https://wes.copernicus.org/articles/ Combined list of the recent articles of the journal Wind Energy Science and the recent discussion forum Wind Energy Science Discussions en https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-11-1733-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-11-1733-2026 <b>Design and simulation of a continuously variable hydraulic power-split drivetrain for wind turbines</b><br> Pascal Seifermann, Jonathan Schaaf, Sven Störtenbecker, Alexander Dam, and Peter Dalhoff<br> Wind Energ. Sci., 11, 1733–1750, https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-11-1733-2026, 2026<br> This paper investigates a novel drivetrain concept for wind turbines. The proposed approach allows for the elimination of the frequency converter that is typically required to enable variable-rotor speed. Instead, variable-speed operation is realized through a combination of hydraulic and mechanical transmission. The concept can achieve efficiency levels comparable to conventional drivetrains while avoiding the high susceptibility to faults and costs associated with frequency converters. Wed, 13 May 2026 04:44:19 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-2026-76 https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-2026-76 <b>A generalised Gaussian wake model based on extended actuator disc theory</b><br> Zheni Fei, Takafumi Nishino, and Christopher R. Vogel<br> Wind Energ. Sci. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-2026-76,2026<br> <b>Preprint under review for WES</b> (discussion: open, 0 comments)<br> This work develops a wake model that considers confinement effect induced by the atmosphere for growing turbine size and defines the start of the far wake from the divergence of Reynolds shear stress for generality to accommodate growing wind farm size. Confinement increases velocity and should be considered for large turbines. The criterion for the start of far wake holds across a wide range of turbine thrusts, blockage ratios, and inflow turbulence levels, except at low turbulence. Wed, 13 May 2026 04:44:19 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-11-1705-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-11-1705-2026 <b>Wind field estimation for lidar-assisted control: a comparison of proper orthogonal decomposition and interpolation techniques</b><br> Esperanza Soto Sagredo, Søren Juhl Andersen, Ásta Hannesdóttir, and Jennifer Marie Rinker<br> Wind Energ. Sci., 11, 1705–1731, https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-11-1705-2026, 2026<br> Large wind turbines are highly sensitive to changing winds, yet current measurements miss important details. This study compares three methods to reconstruct the full wind field ahead of a turbine in real time using lidar data and simulations. The results show these approaches can capture detailed inflow structures, which could help turbines anticipate wind changes, improve control strategies, and reduce structural loads. Mon, 11 May 2026 04:44:19 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-11-1679-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-11-1679-2026 <b>A multi-fidelity model intercomparison for wake steering of a large turbine in a conventionally neutral atmospheric boundary layer</b><br> Julia Steiner, Emily Louise Hodgson, Maarten Paul van der Laan, Leonardo Alcayaga, Mads Pedersen, Søren Juhl Andersen, Gunner Larsen, and Pierre-Elouan Réthoré<br> Wind Energ. Sci., 11, 1679–1703, https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-11-1679-2026, 2026<br> Wake steering is a promising strategy for wind farm optimization, but its success hinges on accurate wake models. We assess models of varying fidelity for a 22 MW reference turbine, comparing single- and two-turbine cases against large-eddy simulations. All models reproduced qualitative trends for power and loads (if applicable), but quantitative agreement varied, and in general the error increased with increasing yaw angle. Mon, 11 May 2026 04:44:19 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-11-1653-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-11-1653-2026 <b>Temperature profiling at the American WAKE ExperimeNt (AWAKEN): methodology and uncertainty quantification</b><br> Stefano Letizia, David D. Turner, Aliza Abraham, Luc Rochette, and Patrick J. Moriarty<br> Wind Energ. Sci., 11, 1653–1677, https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-11-1653-2026, 2026<br> Characterizing the wind resource is much more than just measuring wind speeds. In fact, the physics of the atmosphere is governed by a complex interplay of different quantities, temperature being one of the most important. We used a new technology to remotely sense temperature profiles around wind farms at AWAKEN (American WAKE ExperimeNt). Here, we discuss the methodology and guide readers through a comprehensive, step-by-step