Siemens PLM Software

LMS solutions
for wind energy

siemens.com/plm/lms
 Design right, first time
Generating all future needed wind power
will take more than just building taller or
greater number of turbines. There is a
profound need for a new engineering
approach, minimizing risks, from
component suppliers to wind turbine
manufacturers. As wind turbines become
lighter and more flexible to reduce costs,
novel control mechanisms are necessary
to stop high winds from damaging the
turbine and the blades. However, it must
also be designed to capture the maximum
amount of energy. While loads are an
important topic, there is an excellent
strategy to avoid design errors like early
fatigue, noise and vibrations dysfunctions
or even legal issues down the road.
We pioneered a unique hybrid engineering
approach. Combining the best of physical
testing and virtual simulation, LMS
solutions have facilitated realistic upfront
simulation. The proven ROIs include
reduced development times, higher
reliability and efficiency, and reduced
development efforts and costs. Front-
loading of functional performance based
on realistic simulation has been made
possible through the adoption of hybrid
engineering.
2
But to really master increasing complexity
from the pervasive use of electronics
and software as the major driver of
innovation, the wind turbine industry will
have to adapt to a new paradigm shift:
model-based systems engineering (MBSE).
System-level engineering is being
redefined to include mechatronics with
functional performance engineering
driving the development process.
Mastering complexity turned into a
sustainable competitive advantage.
MBSE makes it possible to optimize
mechanics, electronics and software
simultaneously as an integrated mecha-
tronic system. Concepts can be tested
upfront and further optimized during the
detailed engineering phase. A very large
portion of all hardware calibration can be
virtualized instead of being performed on
the actual hardware, again saving
substantial time and iteration costs.
Hybrid engineering and model-based
systems engineering enable the full
frontloading of functional performance
engineering. This accelerates the
development process and generates
substantial development cost savings.
The combination of the two engineering
paradigms brings the wind turbine
suppliers and manufacturers to a
new level.
The integrated virtual prototyping
platform LMS Samtech Samcef Wind
Turbines software takes you from the
early design stage to physical testing,
bypassing all the required design
milestones, answering the certification
needs and helping you design-right first-
time your wind turbine. The platform
integrates LMS software specific 3D
simulation capabilities for lifetime and
acoustic prediction, 1D simulation
capabilities for physical plant models and
controls engineering, and LMS testing
solutions for structural dynamics, noise
and vibration, durability and acoustics.
Overall, we are well positioned to convert
the hybrid and model-based systems
engineering paradigm into a competitive
advantage.
3
 The need for engineering
breakthroughs
Industry trends
Reliability
With a service life of about 20 years,
wind turbine components are subjected
to a diverse spectrum of dynamic loads.
Due to the high number of load cycles
and sometimes extreme weather
conditions, fatigue considerations and
general reliability of the wind turbine are
of extreme importance in wind turbine
design. The ability to account accurately
for the effects of dynamic loading at the
very early stages of the design process,
is crucial for future profitability.
Early design maturity
Making the right architectural and
technology choices, early in the develop-
ment program, will significantly reduce
rework and related costs. This requires
an engineering platform that enables
trade-off studies early on. An engineering
platform facilitating a coherent and
scalable design process from concept
stage on, covering all aspects of the wind
turbine design, is required to manage the
ever increasing complexity of highly
integrated wind turbines.
4
Maximizing wind
In order to produce more energy, upscaled
turbines utilize modern wind technology
to operate at a wide range of sites. It is of
crucial importance to fully understand the
dynamic behavior of the turbine and its
operating environment. Placing turbines
offshore, fixing large foundations in the
seabed, collecting the electricity and
transmitting it to the shore, all increase
the costs of offshore development over
those on land.
Growing complexity
The higher complexity of the mechatronic
structures creates the need for highly
advanced engineering tools, decreasing
risks and unexpected costs. To avoid high
risks and costs, the industry needs a single
fully integrated platform which predicts
and takes into account the various condi-
tions. Managing this growing complexity
calls for a profound innovation. A systems
engineering approach spanning both the
wind turbine manufacturer and its
suppliers will be key to success.
5
 Design right, first time
A single integrated platform
Spanning the full design process
LMS Samcef Wind Turbines is a single
platform covering the complete design
process from concept to design validation
and certification. It allows for a robust,
coherent and scalable engineering process
to be deployed.
Open and customizable
The platforms ability to integrate
customer methods and know-how into a
single calculation platform is essential to
leverage existing expertise and best
practices. The customer keeps full control
of their engineering process, while
benefiting from the performance of the
LMS Samcef platform.
Model-based systems engineering
The LMS Samcef suite causes a paradigm
shift, from document-based design to
model-based systems engineering. By
designing the ideal architecture upfront
and optimizing its functional performance,
even before geometry is available,
engineers can even further frontload the
development process, mitigate risks and
avoid late changes.
6
Having the advantage of quickly
calculating all technology alternatives in
a very early stage of the development
process and making the right architectural
and technology choices early in the
development program is of key
importance.
Virtual prototype testing
Within the platform, models can be
correlated and calibrated with test models.
Virtual prototype testing using high-fidelity
models allows cost and time efficient
troubleshooting of the design as well as
studying local behavior under extreme
conditions. Re-use of high-fidelity
calibrated wind turbine models paves
the way for a more robust process and
shorter time-to-market for next generation
turbines or derived designs. Managing
this growing complexity calls for a
profound innovation and a systems-level
approach from component supplier to
wind turbine manufacturer.
 Virtual prototyping Virtual and physical testing

