: “The University’s success in developing robust control systems for offshore wind turbines is the culmination of years of research in this field. We are delighted to be able to welcome major players from industry and offshore wind research for this prestigious workshop.
“It demonstrates once again the University’s commitment to making the Humber region a world leader in the field of renewable energy generation.”
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Offshore WIND staff, August 15, 2012; Image: mapa