Wind and Solar Energy Laboratory

Welcome to the Wind and Solar Energy Laboratory.

The Wind and Solar Energy Laboratory focuses on the development of innovative technologies in the field of renewable energy. Through close collaboration with industry partners as well as national and international research institutions, we have access to state-of-the-art test benches and technical facilities. Our research focuses on optimizing wind and solar power systems to increase their efficiency and performance. To this end, we employ numerical methods such as computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and utilize machine learning to develop models that precisely predict the behavior of the systems under various environmental conditions and enable their operation to be dynamic and adaptive.

Interested? Feel free to contact us!

Below is an overview of our activities in the Wind and Solar Energy Laboratory:

Our research focuses on optimizing wind and solar power systems to increase their efficiency and performance. We use advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods and machine learning to analyze the aerodynamics and structural dynamics of wind turbines and to improve the integration of solar systems in various environments.

A particular focus of our research is the study of wind farms, where we aim to increase efficiency and reduce costs through the use of intelligent control systems.

The close integration of numerical simulations and artificial intelligence enables us to develop innovative solutions for the challenges of the energy transition and to advance the use of renewable energy in various application areas.

You can find an overview of our publications here.

In our teaching, we combine theory and practice using state-of-the-art experimental setups and real-world measurement data. Our students use wind tunnels to study aerodynamic effects and work with the wind turbine drivetrain to test the efficiency of gearboxes and generators. The 100 kW Enercon E-18 wind turbine on campus provides valuable data for in-depth analyses.

In addition, we offer test benches for solar thermal systems, photovoltaic cells, and heat pumps. These hands-on experiments help students gain comprehensive knowledge of various renewable energy technologies and optimally prepare them for their future careers.

The Wind and Solar Energy Laboratory always has interesting projects available. If you are interested in technical projects, theses, or other opportunities, please feel free to contact us.

WIND ENERGY

  • Redesign of the electrical box (E-Box) for a small wind turbine
  • Wind tunnel tests with vortex generators on blade profiles
  • Wind tunnel tests and optimization of the blade geometry of an experimental wind turbine
  • Manufacturing of wooden rotor blades
  • Programming and implementation of a braking system for the drivetrain of a wind turbine
  • Programming of a rotor speed measurement system
  • Various structural mechanics projects on hub-blade connections, drivetrains, base plates, etc.

PHOTOVOLTAICS

  • Development and design of a solar charging station with a storage battery for small electrical devices (e.g., smartphones, power banks, etc.)

HEAT PUMP

  • Development of a digital twin of a heat pump using simulation software

SOLAR THERMAL

  • Development of a small solar cooker

 

Contact

Prof. Iván Herráez, Ph.D. (Eng.)

Room: T1022

Phone: 04921 807 1598

Tobias Lankenau, M.Eng.

Room: T66

Phone: 04921 807 1337

Shumian Zhao, M.Sc.

Room: T1027

Phone: 04921-8071599

Andrea Matiz-C., M.Sc.

Room: T1027

Phone: 04921 807 1599