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DigiKleb Digitization of gluing processes in the automotive industry Within the framework of the sub-project, research is being conducted on the development of methods and procedures for the analysis and prediction of system behavior, for example, in order to identify causes of quality deviations and to propose quality measures. For this purpose, the interdependencies are modeled first qualitatively and then quantitatively by means of so-called effect networks, whereby the data standards of the Asset Administration Shell and OPC-UA are used as a basis in order to establish compatibility and direct system integration in the digital twin. Contact persons: M. Kreutz   M. Lütjen Funded by: BMWK Duration: 01.08.2023 - 31.07.2026 See project's publications See project's page |
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RessourcE Developing human resources in service work A competence center for logistics and health-related services will be established in the project in collaboration with practitioners and scientists. RessourcE intends to initiate sustainable transfer structures between research and practice and develop innovations for effective work design, leadership and opportunities for human resource development in the field of low-qualified work. Technical solutions for ergonomic work design and diversity-oriented competence development in low-qualified work are developed, piloted and tested regarding broad applicability. These solutions include, for example, assistance systems for physical work, concepts for supporting mental health, or software tools for systematic selection of suitable assistance technologies. Contact persons: B. Pupkes (Project manager)C. Petzoldt Funded by: BMBF Duration: 01.07.2023 - 30.06.2028 See project's publications See project's page |
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KoMAR Development of an AR-based multi-user system for the potential assessment of collaborative assembly scenarios The KoMAR project is developing a flexible Augmented Reality (AR) multi-user application that connects digital models with real objects. Several people can interact simultaneously in an AR 3D scenario. The goal is context-based and robust interaction in virtual space. The project aims to develop new multi-user functions, such as location-independent participation in AR conferences and joint manipulation of virtual objects. For this, BIBA is developing a potential assessment of collaborative robots in industrial assembly as a first use case. Here, AR enables the early involvement of planning and assembly personnel in a real context without physical system adaptations. Contact persons: L. Rolfs (Project manager)J. Wilhelm Funded by: Land Bremen / FEI Duration: 01.06.2023 - 30.11.2024 See project's publications See project's page |
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MDZ-HB-OL Mittelstand-Digital Centre Bremen-Oldenburg The Mittelstand-Digital Centre Bremen-Oldenburg pursues the goal of increasing the level of digitalisation of SMEs in the Northwest Metropolitan Region through individual support measures. In addition to the classic manufacturing industry and production-related services such as logistics, the focus is also on the consumer-oriented service industry, such as tourism, gastronomy or the creative industry. The participation of the BIBA enables, among other things, the transfer of knowledge from the research projects to industry, the implementation of infrastructure and demonstrators, as well as the implementation of local events and online formats. Contact persons: H. Ekwaro-Osire A. Himstedt M. Knak M. Teucke S. Wiesner Funded by: BMWK Duration: 01.04.2023 - 31.03.2026 See project's publications See project's page (http://digitalzentrum-hb-ol.de) |
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CompactedCooler Development of a compactable and evacuable insulated container for frozen food shipping Food, especially chilled and frozen, is increasingly ordered online and must be shipped to customers while complying with the cold chain. The polystyrene or EPS boxes that are used nowadays for shipping of chilled and frozen goods, offer good technical properties, such as insulation or food safety, but have ecological disadvantages, not least because of the fossil raw materials. In order to improve the environmental balance of food transportation, the project is being developing an innovative packaging solution that consists largely of recyclable or bioplastics and uses insulating effects of a vacuum. In addition, an efficient return in terms of reusability is strived through a compactable design. Contact persons: A. Rohde M. Trapp Funded by: Land Bremen / EFRE / PFAU Duration: 01.04.2023 - 31.05.2025 See project's publications See project's page |
