Aarhus Universitets segl

Wind turbines

We investigate the design of foundation and anchoring systems capable of stabilising large floating wind turbine arrays while minimising seabed intervention. Through advanced modelling, structural analysis and system-level optimisation, we assess the performance, robustness and scalability of competing floater concepts.

As wind turbines continue to increase in size in order to reduce the Levelized Cost of Energy, rotor diameters now approach 300 metres. While bottom-fixed foundations remain viable for onshore and shallow-water installations, deeper waters require floating solutions. More than one hundred floater concepts have been proposed, yet the optimal configurations for large-scale deployment remain uncertain.

At the same time, many existing wind parks are approaching the end of their nominal design life, despite broad agreement that operational lifetimes can often be extended. We therefore develop digital twin methodologies to enable accurate condition assessment and informed lifetime extension strategies.

By integrating foundation design, floating system optimisation and digital performance monitoring, this research area addresses key challenges in the transition toward cost-efficient and durable offshore wind energy.