Reliability and Operations of Energy Assets:  Digital Twins and Design for Repowering

Our group has significant interest in improving reliability and operations of assets on the US power grid.  In our work we’ve introduced and advanced several technologies to improve reliability and profitability wind farm operations.  For example, new methods and software tools for developing customized digital twin models (aero-servo-elastic models) for operating wind turbines have been produced.  In addition, we’ve introduced a new concept called “Design for Repowering (DFR)” where energy system assets are designed from the outset considering multi-faceted design conditions (e.g,; economics, permitting, sustainability, etc.) to enable long-term asset repowering strategies.

Dynamic Modeling of Wave Energy Convertors

In collaboration with Sandia National Laboratories, our team developed dynamic models for wave energy convertors to support testing activities of the US DOE Water Power Program.

Innovative Rotor Development

Our group has been active in multiple innovative rotor development efforts over the years.  A core focus has been on novel rotor blade designs that are reliable, cost-effective, and that address complex design criteria in modern and large-scale systems.  Our group has provided leadership in multiple multi-institution research teams including development of extreme-scale rotors, rotor designs with active load control, and low-cost floating energy systems.