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OptiAssist AI-based anomaly and cause analysis of assembly process data to derive process and assistance system improvement proposals Assembly assistance systems store data for quality assurance. Data analysis of process steps that can lead to production errors through error propagation does not exist yet. OptiAssist develops an AI-based system for identifying anomalies in the assembly process through unsupervised learning; after that, the effort of the assembly operations is reweighted in the priority graph. Based on optimization, an expert system suggests process changes to the process planner on appropriate dashboards. To increase user acceptance, strategies are developed for a suitable time to reschedule the assembly process. Contact persons: D. Schweers (Project manager)H. Engbers Funded by: Land Bremen / FEI Duration: 01.04.2023 - 30.09.2024 See project's publications See project's page |
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AITeach Automatic Interpretation and Creation of Assembly-Processes from Demonstration In AITeach, an innovative system is being developed that automates the creation of assembly sequence plans and instructions for assembly assistance systems in the context of work preparation in variant-rich assembly. For this purpose, an innovative software system is to be developed that analyzes sensor data using intelligent algorithms and AI methods with regard to the demonstrated activities. The goal is the automatic recognition of manual assembly work steps, an easy-to-understand preparation and presentation of the recognized activities by means of text-based instructions as well as a visualization based on a digital twin. Contact persons: D. Niermann (Project manager)C. Petzoldt Funded by: BMWK Duration: 01.03.2023 - 28.02.2025 See project's publications See project's page |
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Pakur AI-based counting, classification and inspection of palletized packages during goods receipt and inventory using optical methods on mobile devices Incoming goods inspection is still done manually in many SMEs. Automation of these processes optimizes incoming goods, reduces errors along the entire supply chain and creates competitiveness in the market for transport and warehouse logistics. The implementation of this automation, be it through own development or use of existing solutions on the market, is very costly and not feasible for many SMEs. This is where the research project "Pakur" comes in, in order to enable SMEs in the logistics segment to implement (partially) automated data acquisition in incoming goods inspection or inventory. Recent breakthroughs in the field of image processing using neural networks are to be used to develop an easy-to-use, automatic, digital standard solution for identifying and counting packages based on images of the palletized goods. In doing so, the employee is to be supported by an app in order to accelerate the process of receiving and inventorying goods while minimizing potential errors. Here, algorithms are to be developed and neural networks trained that are capable of recognizing the individual elements, such as packages or bags, on a pallet without error, even in heterogeneous environments, analyzing their packing pattern and then deriving the number of elements correspondingly per unit load. This information can then be passed on directly to a possible inventory management system. Errors are thus detected at an early stage and incorrect information in the system is avoided. The focus of the development is on the creation of the algorithms, based on current, innovative research. The transfer into practice is realized by a ready-to-use, open source software library that can be easily used by third parties and an open source demo application for the smartphone. This ensures that third parties can also actively use the result and apply it to other areas. Contact persons: N. Jathe (Project manager)Funded by: BMWi / AiF Duration: 01.02.2023 - 31.05.2025 See project's publications See project's page |
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SYDITIL SYstemic DIgital Twins for Industrial Logistics In the SYDITIL project, a systemic digital twin (DT) for logistics is being developed. The technological basis is ?, a language and method for describing complex socio-technical systems, and the WorldLab software. Based on the application scenarios warehouse logistics and port logistics the DT will be developed and evaluated. The intended solution will help to continuously improve the logistics processes. For this purpose, the DT is constantly updated with data gathered from the logistics systems and simulates possible scenarios as well as forecasts upcoming risks. If necessary, the DT sents alerts to control and monitoring systems to optimize logistics operations. In addition, the visualization of simulation and forecast results supports decision-making for future planning. Contact persons: H. Engbers (Project manager)M. Veigt Funded by: EU - EIT Manufacturing Duration: 01.01.2023 - 31.12.2024 See project's publications See project's page |
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safetyDrone intelligent work safety using autonomous indoor UAVs in ship construction In this project we develop an autonomous indoor blimp drone for safety hazard detection in shipyards. Due to the highly dynamic work environment of the ships construction site, shipyards are subject to an increased risk of accidents. In an extension to the current state of the art, the blimp-based drone system will drastically increase flight times while decreasing noise levels. The risk of additional harm from the drone is close to zero due to the lightweight construction. To ensure robust identification of safety hazards we develop an optical sensor system which uses state-of-the-art AI algorithms for detection. Contact persons: B. Staar (Project manager)Funded by: BMWi / AiF Duration: 01.01.2023 - 31.12.2024 See project's publications See project's page |
