Diversity is key to sustainable large scale facilities and the NTUA WT is well suited to this model, in part due to the availability of multiple test sections. The NTUA group’s significant computational experience will be a strategic pivotal point to combine with the WT testing development. In TWEET-IE, computational analyses using validated open source and in-house HiFi simulation tools will add new value to WT test data and pure “hardware” results. The project’s research component is designed to accommodate the above and is, in itself, state-of-the-art research but it also provides the foundation for training activities, upgrading of the group’s research profile and enhancement of its visibility and networking plans.
The top-class Leading Partners participating in the project are recognized experts in discrete fields of WT testing. They all have many years of experience and understand the details and particularities related to such large scale facilities. Collaboration with them will further stimulate excellence and innovation and thus enlarge the scope of research activities at NTUA, the Widening Partner, and facilitate successful participation in joint research projects. TWEET-IE Leading Partner members are:
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), with expertise in Environmental, Structural and Architectural Wind Engineering and Urban Wind Flows.
- Politecnico di Milano (POLIMI), with expertise in Wind Energy, Aeronautics, Civil Structures and Sports Aerodynamics.
- Delft University of Technology (TUDelft), with expertise in large scale PIV measurements, and experimental uncertainty quantification
- Technical University of Munich (TUM), with expertise in Wind Energy - wind turbine aerodynamics aeroelasticity and control
The TWEET-IE project strategy serves specific, attainable, measurable and verifiable objectives:
1. Stimulate institutional reforms with regard to WT management at NTUA.
A dedicated facility management unit has been established at NTUA and a sustainability plan of the facility has been compiled, based on an inventory of the status quo with input from Leading Partners.
2. Knowledge transfer and exchange of best practices between Leading Partners and NTUA
Dedicated activities were carried out for training of technical staff, knowledge exchange of administrative best practices and mobility of researchers. Tunnel-to-tunnel comparison of four identical state-of-the art tests in different WTs (Twin Tests-TWTs) serve as a research component and also offered an opportunity for hands on technical training, administrative experience and documentation of results.
3. Achieve R&I excellence of WT studies at the NTUA facility and improve reputation and research profile of NTUA WT facility and supporting staff.
Knowledge transfer, training and improved management enhance technical and administrative capacity. Project activities showcase progress (open events, publications, visits). The TWT research component of the project is a substantial opportunity for improving R&I excellence through all its related activities. Improved reputation will be achieved for both EU research and services to industry.
4. Establish strategic networking activities between NTUA and top-class partners.
This progresses through, and beyond, the project itself via training activities, WT network memberships, workshops, summer schools and related mobility of staff, young researchers and doctoral students.
5. Improve creativity and establish innovation activities around NTUA WT facility
Exchange of experiences with top-class partners and opening to national and international research institutes and industry led to an inventory of their needs and priorities and provided input to stimulate innovation. The combination of existing research experience and activity in the field of computational fluid dynamics with enhanced WT testing capacity and exposure to Leading Partners’ diverse fields of study will fuel out-of-the-box thinking and creative, innovative future progress.
