To avoid airplane accidents, opening up airport bottlenecks, and harvesting offshore wind potential
Recent advancements in numerical methods and an exponential increase in the computation power in the last couple of decades have made it possible to simulate complex real life problems on computers. This has reduced the need for conducting expensive and time-consuming experimentations in the design and analysis phase. We, at the Department of Applied Mathematics, SINTEF utilize our knowledge in applied mathematics which spans over solid modelling, grid generation, geophysical flows and computational fluid dynamics to offer quick solutions to our clients. With a large array of modelling tools already in place and ongoing research in the fields of turbulence modelling, radiation modelling, data assimilation, grid generation, validation techniques and multi-scale modeling of air flow including large-scale meteorology as well as small-scale wake vortice generation, transportation and decay, the group is equipped to solve problems related to turbulence predictions at airports, wakes generation by airplanes and harvesting of wind energy. Research works conducted in these fields with our project partners are expected to help in improving flight comfort and safety, optimizing air traffic and efficient harnessing of offshore wind energy for power generation.
Avinor
The main aim of this project is to predict terrain-induced turbulence at various airports in Norway (15 by July 1st, 2010) in Norway. The microscale code SIMRA, developed by SINTEF, makes use of meteorological data from Met.no (The Norwegian Meteorological Institute) and produces a detailed wind and turbulence prediction around the airports. The system as such neither needs any special equipment in the airplane nor at the airport. This system has been approved by the NCAA (The Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority) and has been fully operational since 1st July 2009.
Sesar
“A doubling of flight movements by 2030: How can we cope ?”
SESAR is the European air traffic control infrastructure modernisation programme. SESAR aims at developing the new generation air traffic management system capable of ensuring the safety and fluidity of air transport worldwide over the next 30 years.
Our department is participating in workprogramme 12 of Sesar, by integrating wake vortex predictions into SINTEFs local wind and turbulence prediction system.
Offshore
Harvesting offshore wind potential.
The objective of NOWITECH is pre-competitive research laying a foundation for industrial value creation and cost-effective offshore wind farms. Emphasis is on “deep-sea” (+30 m) including bottom-fixed and floating wind turbines.
Our department is participating in the development of Integrated numerical design tools for novel offshore wind energy concepts.