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RaRe2 Human-centred Rapid Reconfiguration of Production and Value Chain in Fast Changing Scenarios The European production landscape is facing major challenges that require sustainable and robust, but at the same time, highly efficient production systems that have the ability to respond to significant changes at high speed. The global objective of the project RaRe2 is to create a flexible and resilient ecosystem platform enabled by the interaction of many European organizations that cooperate in the fast reconfiguration of process chains through collaborative systems and adaptable workforce upskilling. In the project, digital twins of production and logistics systems augmented with forecasting, reconfiguration and optimization functions will be developed at different hierarchical levels along the entire value chain. In addition, methods for flexible and robust workforce planning will be developed. In the next step, the developed methods will be integrated in an ecosystem platform. This research has been funded by the European Union's Horizon Europe Framework Programme (HORIZON) under project reference HORIZON-CL4-2022-TWIN-TRANSITION-01. Contact persons: S. Eberlein (Project manager)Funded by: EU Duration: 01.12.2022 - 31.05.2026 See project's publications See project's page (https://raresquare.eu/) |
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hyBit Hydrogen for BremenÂ’s industrial transformation The hyBit project plays a important role in the realization of the EU's goal of a climate-neutral economy by means of green hydrogen in a holistic energy transition. The overarching question of the project is: How can climate neutrality be achieved through the targeted technical, economic, ecological, legal and social design of hydrogen hubs? In five steps, pilot applications are defined via flexible modeling of logistics systems that run on hydrogen. For this purpose, transformation paths, infrastructure concepts and roadmaps will first be developed and simulated. The results and simulation performance will be made available to a central transformation platform, which will combine them with the results of other issues beyond mobility and logistics. Contact persons: S. Oelker (Project manager)A. Ait Alla E. Broda L. Steinbacher M. Teucke Funded by: BMBF Duration: 01.09.2022 - 28.02.2026 See project's publications See project's page (http://hybit.org) |
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AR Improve Development of a guideline for the human-oriented use of AR-based assistance systems in intralogistics Intelligent and interactive AR-based assistance systems have great potential for supporting intralogistics work processes. Still, they have only been used occasionally in this form in practice, especially in SMEs. The object of the AR Improve research project is intelligent and interactive AR assistance systems that combine current AR hardware with sensor technology and image-processing methods. By providing an interactive guide, which is being developed together with SMEs, decision-makers can make well-founded decisions about the needs-based and human-oriented use of AR assistance systems without detailed knowledge of AR technology. Contact persons: M. Quandt (Project manager)M. Kreutz H. Stern Funded by: BMWi / AiF Duration: 01.09.2022 - 31.08.2024 See project's publications See project's page (https://ar-improve.biba.uni-bremen.de/) |
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MicroPorts Potential analysis of a multimodal transshipment system for the direct or indirect transshipment of goods between an inland waterway and at least one other freight transport system Freight transport in Germany today is mainly carried out by road and rail. However, the further increase in transport volumes is pushing the systems to their limits, as evidenced by increased congestion and more frequent delivery delays, among other things. Another challenge is the high environmental impact of road and rail transport. A lower-emission alternative and supplement to land-based transport is water-based freight transport by inland waterway vessel. The increased use of this mode of transportation requires the provision of additional decentralized transhipment points (so-called MicroPorts) for the intelligent and efficient linking of land- and water-based freight transport. The aim of the project is the technical design of a network of decentralized transhipment hubs for linking land- and waterborne freight transport. The basic idea is to use existing infrastructure, especially bridges, for the installation of the MicroPorts. Based on this, a simulation-based evaluation will be carried out to assess the new transhipment concept's economic efficiency and sustainability. The expected project results thus provide the basis for the planning and implementation of decentralized transhipment points for combined land- and water-based freight transport in the future. Contact persons: S. Schukraft (Project manager)R. Leder B. Pupkes M. Trapp Funded by: BMDV Duration: 01.07.2022 - 30.06.2024 See project's publications See project's page |