validation effort to quantify the accuracy of temperature profiling for wind energy. Fri, 08 May 2026 04:44:19 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-11-1631-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-11-1631-2026 <b>Dependence of wind-farm-induced gravity waves and wind farm performance on non-dimensional atmospheric parameters and simulation configuration</b><br> Mehtab Ahmed Khan, Matthew J. Churchfield, and Simon J. Watson<br> Wind Energ. Sci., 11, 1631–1652, https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-11-1631-2026, 2026<br> This large-eddy simulation study identifies a realistic set-up for modeling wind-farm–atmosphere interactions, validates a method that minimizes non-physical gravity waves, and examines how real gravity waves and wind farm performance depend on non-dimensional parameters defining atmospheric stability and farm geometry. The results show how realistic and accurate modeling are critical to performance prediction. Fri, 08 May 2026 04:44:19 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-11-1607-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-11-1607-2026 <b>Scaled testing of maximum-reserve active power control</b><br> Simone Tamaro, Davide Bortolin, Filippo Campagnolo, Franz V. Mühle, and Carlo L. Bottasso<br> Wind Energ. Sci., 11, 1607–1630, https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-11-1607-2026, 2026<br> This work presents the scaled experimental validation of an active power control (APC) algorithm that improves wind farm power-tracking accuracy during turbulent wind lulls. Tests in a large low-blockage wind tunnel, including dynamic wind-direction changes, show that the method outperforms three reference APC strategies, especially under high power demand, while keeping structural fatigue low. Fri, 08 May 2026 04:44:19 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-2026-81 https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-2026-81 <b>AI enhanced fault indicators vs. classical bearing monitoring – example results of bearing tests and transferability to wind turbines</b><br> Matthias Stammler, Faras Jamil, Xinrun Liu, Jens Jo Matthys, Nikhil Sudhakaran, Cédric Peeters, Asger Bech Abrahamsen, and Jan Helsen<br> Wind Energ. Sci. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-2026-81,2026<br> <b>Preprint under review for WES</b> (discussion: open, 0 comments)<br> This study compares traditional and artificial intelligence supported methods for detecting damage in rotating machine parts. Bearings were tested under controlled conditions to see how well each method identified developing problems. The artificial intelligence supported method detected damage as early as, or earlier than, established techniques while needing far less expert attention. This supports automated monitoring of wind turbines, enabling earlier maintenance and lower operating costs. Fri, 08 May 2026 04:44:19 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-2026-82 https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-2026-82 <b>Observations of wind ramps generated by thunderstorm outflows</b><br> Aliza Abraham, Nicola Bodini, Nicholas Hamilton, Brian Hirth, John Schroeder, and Patrick Moriarty<br> Wind Energ. Sci. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-2026-82,2026<br> <b>Preprint under review for WES</b> (discussion: open, 0 comments)<br> Thunderstorms can cause sudden changes in wind speed and direction called "wind ramps". While wind turbines are designed to withstand simplified versions of such wind ramps, this paper shows that real wind ramps are much more variable and complex than those prescribed in the design standard. This variability makes it difficult for wind farm operators to predict the conditions that each wind turbine will experience, adding uncertainty to the prediction of wind farm power. Fri, 08 May 2026 04:44:19 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-11-1583-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-11-1583-2026 <b>Continuous-lifetime-monitoring technique for structural components and main bearings in wind turbines based on measured strain and virtual load sensors</b><br> Bruno Rodrigues Faria, Nikolay Dimitrov, Nikhil Sudhakaran, Matthias Stammler, Athanasios Kolios, W. Dheelibun Remigius, Xiaodong Zhang, and Asger Bech Abrahamsen<br> Wind Energ. Sci., 11, 1583–1606, https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-11-1583-2026, 2026<br> This study presents continuous lifetime assessments of wind turbine structural (tower) and rotating components (main bearings) over nearly a decade, combining controller data, calibrated load measurements, and a virtual load sensor at the tower bottom. The components' estimated lifetimes exceeded the design lifetime. Contrary to expectations, lower turbulence intensity at rated wind speed increased fatigue loads of the locating main bearing due to turbulence averaging. Wed, 06 May 2026 04:44:19 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-2026-77 https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-2026-77 <b>The IEA Wind Task 57 inflow reconstruction benchmark for a single turbine in simple terrain: real-world and synthetic case studies</b><br> Alex Rybchuk, Henrik Asmuth, Armin Haghshenas, Ásta Hannesdóttir, Jan Friedrich, Jaime Liew, Jennifer M. Rinker, Daniel R. Houck, Regis Thedin, and Patrick Moriarty<br> Wind Energ. Sci. