TOP-VIMS

Wind turbines play a key role in the energy transition – at the same time, their acoustic emissions are a crucial factor for approval, public acceptance, and site selection. The goal of the projectTOP-VIMS was to develop a consistent, model-based approach for predicting and reducing tonal noise emissions of wind turbines.

Wölfel took on key tasks in the areas of measurement technology, simulation, and vibroacoustic data analysis.
By applying innovative measurement and simulation methods, a new assessment methodology was established that allows tonal noise sources to be identified early in the development process—before a physical prototype exists. This represents a decisive step towards quieter, more efficient, and more economical wind turbines.

Tasks performed by Wölfel

Within the subproject of Wölfel Engineering GmbH + Co. KG, measurement, analytical, and simulation methods were developed to precisely capture and evaluate structural-mechanical and acoustic relationships within a wind turbine.
Key work packages included:

• Development of a modular measurement system for time-synchronous acquisition of acceleration and airborne sound signals in the nacelle, tower, and rotor blade.
• Execution of several measurement campaigns on a GE prototype turbine, including shaker tests for targeted excitation of the gearbox.
• Analysis of tonal emissions based on IEC 61400-11 as well as AI-supported root-cause identification methods.
• Development of a coupled simulation model (MBS/FEM) for acoustic evaluation.
• Validation of models using real measurement data and Transfer Path Analysis (TPA).

The result is a continuous simulation chain that can be used to evaluate the acoustic behavior of a wind turbine as early as the design process. This allows for targeted planning of design optimizations and damping strategies—a significant advance for OEM development processes.

Benefits and application potential

The methods developed in the project enable Wölfel to:

• perform comprehensive NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) evaluations of wind turbines.
• reduce tonal noise through simulation instead of experimental testing, and
• integrate vibroacoustic analyses into the early development phase of new turbine concepts.

Furthermore, the results open up new application possibilities in other industries, such as mechanical engineering or automotive technology.