Wind power can be a source of cheap, renewable energy when it is captured and used efficiently. From a business perspective, engineering simulation technology contributes to wind energy viability by influencing efficient generation, which can impact design, manufacturing, site selection, farm layout, deployment and operation.
The industry continually innovates to meet growing complexities for both onshore and offshore wind turbines. The combination of cost and weight reduction requirements, coupled with reliability and economic considerations, puts additional demand on engineering design and processes. The benefits of engineering simulation include better understanding of components and system-level performance, which deals with both components and systems and covers fluids, structure, electronic, acoustics, composites, transmission, seismic, fatigue and thermal analysis and design.
Sample results from a CFD simulation of wind turbine blade – shows flow stream lines. Courtesy IMPSA.