Fraunhofer-Institut fￃﾃￂﾼr Windenergiesysteme Revenue and Competitors

Fraunhofer IWES ensures investments in technological developments in the field of wind energy through its validation services. By operating large test rigs, it accelerates the market introduction of innovative products, enhances certification processes, and increases planning security by using state-of-the-art measurement techniques. Fraunhofer IWES employs around 220 scientists and administrative staff and 80 students at five sites in Bremerhaven, Hanover, Bremen, Hamburg, and Oldenburg. In 2018, the operational budget was ￃﾢ￢ﾀﾚￂﾬ22 million. Today, Fraunhofer IWES operates test rigs for rotor blades, nacelles, support structures, rolling bearings, and main shafts ￃﾢ￢ﾂﾬ￢ﾀﾜ this has been possible thanks to continuous public funding right since the instituteￃﾢ￢ﾂﾬ￢ﾄﾢs founding in 2009. With the data of an 8 MW research turbine at its disposal, Fraunhofer IWES compares operational data from the field with the results from test benches and improves its testing methods and design further. The testing spectrum was developed in cooperation with industry leaders, who were involved from the design phase right up to commissioning. These assets combined with the methodological competence of its employees make Fraunhofer IWES a preferred research and development partner for companies all around the globe. By participating actively in international committees and associations, the institute contributes to technology development and quality assurance within the wind industry. Together with the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and the university association ForWind, IWES is part of the Research Alliance Wind Energy. In total, this alliance comprises more than 600 scientists all investigating topical issues in the field of wind energy. Strong ties have also been established with further universities in order to guarantee the transfer of academic expertise.