Trouble-
shooting

Design Design
Design Integra- Certifica-
Objectives require- system Validation
variables Acoustic r tion tion
ments level s behavio

Struct
ural integration

Durabil
ity reliability

System e
performanc

LMS Engineering

1D LMS Imagine.Lab 3D LMS Virtual.Lab

Test-based engineering
LMS Samcef Wind Turbines
LMS Test.Lab

Reliability Comply with stringent regulations System optimization

Surviving 20 years of wind loads - Acoustic measurement, Optimize hydraulic,
- Perform advanced dynamic troubleshooting, simulation thermal, electrical and
and durability measurements mechanical performance
- Fatigue performance Noise emission - Gearbox, transmission and
Acoustic troubleshooting braking systems design
Fatigue prediction and simulation - Blade pitch and yaw
- Comply with industry - Simulate the tonal noise control systems design
certification standards from machinery (gearbox, - Overall power drive sizing
- Simulate real-life performance generator) and structural (generator, inverters
faster by analyzing hundreds of components (tower, rotor, etc.) and controls)
wind scenarios in just one click - Simulate the blade - Overall thermal
- Reduce maintenance costs aerodynamic noise management of the nacelle
by designing optimization - Predict noise before the (transmissions, inverters)
- Accurately identify hotspots first wind turbine is built
and clearly visualize the - Optimize the design for
damage distribution lower noise emission

Dynamics Testing and correlation

Real-life simulation and Improve model accuracy
accurate testing - Improve simulation by
- Testing and modeling of full better system modeling
wind turbine, driveline and and realistic loads
gearbox, blades, tower, etc. - Operational modal analysis

7
 Full-scale virtual simulation
LMS Samcef Wind Turbines

LMS Samcef Wind Turbines is one of the worlds most advanced computation
platforms dedicated to wind turbine design. From the early stages in the design
process, using the integrated parameterized model, down to component vibration
analysis, the LMS Samcef Wind Turbines approach exceeds todays certification
requirements. LMS Samcef Wind Turbines brings coherence to your design process
by providing a common interface to various engineering disciplines, hence
improving teamwork. A combination of dedicated graphical user interfaces and the
high performance solver LMS Samcef Mecano makes LMS Samcef Wind Turbines
perfectly suited to simulate flexible dynamics phenomena with high accuracy.