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AI-Consult Multimodal, AI-supported cognitive information support system in logistics processes The aim of the project is to develop an off-the-shelf system for the most intuitive access possible to complex information through natural and low-threshold communication in combination with optical image recognition processes. At the same time, it shall provide experienced users with direct, fast and contactless access to a wide range of functions. For data protection reasons, personal image and voice data will be processed by an integrated computing unit. Contact persons: A. Börold (Project manager)D. Schweers Funded by: BMWK Duration: 01.04.2022 - 31.03.2024 See project's publications See project's page (https://ai-consult.de/) |
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HybridCPPS Human Factors in Hybrid Cyber-Physical Production Systems Many production processes in industry are changing towards cyber-physical systems in which physical and computational elements as well as human operators are interconnected. As a result, human work in production is undergoing profound changes toward collaboration with automated and autonomous systems and their monitoring. In such hybrid cyber-physical production systems (CPPS), the quality of collaboration and interaction between the human operator and technical systems is a key success factor. Hybrid CPPS require an integrated system design consisting of technical, organizational and human-centered viewpoints to ensure their successful implementation and usability. Consequently, the goal of the project is to contribute to the integration of human factors in hybrid CPPS. Interdependencies between the quality and performance of human work and the design of hybrid CPPS are determined and used to derive design principles for planning and redesign of work systems. A demonstrator is to be built that serves as a platform for conducting studies with participants within a model hybrid CPPS. It contains several workstations that represent different processing steps and can be used flexibly as manual or automated workstations. Thus, different variants of hybrid CPPS can be modeled and investigated with regard to their effects on the system performance and on the operators. The results are used to determine the underlying relationships between different design variants and key figures for system performance and the perception of work. Contact persons: H. Stern (Project manager)Funded by: Universität Bremen (Zentrale Forschungsförderung) Duration: 01.01.2022 - 31.12.2024 See project's publications See project's page |
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MEXOT Intelligent work ergonomics using sensory exoskeletons and autonomous transport systems for enhanced human-technology interaction in automotive cargo handling The cargo handling environment in ports is characterized by the handling of heavy and large loads, in which humans are essential despite the progress of automation. In the specific application of automobile handling, the vehicles are prepared for the respective target market in technical centers. For this purpose, tires and trailer couplings, for example, have to be moved and mounted by humans. In addition, there is a large number of additional car parts that have to be picked and, in some cases, assembled in an overhead position. As a result, a high physical strain is placed on the employees, which leads with increasing age to a degree of physical impairment. Within the scope of the project MEXOT, the challenges identified are addressed with a socio-technical development approach. To this end, the use of exoskeletons is targeted, aiming to research on intelligent work ergonomics, which examines human-machine interaction in combination with exoskeletons and automated guided vehicles (AGVs). Motion sensors will be integrated into a passive exoskeleton to track the movement patterns of the employees. First, this information is used to enrich data for an external incentive system that rewards employees for wearing the exoskeleton correctly and integrates gamification approaches to increase motivation. In a second step, the data and process information are used to activate or deactivate individual "elastomeric muscles", aiming at a higher wearing flexibility for activities that do not require physical support. In the third step, the movement information of the exoskeleton will be used to develop a sophisticated pick- and assembly-by-motion concept, which, in combination with the camera system of the AGV, enables the registration of individual work steps in picking and assembly. For the AGV, further research is conducted on increasing productivity and reducing the workload of employees through process-specific and worker-individualized material supply. Moreover, voice- and gesture-based functionalities are implemented for human-machine interaction with the AGV. Contact persons: C. Petzoldt (Project manager)N. Jathe D. Niermann L. Panter M. Quandt L. Rolfs B. Vur Funded by: BMDV Duration: 01.01.2022 - 31.12.2024 See project's publications See project's page (https://www.mexot-projekt.de/) |
