[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.17.6″ custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ module_class=”reverse-columns-mobile” _builder_version=”4.17.6″ min_height=”100px” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”roboto-regular||||||||” text_text_color=”#003a7c” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||15px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]Credits: FZK, Claudia Behrend[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.17.6″ custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]The sound of the waves comes and goes, and the sea feels very close by with your closed eyes. In reality, the sound comes from a deep wave flume, 300\u00a0metres in length and seven metres wide. Instead of the wind, which transfers energy to the water through friction on the water\u2019s surface, thus creating water movement, a huge red-painted wave machine is at work here, with the wave blade weighing in at 30 tonnes. It can produce waves up to three-and-a-half metres in height and, since the completion of the modernisation process in 2023, it has been supplemented by a current system and a modular deep section that allows, for example, the realistic embedding of offshore structures in the seabed. <\/p>\n
There are roughly six of these large wave flumes throughout the world available to the research community, including those in the Netherlands, USA, Taiwan and China. However, producing waves and currents of this magnitude at the same time is unique. Consequently, it is possible to answer questions, such as the influence of waves, currents and tides as well as questions about different types of foundations for wind turbines. Furthermore, the impact of tidal currents can be explored. <\/p>\n
\u201cThere is a three-dimensional wave-current tank on the same premises,\u201d reported Alexander Schendel, Operations Manager since 2024. The difference: \u201cWe are able to produce massive waves flowing in one direction in the wave flume,\u00a0whereas in the shallower tank waves can be produced in different directions. Consequently, both systems complement each other brilliantly.\u201d[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.logistics-pilot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/DSC_7526_c_Claudia-Beherend_4C_800.jpg” alt=”Portraitphoto of Jannik Meyer and Alexander Schendel. ” title_text=”Portraitphoto of Jannik Meyer and Alexander Schendel. ” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″ custom_margin=”||15px||false|false”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”roboto-regular||||||||” text_text_color=”#003a7c” custom_margin=”||25px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||15px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″](From left) Jannik Meyer, PhD student at SFB, and Operations Manager Alexander Schendel[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
Offshore wind energy is the focus of research, which is also one of the core areas of Leibniz University Hannover. The focus is specifically on offshore foundation structures for wind turbines, in particular monopiles and jackets. The former are large steel piles driven into the seabed and the latter are lattice-like grid structures made of steel tubes. Scientists from various fields are involved. \u201cIt is becoming more and more interdisciplinary because of increasingly complex issues,\u201d observed Schendel, a coastal engineer with a doctorate. <\/p>\n
This is because wind turbines are getting larger and larger as a result of rapid expansion and limited space. Consequently, new concepts for offshore wind turbines of the future are being investigated in the special research area of \u201cOffshore Megastructures\u201d (SFB). These are significantly higher than 300\u00a0metres and have an output of 20 to 25\u00a0megawatts, meaning they are considerably bigger and more powerful than the current models up to
\n200\u00a0metres in height with a nominal output of ten megawatts. <\/p>\n
The wind turbines are subject to virtually unknown effects, for example wind conditions at heights of over a hundred metres. Due to their size and the more delicate construction required, environmental influences, as well as interactions between individual components, are becoming increasingly relevant. Tried- and-tested methods for developing and operating wind turbines can no longer be used on structures of this size.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ module_class=”dtb-sticky” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_image=”https:\/\/www.logistics-pilot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Kolkschutz_SFB-c-FZK_4C_1920.jpg” parallax=”on” custom_padding=”300px||600px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”150px||150px||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.17.6″ custom_margin=”30px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px|||” bottom_divider_style=”waves2″ bottom_divider_color=”#DFE6EE” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”roboto-regular||||||||” text_text_color=”#003a7c” custom_margin=”||25px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||15px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]Investigations into scour protection of an offshore wind turbine foundation structure. The test period usually lasts between six to eight weeks and the dismantling usually two to three.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
The goal of the SFB and the 17 subprojects, on which some 50 scientists are currently working, is to investigate physical and methodological principles based on the concept of a digital twin. Simulation models are developed that describe individual wind turbines over their entire life cycle, i.e. from planning to manufacturing, plus transportation, assembly and operation as well as maintenance and dismantling. The specific models are integrated into the digital twin that can always be adapted to reflect the current state using actual measurement data.<\/p>\n
