Loads & Control: How important is this skill for the Wind Energy sector

Control Engineering Electrical Engineering Engineering Services Renewable Energy Loads & Control Wind Energy

Overview

We have all driven past wind turbines and wondered, “How does that incredible machine actually work?”. Often nicknamed the “windmills of the future”, they are very much a part of our present and are already a vital source of clean, sustainable power driven by the force of the wind.

In 2023, renewable energy accounted for 24.5% of all energy consumed across the European Union and 38.5% of that renewable energy came from wind power. The global trajectory is even more exciting: according to IEA by 2026, wind energy is expected to surpass nuclear production, and by 2030, it’s projected to overtake hydroelectric power. In other words, wind power is on track to reshape the global energy landscape over the next decade.

But producing clean energy at scale depends on one crucial principle: wind turbines must operate safely, efficiently, and continuously delivering maximum output without compromising structural integrity. And that’s where Loads & Control engineering becomes essential.
Loads & Control ensures that turbines adapt intelligently to changing wind conditions, balancing performance with safety to prevent damage and maximise efficiency. In a sector where every rotation counts, this expertise is fundamental to unlocking the full potential of renewable energy.

At Advannor, our nearshore engineers specialised in Loads & Control systems optimise turbine performance and safety. This article explains why this expertise is central to advancing renewable energy.

The chain reaction begins the moment we leave home: heading to a place we may like or dislike, surrounded by people we connect with — or not — with the obligation of a full workday ahead.

How does a wind turbine work?

The main purpose of a wind turbine is simple: to harness the power of the wind and convert it into electricity. But how does that transformation happen?

It all begins with the aerodynamic force of the blades. When wind flows across them, air pressure decreases on one side, generating two forces: lift and drag. The lift force is stronger than the drag, causing the rotor to spin.

That spinning rotor is connected to the generator either directly (in the case of direct-drive turbines) or through a shaft and a gearbox, which increases rotational speed and allows the use of a smaller generator.

This conversion from aerodynamic force to rotational motion is what ultimately enables the generation of clean electricity.

Key aspects of wind turbine design and development

To ensure a wind turbine remains durable and efficient, several design factors must be considered: from building the tallest possible tower to designing a generator that operates efficiently without causing damage.

Two aspects, however, are essential to the turbine’s performance: control and monitoring, and mechanical stability.

Through intelligent systems, engineers monitor vibration levels, blade speed, and pitch angle to optimise energy output while maintaining safety and environmental standards. These systems constantly adjust to wind conditions, regulate noise, and ensure stable, high-quality power delivery.

At the same time, turbines face complex physical forces (gravity, centrifugal stress, and pressure variations) that test their mechanical stability. Balancing these forces requires deep expertise in aerodynamics, materials, and control systems.

It’s this continuous balance between technology, nature, and precision that allows wind turbines to operate reliably and transform wind into sustainable energy.

Managing loads and control in wind turbines

Wind turbines operate under complex and ever-changing forces that must be carefully managed to prevent damage and ensure long-term reliability.

Aerodynamic pressure, gravitational pull, and the motion of massive rotating components all combine to create continuous stress on the structure. Over time, these forces generate fatigue loads, intensified by environmental extremes such as storms and sudden gusts turning the turbine into a constant balancing act between power and resistance.

As turbines become larger and more powerful, efficient load management is increasingly vital to maintain structural integrity and optimise energy output. To achieve this, manufacturers are investing in advanced control systems that use intelligent algorithms to adjust turbine behaviour in real time balancing mechanical stability with energy performance.

A control system is the “brain” of the wind turbine. It ensures stable operation by continuously adjusting key components such as the blade pitch angle, rotor speed, and the yaw alignment of the turbine with the wind direction. In doing so, it captures the maximum possible energy from the wind while preventing structural damage and maintaining safe, efficient performance.

Given the unpredictable nature of the wind, the wind energy conversion system automatically adjusts the turbine’s operation in response to changing conditions. The result is clear: turbines that are more stable, durable, and efficient, capable of transforming wind into clean energy with greater precision and longevity.

Great solutions require great problem solvers

The field of Loads & Control demands precision, expertise, and a deep understanding of how systems behave under constantly changing conditions. Engineers with backgrounds in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering are particularly well equipped to master these challenges, combining analytical thinking with practical insight.

At Advannor, our team of specialised engineers brings extensive experience in dynamic load calculations, aeroelastic simulations, and control algorithm development, skills essential for optimising system performance and ensuring reliability, especially in wind energy applications.

Our engineering services are adaptable by design, allowing us to deliver the most effective and innovative solutions to our clients in the wind energy sector — solutions that turn technical rigour into lasting progress.

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