The offshore wind energy sector is on the verge of transformation thanks to the innovative WinDTwin project, financed with European funds. With a €6 million grant and a duration of three years, this initiative promises to revolutionize the forecasting and management of wind energy production through the creation of a highly precise and dynamic Digital Twin (DT) for offshore wind farms.

Innovation and sustainability in offshore wind energy

As global demand for renewable energy intensifies, the expansion of wind farms, both onshore and offshore, becomes crucial. The strategic placement of turbines and their optimal interconnection are essential for maximizing efficiency. However, integrating wind farms into larger clusters and virtual power plants poses challenges such as potential long-distance negative interactions.

To address these challenges, WinDTwin will develop a digital twin platform that will transform the industry by providing accurate predictions on electricity production and energy demand. This platform will serve as a central resource for decision-makers, offering high-quality models, scenarios, and visualizations that facilitate more informed and strategic decisions in managing offshore wind energy.

Strategic objectives of the WinDTwin project

The success of WinDTwin lies in the collaboration of a diverse and experienced consortium of 13 entities from 7 countries, specializing in wind energy production, numerical methods, and algorithms. The project will focus on several strategic objectives:

- Precise prediction: Enhancing wind and meteorological predictions with refined models.

- Optimal layout: Designing precise spatial models to reduce inefficiencies.

- Effective turbine control: Maximizing turbine performance with advanced control systems.

- Sustainable energy: Exploring hybrid and ecological energy solutions.

- Accurate performance prediction: Using simulations to obtain precise energy forecasts.

- Grid integration: Ensuring efficient connection with electrical grids.

- Demand and price information: Modeling electricity demand and price trends.

- Proactive maintenance: Monitoring and maintaining turbines with predictive analytics.

- Personalized user experience: Tailoring digital twin functionalities to user needs.

- Robust data systems: Implementing effective data management practices.

- Open-source innovation: Promoting industry collaboration with open-source tools.

- Strategic growth: Planning the future development and commercial use of the digital twin.

Project leaders' vision

"WinDTwin represents a significant leap forward in our ability to harness and manage offshore wind energy. By integrating advanced digital twin technology, we are setting a new benchmark in precision and efficiency in wind energy forecasting and decision-making. Our collaborative approach, based on the expertise of our renowned partners, positions us to drive significant innovations that will benefit the entire renewable energy sector," said Oriol Lehmkuhl, group leader at the Barcelona Supercomputing Center and coordinator of WinDTwin.

The WinDTwin consortium includes 13 leading organizations from across Europe, including:

- Barcelona Supercomputing Center
- Fraunhofer IEE
- WAVEC Offshore Renewables
- EPRI Europe
- SOLUTE
- Universität Kassel
- IBERDROLA
- SINTEF Ocean
- +Atlantic
- Open Cascade
- CNET Centre for New Energy Technologies
- MET Centre
- ENGIE Laborelec

Together, these partners aim to advance the management capabilities of offshore wind farms and foster innovation in the renewable energy sector.

The WinDTwin project, with its focus on digital twin technology, marks the beginning of a new era in offshore wind energy forecasting and management. This initiative not only promises to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of wind farms but also establishes a solid foundation for future innovations in the renewable energy sector.