The Institute for Wind Energy Systems has a broad network of research cooperations and thus the possibility to access an excellent research infrastructure.
Together with the Institute of Construction Materials, we operate a high-resolution X-ray microscope, a Zeiss Xradia 410 Versa. This device is equipped with an exceptional X-ray source, which can apply high voltage and power at the same time (150 kV / 30 W). We are able to investigate in a non-destructive way materials with comparably low density, e. g. plastics or fibre reinforced plastics, as well as high-density materials such as metals. Using four different objectives (0.4x, 4x, 10x and 20x), we can taylor the resolution of the tomographies down to the sub-microscale. Specimens with a height of up to 300 mm and a weight of up to 15 kg can be placed in the device. Moreover, specimens can be scanned under static loading inside a load cell (Deben CT5000-TEC Stage) in order to visualise the deformation behaviour inside of the material.
In the framework of additive manufacturing, we can produce plastic parts with a size of 330 x 240 x 300 mm from plastic filaments. For that purpose, we use an Ultimaker 3D printer, the Ultimaker S5. This device is applied for the manufacturing of taylored specimen holders for the X-ray microscope. We have also printed a realistic wind turbine model with a rotating rotor and the possibility to include a pitch actuator.
Besides a modern IT infrastructure in the offices of the institute, we have access to the scientific computing cluster system of Leibniz University Hannover. The cluster system enables us to carry out high-fidelity simulations (FEM/CFD/FSI with a high number of degrees of freedom) at reasonably low computation times. In order to be capable of acting at any given time, we operate an own cluster node (2x20 cores with 1 TB main memory).
Through our strong cooperation with the Fraunhofer Institute for Wind Energy Systems IWES, we can also access physical experiments that are carried out in their unique test infrastructure from coupon level up to full blade testing.