According to Schendel, all the subprojects within SFB are primarily concerned with basic research and less with applied research. Nevertheless, the aim is to get a result with concrete relevance for the application. One such example is calculating wave and current loads, another is scouring, meaning the removal of soil around the underwater structures, such as offshore wind turbines. The aim is to develop analytical and numerical models for integration into the digital twin.<\/p>\n
The SFB was already funded to the tune of roughly 8.5 million euros by the German Research Foundation (DFG) between 2021 and 2024. \u201cDuring this time, we developed a digital twin that realistically maps the complex loads of underwater megastructures,\u201d reported Schendel. Moreover, work was carried out on early detection of damage using machine learning, and a concept for ultra-slim rotor blades was developed for generating more efficient energy at lower wind speeds. <\/p>\n
As significant progress was made in the first DFG funding period, the second funding period has been running since 1\u00a0January 2025 and is due to end on 31\u00a0December 2028. It is likely that this will be extended to 2032. Now the researchers primarily intend to use the wave flume to validate and verify their previously developed methods. \u201cWe are going to see on a large scale whether the complex interactions between structure, soil and wave loading can be modelled by the models developed already, or whether these need to be expanded,\u201d said Schendel.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.logistics-pilot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Jacket_SFB-c-FZK_4C_800.jpg” alt=”Model of a foundation structure in the wave fume” title_text=”Model of a foundation structure in the wave fume” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”roboto-regular||||||||” text_text_color=”#003a7c” custom_margin=”||25px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||15px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]A 1:14 model of a jacket structure from the SFB. It depicts a foundation structure for an offshore wind turbine with a total height of over 300 metres. [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ custom_margin=”||50px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
Furthermore, measurements are being taken at the new onshore wind energy research park \u2018Wivaldi\u2019 (acronym for wind validation) of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Braunschweig and as part of the project \u2018Reallabor 70 GW Offshore Wind\u2019. \u201cThe measurement data from the real twin provide a unique opportunity to validate the simulation models and monitoring methods as well as to test the plausibility of a digital twin concept,\u201d explained Schendel. <\/p>\n
Whilst some questioned whether computers would make such wave channels obsolete in the future about 30 years ago, today it is undisputed that they will continue to be indispensable. \u201cEven AI models need data,\u201d underlined Schendel. \u201cFurthermore, despite the high performance of modern computers and algorithms, the physical processes are so complex that they cannot be simulated virtually in the foreseeable future.\u201d This also explains why the wave flume is extremely popular among scientists and companies. In addition, the public tours that take place two to three times each year are in demand (cb)<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ module_class=”dtb-sticky” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_blurb title=”Facts” _builder_version=”4.16″ header_font=”|||on|||||” header_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font_size=”16px” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”||20px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”25px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_blurb_title=”display: inline-block!important;||background: #002754!important;||padding: 5px 13px 3px 13px!important;||position: relative!important;” border_width_bottom=”1px” border_color_bottom=”#002754″ global_colors_info=”{}” header_text_color__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” header_text_color__hover=”rgba(255,255,255,0.71)” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ custom_margin=”||50px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Built:<\/strong> 1979 to 1983, extensively modernised between 2021 and 2023 www.fzk.uni-hannover.de\/de<\/a> [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Looking into the future is already possible in the Large Wave Flume of the Coastal Research Center in Hannover-Marienwerder. Researchers are currently testing the jacket structure of an offshore wind turbine with a total height in excess of 300 metres in one of the world\u2019s largest wave flumes.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":67769,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[304],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-67778","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sustainability-en"],"yoast_head":"\nWave flume<\/h2>\n
\nLocation:<\/strong> Hannover-Marienwerder
\nDimensions:<\/strong> 300\u00a0metres high, 5\u00a0metres wide and 7\u00a0metres deep
\nCurrent:<\/strong> +- 1\u00a0metre per second at 4-metre\u00a0water level
\nMax. flow rate:<\/strong> 20\u00a0cubic metres per second
\nAverage flow speed:<\/strong> 0.8\u00a0metres per second (at a depth of 5 metres)[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blurb title=”MORE INFORMATIONS” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ header_font=”|||on|||||” header_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font_size=”16px” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”100px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”25px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_blurb_title=”display: inline-block!important;||background: #002754!important;||padding: 5px 13px 3px 13px!important;||position: relative!important;” border_width_bottom=”1px” border_color_bottom=”#002754″ global_colors_info=”{}” header_text_color__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” header_text_color__hover=”rgba(255,255,255,0.71)” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
\nwww.reallabor.offshore.uol.de<\/a><\/p>\n