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RIEMANN ROS-based Education of Advanced Motion Planning and Control This project aims at reducing technological barriers towards using a fleet of robots in warehouses and conventional manufacturing environments. In this project, learning material was created to upskill university students and professionals in advanced autonomous navigation concepts, specifically how to leverage existing open-source software libraries on mobile robot platforms. From the end-user perspective, our education materials helped industries using mobile robot solutions to perform complex debugging/maintenance without overly relying on their third-party supplier. This will save time spent tuning motion planning libraries without fully understanding the effect of underlying hyperparameters. In the second phase, the project will be expanded to include collaboration with manipulators to implement an efficient interface based on ROS2 components using the e.DO Cube from COMAU as an example. Based on this example, additional learning units related to ROS2 will be created to establish a fully comprehensive intralogistics scenario. Contact persons: T. Sprodowski (Project manager)S. Leohold Funded by: EU - EIT Manufacturing Duration: 01.01.2022 - 31.12.2023 See project's publications See project's page (http://imr.ciirc.cvut.cz/riemann/) |
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Refine Tower Structure for Future Wind Energy Converters – Aeroelastic analysis, in-situ measurements and economic assessment of wind turbine tower structures According to the German Federal Environment Agency, wind energy is a cornerstone of the energy revolution. With increasing size, the efficiency but also the engineering challenges of modern wind turbines increase. One of these is the control of tower vibrations, which can, e.g., hinder erection or maintenance or lead to structural damage. The aim of the joint research project REFINE is to improve the understanding of the characteristics and causes of tower vibrations. Based on this, aerodynamic devices for towers will be developed and evaluated both technically and economically. For this purpose, a four-step approach will be followed: (1) With the help of innovative measurement technology developed at the University of Bremen, measurements will be carried out on a large fleet of onshore wind turbines over a longer period of time. (2) In addition, fluid mechanical simulations will be coupled with structural models of the wind turbines. (3) Based on this, aerodynamic devices to reduce vibration excitation will be developed and tested under real conditions. (4) The economic effects of the aerodynamic devices will be evaluated via holistic economic simulations. This research and development project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (German: Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Energie, BMWi) as part of “7th Energy Research Programme of the Federal Government”. Contact persons: S. Eberlein (Project manager)S. Oelker Funded by: BMWK Duration: 01.06.2021 - 31.05.2024 See project's publications See project's page (http://refine.science) |
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XCeedFeed Platform for optimized, automated, and intelligent processes to order and distribute compound-feed and for the re-supply of silos Agriculture must increasingly address issues of sustainability and quality management. In this context, feed is also becoming increasingly important from a cost perspective. The goal of the project is the realization of a cloud platform for farmers, traders, and feed producers to individually configure feed, produce it according to demand and deliver it just-in-time. In addition to the integration of weather-dependent demand and price forecasts, the focus is on the development of a simulation-based supply chain control with optimization of the life cycle assessment. Contact persons: D. Rippel (Project manager)M. Lütjen Funded by: BMWK Duration: 01.06.2021 - 30.11.2023 See project's publications See project's page |
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DFWind_2 German Research Platform for Wind Energy - Phase 2 The primary objective of the project is to answer research questions to promote the expansion of wind energy against the background of economic efficiency and public acceptance, and to address questions relating to wind turbines that were previously impossible or difficult to answer. In setting up the wind energy research and development platform, the focus is on a holistic approach, in which the research focus is on the interaction of the subsystems in the overall wind turbine system, also taking into account the mutual influence of two separate wind turbines on each other. The University of Bremen will work on the instrumentation of the bearings with sensors and make preparations for data evaluation. In particular, the main bearing, the azimuth bearing, and the three blade flange bearings will be considered. Contact persons: S. Oelker (Project manager)S. Leohold Funded by: BMWK Duration: 01.12.2020 - 30.11.2023 See project's publications See project's page |
