NREL is providing up to $6.25 million to support research in aerodynamics to enhance the performance and reliability of wind turbines. This funding targets two key technical challenges: understanding aerodynamics at large scales and addressing loads in non-operational conditions.
NREL will award up to $6.25 million, distributed across two focus areas:
- Improving Wind Turbine Airfoil Performance Through Advanced Testing
- Experiments: Design and conduct tests to gather high-quality data on airfoil performance under conditions experienced by large turbines.
- Testing Locations: Full-scale tests at a national research facility, supplemented by secondary tests in smaller wind tunnels.
- Funding: $4.75 million for applicants, plus approximately $2.5 million from the DOE for facility operations.
- Data to Understand Wind Turbine Blade Vibrations When Not Operating
- Experiments: Characterise aerodynamic behaviour of blades when idling, parked, or in extreme weather, producing validation-quality datasets.
- Testing Scenarios: Tests may use scaled-down or full-size blades, capturing 3D aerodynamics in relevant situations.
- Funding: Approximately $1.5 million, with one or two awards expected.
