Unveiling the Insights Recap of the AIRE Webinar

On November 15th, the AIRE Project hosted an enlightening webinar, delving into the intricacies of its experimental campaigns. The event featured distinguished speakers from the four experimental wind sites, including Beatriz Méndez from CENER, Oscar Pires from CENER, Ebba Dellwick from DTU, Iván Prada from PLOCAN, and Peter Kinsley. Their presentations provided a unique opportunity for participants to gain firsthand insights into the groundbreaking initiatives that are shaping the landscape of wind energy production research. Let’s explore the key highlights and takeaways from this informative session.

Overview of Experimental Campaigns by Beatriz Méndez (CENER):

Beatriz Méndez, representing CENER, opened the webinar with a comprehensive overview of the AIRE Project’s experimental campaigns. She gave an overall description of the project introducing the partners and involved wind sites. Additionally, she provided valuable insights into the project’s objectives, methodologies, and the significance of gathering diverse data sets to better understand the impact of real weather conditions on blades and, therefore, their effect on the production of renewable energy.

Experimental Wind Site of Alaiz by Oscar Pires (CENER):

Oscar Pires took the audience through an insightful journey into the experimental wind site of Alaiz. Beginning with an introduction to CENER and its main areas of R&D, he detailed the Wind Energy department’s action areas and available infrastructures, focusing on the Alaiz Experimental Wind Farm.

Oscar’s presentation not only covered technological advancements and monitoring strategies but also included a visual tour of the site. He talked about the characteristics of this site and showcased different instrumentation and types of measurements, from wind speed to rain measurements. Of particular interest were images of post-processed rain-measurements data, illustrating raindrop size distribution, precipitation fall speed, and rain intensity. From this type of data, they are able to assess the type of precipitation, rain, hail or snow. Oscar concluded by offering a glimpse into future activities on AIRE’s horizon.

Experimental Wind Site of Riso by Ebba Dellwick (DTU):

During the presentation, Ebba Dellwick, representing DTU, offered valuable insights into the experimental wind site at Risø. She highlighted the unique features of this site, delving into the instrumentation and the types of measurements it enables for precipitation and wind profiles. The audience gained insights into the fascinating world of meteorological measurements through examples from their disdrometer, showcasing changes in droplet diameter and rain velocity. Ebba also touched on their microrain radar, highlighting measurements of reflectivity and vertical velocity. The presentation underscored the significance of lidar wind data and its correlation with height. Another engaging aspect was the presentation’s focus on the first analysis results, comparing the amount of rain measured by different instruments.

Overall, the presentation offered a comprehensive view of the Risø wind site and its instrumental role in advancing our understanding of meteorological phenomena. The discussion around the intersection of technology and weather conditions added an intriguing layer to the presentation.

Experimental Wind Site of PLOCAN by Iván Prada (PLOCAN):

Iván Prada, Innovation Manager at PLOCAN, presented the role of this public entity, and how it is funded by the national and regional government of the Canary Islands. Iván shared the core mission of PLOCAN, and its objectives to operate a set of observation and infrastructure services. Ivan also introduced an area project, related to airborne dust and its influence on wind energy and calima events in the Canary Islands. Lastly, Iván talked about the deployment of sensors at the wind site as well as offshore.

During his presentation, he shared insights about research and development of the marine environment (holding a 23 km sq test side) of open ocean in the Northeast of the Gran Canaria Island. Additionally, Iván shared the types of services that are connected to the island grid, such as: meteorological and oceanographical data services, logistic and operational support, specialized training and coaching, housing, marine test site, bidirectional and transitional ICT.

Experimental Wind Site of Levenmouth by Peter Kinsley (ORE Catapult):

Peter Kinsley, a leading member of the materials team, presented the Experimental Campaign at the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult. Peter presented ORE Catapult and its leading role as the Uk’s leading technology and innovation research centre for offshore renewable energy. During the presentation, he provided insights on how ORE Catapult is leveraging growth and innovation within the energy industry.

Peter presented the eight UK regional centres in Aberdeen (testing facility), Blyth (testing facility), Fife (testing facility), Glasgow, Hayle, The Humber, Lowestoft, and Pembroke Dock and the work facilitated between academia and industry. He explained how products are developed through research, academia, testing and validation. He also presented Levenmouth Demonstration Turbine (LDT), the world’s most advanced, open-access offshore wind turbine dedicated to R&D adding valuable offshore data components.

Conclusions

As we reflect on the insights shared by Beatriz Méndez, Oscar Pires, Ebba Dellwick, Iván Prada, and Peter Kinsley during the AIRE Project Experimental Campaigns webinar, we recognize the collective impact of their work in shaping a sustainable and healthier environment. The collaborative spirit and commitment to advancing and improving wind energy production in this webinar will undoubtedly leave a lasting imprint on the trajectory of environmental sustainability.