The session focuses on conversion systems for wind turbines based on power electronics, mainly for off-shore applications. The trend of higher power brings several challenges related to compliance with grid requirements. Harmonics and resonances become crucial issues that require proper analysis and innovative yet practical solutions. This session covers aspects related to power converter architectures and the modulation and control of the converter. We will look at the interaction with the electrical grid as well as practical aspects about how to optimise the primary control in different wind conditions and how to effectively test the control of large-scale wind systems in emulated conditions.

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In the conversion of wind power, the rotor is the first point of energy transformation, transforming the kinetic energy of the wind into torque and rotation. Rotor technology sets a limit of the energy converted and the loading required to convert this energy. The load cycles are design drivers, influencing the mass and operation of the rotor, and therefore the entire turbine. In addition to extracting kinetic energy from the flow, the rotor creates a pressure field that generates the wake and leads to noise generation. Rotor design optimisation must therefore account for power and load optimisation, constrained by the full lifecycle, fatigue life and noise, among other boundary conditions. This session focus on innovations in both rotor design methodologies and components.

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Cold climate sites are characterised by the occurence of icing events and/or periods with temperatures below the  operational limits of standard wind turbines. This session will address specific challenges faced during the operation of wind farms in cold climates. Topics include low-temperature compliance testing of wind turbines, methods for detection and analysis of icing events, as well as the  operational performance of de- and anti-icing systems.

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Modern control design methods like non-linear model predictive control can take account of complex dynamics and actuator constraints, while making use of richer information input from advanced sensors such as LIDARs. They contribute to the coordinated control of entire wind farms while meeting new operational demands from the electricity system. The session addresses advanced state estimation methods, an important component of such controllers. You will hear about field test results from a controller using wind preview from a LIDAR sensor as well as changes in design and certification guidelines needed to account for the use of LIDARs.

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In this session, participants will hear about the latest developments in wind turbine loading and system behaviour. Presentations will cover a variety of topics - from modelling approaches to turbine control. The research work presented brings new approaches which will help the industry increase the reliability of turbines and reduce installation costs, especially offshore. Presented results will rely on real-world measurements and operational data.

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The session deals with aerodynamics, in particular computational aerodynamics. The session investigates a typical enginering blade element momentum (BEM) aerodynamic model, and demonstrates the merits of less empiric but computationally more comprehensive CFD modelling for yawed conditions and for tip vortex breakdown. We will also discuss the validation by 2D wind tunnel tests for high Reynolds numbers and how to use aerodynamics computations to analyse the effect of protuberances on blades.

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This session will look at the current position in floating wind energy, especially the latest technology developments towards its commercialization, and the challenges and future prospects of this exciting and promising way of harvesting offshore wind energy.

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