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compARe Optimization of the maintenance of wind turbines by using image processing methods on mobile augmented reality devices In the funded project "compARe", an AR-based technical assistance system is developed that uses image processing methods to support service technicians in the maintenance of wind turbines. The project will focus on tasks that only allow defect detection by comparing the current status with a previously documented status or a target status. Thus, the system can help avoid damage to the WTG and increase maintenance measures' efficiency. Employing AI-based image processing methods, such as Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), defects in components can be detected, classified, and evaluated. Furthermore, the comparison of component states based on historical data is possible. Mobile assistance systems have proven to be very promising for the support of service technicians in wind energy. The use of these computing-intensive image processing methods on mobile devices is a challenge. However, it offers great potential in combination with mobile Augmented Reality (AR) technology. In this way, virtual information on the change of component conditions can be provided directly about the components concerned in the field of vision of the service technicians. Contact persons: W. Zeitler (Project manager)R. Leder M. Quandt H. Stern Funded by: BMWK Duration: 01.07.2020 - 31.12.2023 See project's publications See project's page |
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EIT Manufacturing EIT Manufacturing The manufacturing industry is facing major challenges due to increasing global competition, low-cost production in developing countries and scarce raw materials. EIT Manufacturing is an initiative of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), in which BIBA is one of 50 core partners. EIT Manufacturing’s mission is to bring European manufacturing actors together in innovation ecosystems that add unique value to European products, processes, services – and inspire the creation of globally competitive and sustainable manufacturing. To do so, the initiative has six strategic objectives: 1. Excellent manufacturing skills and talents: adding value through an upskilled workforce and engaged students. 2. Efficient manufacturing innovation ecosystems: adding value through creating ecosystems for innovation, entrepreneurship and business transformation focused on innovation hotspots. 3. Full digitalization of manufacturing: adding value through digital solutions and platforms that connect value networks globally. 4. Customer-driven manufacturing: adding value through agile and flexible manufacturing that meets global personalized demand. 5. Socially sustainable manufacturing: adding value through safe, healthy, ethical and socially sustainable production and products. 6. Environmentally sustainable manufacturing: adding value by making industry greener and cleaner. EIT Manufacturing aims for the following goals by 2030: • Create and support 1000 start-ups • 60% of manufacturing companies adopt sustainable production practices • EUR 325 million investment attracted by EIT Ventures • 50 000 people trained and up- or re- skilled • Create 360 new solutions • 30% of material use is circular Contact persons: P. Klein J. Wilhelm Funded by: European Institute of Innovation & Technology (E Duration: 01.01.2019 - 01.01.2026 See project's publications See project's page (https://eitmanufacturing.eu/) |
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ReaLCoE Next Generation 12+MW Rated, Robust, Reliable and Large Offshore Wind Energy Converters for Clean, Low Cost and Competitive Electricity Offshore wind energy is a key technology for generating renewable energies. Due to its complex processes regarding installation, operation and service, and therefore relatively high costs, offshore wind energy converters still cannot compete with today’s energy market prices. To create a competitive offshore WEC with a Levelised Cost of Electricity (LCoE) target of €35/MWh ReaLCoE takes a holistic approach and scrutinises costs in each link of the value chain. As a key element of ReaLCoE, BIBA focusses on the digitisation of future offshore WECs and their adhered value chain. Besides the integration of sensors and the implementation of a condition-based monitoring system, the digital representation of the WECs through a digital twin (“product avatar”) takes a major part in BIBAs contribution to ReaLCoE. Building on this, a concept for predictive maintenance will be developed and realized. Furthermore, BIBA will develop optimised logistic and installation concepts and will conduct various performance simulations for a further reduction of supply chain and installation costs. To validate the concept, a technology platform for a first prototype of a digitised 12+MW turbine as well as a pre-series array of 4-6 WEC will be installed, demonstrated and tested. Contact persons: J. Uhlenkamp A. Ait Alla S. Oelker Funded by: EU Duration: 01.05.2018 - 31.01.2026 See project's publications See project's page (realcoe.eu) |
