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Science for WInd turbine Resilience to Lightning

Objective

Lightning poses significant risks to both ground-based and airborne structures, including their electrical and electronic systems. Wind turbines (WTs) are particularly vulnerable due to their height, the use of modern composite materials, and the increasing integration of sensitive electronic equipment. As wind power becomes a cornerstone of our carbon-neutral future, lightning damage to WTs already costs over €100 million annually worldwide - expected to rise with the expansion of wind farms and advancements in turbine technology. Despite these challenges, fundamental questions remain about lightning initiation, multiscale physical mechanisms, and the processes governing leader attachment to turbine blades.
The SWIRL Doctoral Network introduces a multidisciplinary consortium of academic and industrial partners to address these challenges by advancing knowledge and developing innovative solutions for WT lightning protection. The network will deliver a cutting-edge, bespoke doctoral training programme, combining a scientific approach with practical technological applications, SWIRL integrates diverse methodologies, including multi-instrumental lightning observations in a WT, advanced high-voltage laboratory testing, state-of-the-art computational modelling, and fostering a unique environment for cross-disciplinary collaboration. The network bridges meteorology, electrical discharge physics, materials science, and electrical engineering, enabling researchers to tackle lightning-related challenges at the intersection of these fields. The programme aims to produce the first generation of experts combining such expertise, to ensure the resilience of wind energy systems and other critical infrastructures. With a strong focus on non-academic involvement, SWIRL ensures that researchers gain exposure to industrial challenges while contributing to solutions that directly address sector needs, this way enhancing their career prospects in both academic and industry sectors.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

Keywords

Programme(s)

Topic(s)

Funding Scheme

HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-DN - HORIZON TMA MSCA Doctoral Networks

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Call for proposal

(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-DN-01

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Coordinator

UNIVERSITAT POLITECNICA DE CATALUNYA
Net EU contribution
€ 564 376,32
Address
CALLE JORDI GIRONA 31
08034 BARCELONA
Spain
Region
Este Cataluña Barcelona
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Links
Total cost
No data

Participants (7)

Partners (11)