Introduction on Fluid Power in Wind and Wave Energy

Within the wind turbine industry, there is a general desire towards developing larger and larger turbines, while simultaneously improving efficiency and reliability. At the same time, wave energy is at a stage, where the last technology push still remains, before this may become a significant factor in the future energy supply system. Common for the two areas are, however, that they are dealing with extreme forces and/or torques, in terms of pitching, yawing, braking and transmission system in wind turbines as well as the power take-off system in wave energy converters. Here fluid power (oil hydraulic) technology not only has the potential to overcome and solve many of the technical challenges, which are foreseen and which may otherwise be limiting factors, but also improve on existing solutions. For large scale wave energy converters, fluid power is for example the only realistic available technology capable of handling the extremely large and slowly reversing torques/forces.

The background for these expectations may be found in the development of new components, sensors and component types, which not only brings forth new functionality, but which also yields promises of much higher efficiencies, better reliability and robustness and opens up for much more intelligent control of the components and systems.

The Fluid Power in Wind and Wave Energy research programme is therefore concentrated around the three classes of core activities: development of new components, designing new and better systems and development of advanced control strategies. All these activities are based on truly mechatronic design approach and a strong combination of theoretical work, simulation, experimental testing and validation, benefitting from the departments multi-displinary expertise area, while combining the key areas of fluid technology, electrical and mechanical engineering, control theory and optimization. 

Collaboration Partners

The research programme is a programme initiated to strengthen the research activities within fluid power components and systems and to support the development activities within these areas. The collaboration partners include:

  • AVN Energy (HYDRA tech)
  • Wave Star
  • Sauer-Danfoss
  • Danish Wind Industry Association

The programme is open for new partners with the objective to strengthen these activities by collaborating with national and international research groups, institutions in academia and industry to maintain the highest possible research level and to facilitate the knowledge to new products and solutions.

Vacancies within the Research Programme

If any, please find the vacancies here: Vacancies at Aalborg University. 

Group Members

Torben O. Andersen, Henrik C. Pedersen, Michael M. Bech, Søren Stubkier, Rico H. Hansen, Lasse Schmidt, Anders H. Hansen, Daniel Beck Rømer and Per Johansen. 

Contact Information

Programme Leader:
Associate Professor Henrik C. Pedersen
Direct phone: +45 9940 9275 · E-mail: hcp@et.aau.dk

Vice Programme Leader:
Professor Torben O. Andersen
Direct phone: +45 9940 9269 · E-mail: toa@et.aau.dk