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-2026-77,2026<br> <b>Preprint under review for WES</b> (discussion: open, 0 comments)<br> Wind turbine engineers use wind simulation tools as part of the design process. We conducted a benchmark study for these tools. We collected detailed wind data from two sets of environments (a field campaign and a research-grade simulation). We gave benchmark participants limited information about this data, and they used their wind simulation tools of choice to reconstruct the winds. We compared the output of the different simulation codes, identifying strengths and shortcomings. Wed, 06 May 2026 04:44:19 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-2026-78 https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-2026-78 <b>OC7 Project Phase II: Comparison of Global-to-Local Load Transfer Approaches in Floating Structures</b><br> Michael Karch, Friedemann Borisade, Fabian Wendt, Romain Pinguet, Thang Do, Jérôme de Lauzon, Lucas Tessier, Jon Cerrada-Garcés, Alvaro Olcoz-Alonso, Jesús Artal, Borja Servan-Camas, Julio García-Espinosa, Cai Wei Sun, Haruki Yoshimoto, Takaya Nagumo, Go Tsuneto, Roger Bergua, Lu Wang, Jason Jonkman, Amy Robertson, Constance Clement, and Guillaume Potier<br> Wind Energ. Sci. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-2026-78,2026<br> <b>Preprint under review for WES</b> (discussion: open, 1 comment)<br> As part of the OC7 project, load transfer from global analysis models to local structural designs was examined. Different load mapping workflows from project participants were compared using a shared reference design and consistent checks. Results show that load mapping choices, pressure application, and treatment of structural flexibility can influence predicted stresses and fatigue, highlighting key sources of uncertainty and providing guidance for more consistent global‑to‑local assessments. Tue, 05 May 2026 04:44:19 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-11-1569-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-11-1569-2026 <b>Impact of floater flexibility on tower eigenfrequencies of a spar-type floating offshore wind turbine: measurement-based assessment and model calibration</b><br> Cesar Aguilera, Romain Ribault, Jerome De-Lauzon, and Adrien Hirvoas<br> Wind Energ. Sci., 11, 1569–1581, https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-11-1569-2026, 2026<br> Our analysis has revealed that the natural frequencies of the tower vary depending on the operational state of the turbine and are significantly influenced by the flexibility of the support structure. For a spar-type floater, a mismatch of 40 % was found. This work highlights the importance of continuous structural monitoring of offshore assets, the need to raise awareness within the design community and the current lack of explicit guidance on this issue in recommended industry practices. Mon, 04 May 2026 04:44:19 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-11-1553-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-11-1553-2026 <b>Reliability and O&M key performance indicators of onshore and offshore wind turbines based on field-data analysis</b><br> Julia Walgern, Nils Stratmann, Martin Horn, Nathalene W. Y. Then, Moritz Menzel, Fraser Anderson, Athanasios Kolios, and Katharina Fischer<br> Wind Energ. Sci., 11, 1553–1568, https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-11-1553-2026, 2026<br> This study analyses maintenance data from over 1000 onshore and offshore wind turbines, covering 4200 operating years, to assess failure rates, repair times, and maintenance needs. It compares failure rates per turbine and per megawatt, examines time-dependent failure behaviour, and evaluates maintenance interventions. Results show higher onshore failure rates and identify the pitch, control, and converter systems as most critical. Mon, 04 May 2026 04:44:19 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-11-1505-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-11-1505-2026 <b>Preference and willingness-to-pay analysis for an eco-engineering technology for floating wind turbines</b><br> Antoine Dubois, Pierre-Alexandre Mahieu, Alison Bates, Jenifer Meredith, and Franck Schoefs<br> Wind Energ. Sci., 11, 1505–1529, https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-11-1505-2026, 2026<br> We studied how French