Advanced Numerical Modelling of Coupled Fatigue-Erosion Damage of Composite Wind Turbine Blades Toward Enhanced Predictive Maintenance (WINLIFE)

Project Description

The wind energy industry is building increasingly larger wind turbines to capture more wind power. However, these larger blades rotate at faster speeds, making them more susceptible to damage from rain, hail, and dust particles. This erosion can significantly reduce energy production (up to 25%) and increase maintenance costs. Rain erosion can cause tiny cracks on the surface of the blades. These cracks weaken the blades and make them more likely to fail under repeated stress. Most research has focused on how erosion happens, but WINLIFE takes a different approach. This project investigates how erosion weakens blades and makes them more likely to crack under repeated stress. By using computer simulations and rainfall data, WINLIFE will predict how erosion damages blades and creates tiny cracks. This information will help wind farm managers develop better maintenance plans to prevent unexpected breakdowns and keep turbines operational. By reducing downtime and improving energy production, WINLIFE will ultimately lead to cleaner, more reliable wind power