SALOME

The North Sea plays a key role in Europe’s energy transition. New offshore wind farms will be expected to deliver an increasing share of electricity production, while the turbines themselves are becoming larger and are exposed to harsh weather conditions and significant mechanical loads.

SALOME investigates how offshore wind turbines can be managed and maintained more intelligently. The project combines measurement data, atmospheric models and knowledge of structural loading to better predict turbine performance and lifespan. The knowledge generated will contribute to more efficient offshore wind farm operation and a more stable electricity grid.

The project partners are developing innovative atmospheric and mechanical models that accurately describe the behaviour of offshore wind turbines and their operating environment. To do so, they use measurement data from temperature sensors, vibration sensors and optical fibres that monitor structural loads.

These data are integrated into a decision-support tool capable of generating forecasts over different timescales, ranging from one day ahead to real time. The tool helps operators align electricity production with grid requirements, while also accounting for wear and fatigue of the installations.

SALOME pays particular attention to the impact of grid support services on offshore wind turbines. By incorporating mechanical loading and ageing effects into turbine control strategies, the project aims to contribute to a more reliable and cost-effective management of offshore wind farms.

SALOME will generate new insights into the relationship between weather conditions, structural loading and the performance of offshore wind turbines. In addition, the project will develop models and tools for the dynamic management and predictive maintenance of offshore installations.

The results will help operators plan maintenance more effectively, extend the lifetime of wind turbines and use offshore wind farms more efficiently in support of the electricity grid. In this way, the project contributes to the further integration of renewable energy into the energy system of the future.