coastal residents view floating offshore wind farms when ecological improvements are added. We found strong support for designs that boost marine life and help small-scale fisheries, even at a higher electricity cost. Views differed slightly by region only regarding recycled materials. Our results show that including social and environmental concerns early can improve acceptance of these projects. Thu, 30 Apr 2026 04:44:19 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-11-1531-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-11-1531-2026 <b>Aeroelastic instabilities of the IEA 15 MW rotor during extreme yaw maneuvers</b><br> Leo Höning, Iván Herráez, Bernhard Stoevesandt, and Joachim Peinke<br> Wind Energ. Sci., 11, 1531–1552, https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-11-1531-2026, 2026<br> High-fidelity fluid–structure-coupled simulations of the IEA 15 MW rotor under storm and yaw misalignment shows that certain misalignments trigger strong edgewise vibrations. Growth surges when effective power turns positive near −35° and fades near −43° yaw. Single-blade analysis finds lock-in at −37° with large tip motion and stability at −60° due to off-resonant Strouhal shedding. It is concluded that aeroelastic response is inflow specific, and operational mitigation strategies are needed. Thu, 30 Apr 2026 04:44:19 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-11-1487-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-11-1487-2026 <b>Efficient derivative computation for unsteady fatigue-constrained nonlinear aero-structural wind turbine blade optimization</b><br> Adam Cardoza and Andrew Ning<br> Wind Energ. Sci., 11, 1487–1504, https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-11-1487-2026, 2026<br> New software calculates wind turbine blade design improvements 10 times faster than traditional methods while maintaining accuracy. By combining four advanced mathematical techniques, researchers optimized a blade design to reduce energy costs by 12.78 %, making fatigue-aware design practical for engineering applications. Thu, 30 Apr 2026 04:44:19 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-11-1461-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-11-1461-2026 <b>Flow field analysis of a leading-edge inflatable kite rigid-scale model using stereoscopic particle image velocimetry</b><br> Jelle Agatho Wilhelm Poland, Erik Fritz, and Roland Schmehl<br> Wind Energ. Sci., 11, 1461–1485, https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-11-1461-2026, 2026<br> We studied how air flows around a rigid-scale model of a soft-wing kite used for harvesting airborne wind energy and wind-assisted ship propulsion. Using a wind tunnel and a laser-based imaging method, we measured the airflow at different angles to compare with simulations. Measured flow field results confirm numerical predictions. For the measurements with low uncertainty, the derived lift force quantities also correspond well with numerical predictions. Wed, 29 Apr 2026 04:44:19 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-11-1429-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-11-1429-2026 <b>Reference floating wind array designs for three representative regions</b><br> Leah H. Sirkis, Ericka Lozon, and Matthew Hall<br> Wind Energ. Sci., 11, 1429–1460, https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-11-1429-2026, 2026<br> This paper presents gigawatt-scale floating wind farm reference designs tailored to the site conditions of three regions. The array designs use a 15 MW semisubmersible floating turbine and include the array layout, mooring systems, dynamic power cables, array cable routing, and floating substations. The layout methodology includes spatial constraints for each subsystem. The resulting arrays provide open-source baseline designs to facilitate future floating wind research at the array scale. Tue, 28 Apr 2026 04:44:19 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-2026-72 https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-2026-72 <b>Multi-Objective Evolutionary Optimization of Wind Turbine Airfoils Incorporating Leading-Edge Roughness Insensitivity</b><br> Ryan Cameron and Matthew Lackner<br> Wind Energ. Sci. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-2026-72,2026<br> <b>Preprint under review for WES</b> (discussion: open, 1 comment)<br> The wind energy industry began designing airfoils specific to their needs in the 1980s, and despite today's turbines operating in vastly different environments, they use the same airfoil sets. This research leverages modern design optimization methods to find relevant solutions that improve upon tradition designs in aerodynamic metrics of interest to the industry. Additionally, we identify previously unattainable boundaries in the design space, and reveal the fluid physics behind them. Tue, 28 Apr 2026 04:44:19 +0200