Whilst the utilisation of offshore wind energy promises higher electricity yields per turbine than on land, it also places higher technical demands on all components. The wind turbines therefore have to be specially adapted and designed for use at sea. In order to have precise planning data available and to close gaps in knowledge, research platforms have been constructed that are equipped with scientific measurement instruments. These are FINO 1 (2003, North Sea), FINO 2 (2007, Baltic Sea) and FINO 3 (2009, North Sea). The BINE Projektinfo brochure “Conducting research in the middle of the ocean” (17/2011) gives an overview of the scientific focal points for the individual platforms and a selection of results.  more...

An estimated 1.4 billion people worldwide (mostly living in rural regions) and approximately 300,000 buildings in Europe are not connected to a central electricity grid. Stand-alone grids can be used here to establish a cost-effective and reliable electricity supply. In these stand-alone grids, different renewable power generators such as photovoltaics, wind energy and biogas are combined with a battery system and diesel generator (if required due to the geographical position). The BINE Projektinfo brochure “New operating system for stand-alone grids” (16/2011) introduces newly developed technical standards which optimise the construction, operation, control and administration of stand-alone grids.  more...

Rotor blades on wind turbines are highly stressed, complex components that must be capable of withstanding enormous loads for many years. This especially applies to new offshore wind farms, where the blades are also confronted with salt water and gale-force winds. Additionally, technicians are only able to work on-site when the weather is calm. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Wind Energy and Energy System Technology (IWES) in Bremerhaven can now simulate the harsh reality of offshore conditions in four to six months on an onshore test rig for rotor blades, and are thus able to provide statements on the complete service life of more than 20 years. The work of the Competence Center Rotor Blades is detailed in the BINE Projektinfo brochure “The time machine for rotor blades” (15/2011).  more...

In spring and autumn in particular, there are many short periods of fluctuating temperatures caused by alternating warm and cold days. Inside a building, the effect of such temperature fluctuations is felt with a significant time lag. Quite often, enough heat is stored in building components and fixtures for a while; there is still plenty of waste heat or solar energy influx. Researchers have developed a new concept for a heating control system with integrated weather data, which is currently being tested in three administrative buildings. The BINE Projektinfo brochure “When weather forecasts control the heating” (14/2011) introduces the system, the demonstration buildings and initial results.  more...