Open scalable platform Component sizing and optimization

The flexibility of LMS Samcef Wind
Turbines allows analyzing the behavior of
practically any wind turbine concept.
Models can be built using the predefined
parametric models, or new components
and subassemblies can be integrated.
LMS Samcef Wind Turbines facilitates a
coherent engineering process, starting
from concept models, gradually detailing
out the components, to finally generating
a high-fidelity virtual prototype of the wind
turbine that can be exercised extensively
for design certification purposes.
Early design maturity
LMS Samcef Wind Turbines enabled fully
coupled simulations of the mechatronic
system of a wind turbine. The wind turbine
model contains the aerodynamic, inertia,
hydrodynamic and hydrostatic loads,
FEM components, multi-body elements
and the controller. Within LMS Samcef
Wind Turbines all components and physical
phenomena interact through strong
couplings, hence more accurate analysis
results are achieved, allowing wind turbine
design and performance optimization
already in the early design stages. As a
consequence both wind loads and wave
loads are considered in a fully coupled
way, meaning the impact of both wind
and wave are considered to compute the
dynamic response of the machine.
Blades, tower, nacelle, bedplate, drive
train, yaw and pitch mechanisms can,
among other elements, be analyzed in
great detail within LMS Samcef Wind
Turbines. LMS Samcef MecanoTM software
is an implicit nonlinear finite element
solver that includes multi-body simulation
elements. It is built to solve models with
millions of degrees of freedom, with large
rotations and strong nonlinearities. The
platform handles engineering tasks like
sizing of the components, dynamic
characterization, strength analyses and
fatigue life predictions, stability analysis,
dynamic load analysis and optimization,
gearbox- and generator-induced vibration
analysis, mechanisms and controller
design, field measurement correlation
studies, acoustic performance predictions,
among other tasks.

8
Component analysis. System level dynamic behavior.

9
 Optimizing lifetime and
acoustic performance
LMS Virtual.Lab

LMS Virtual.Lab offers an integrated 3D CAE software suite to simulate and optimize
the performance of mechanical systems for structural integrity, noise and vibration,
acoustics, system dynamics and durability from initial concept to complete
modeling and simulation of components and the full wind turbine. LMS Virtual.Lab
covers all the process steps and required technologies to perform an end-to-end
design assessment in a single simulation environment for multiple key attributes.

Accurate model building Linking to mission-critical processes

LMS Virtual.LabTM software enables LMS focuses on compatibility throughout
engineering teams to build accurate all product platforms. As wind turbine
simulation models, simulating real-life system integration becomes more and
performance, and quickly assess multiple more important, LMS Virtual.Lab can be
design alternatives and optimization of linked to other system simulation
designs before the first component is software, like LMS Imagine.Lab AmesimTM
constructed. This engineering environ- software and LMS Samcef Wind Turbines
ment easily handles system synthesis in order to support plant modeling for
and refinements, based on best-in-class real-time validation tests. LMS Virtual.Lab
solver technology and superior process also connects to the test world. With LMS
integration. Test.LabTM software we provide better
virtual testing, while mitigating risks for
From simulation preprocessing to physical tests, analysis and modeling
final reporting improvements.
LMS Virtual.Lab is an ideal engineering
environment for any engineer concerned
with performance analysis. Offering an
intuitive environment, LMS Virtual.Lab
integrates parameterized CAD models with
powerful structural analysis solvers. The
platform provides the required process
support to automate engineering tasks
and maintain associativity with the
CAD models.

10
Integrated platform spanning several The BE model and the innovative ATV
engineering disciplines, facilitating method for simulating far-field noise levels
teamwork. around the wind turbine.

Next to the general purpose structure analysis supporting multiple

industry standard FE solvers and CAD integrated model assembly,
LMS Virtual.Lab provides a wide range of dedicated simulation tools:
LMS Virtual.Lab Durability
LMS Virtual.Lab Acoustics
LMS Virtual.Lab Noise and Vibration
LMS Virtual.Lab Correlation
LMS Virtual.Lab Optimization

11
 Optimizing smart controls
for energy efficiency
LMS Imagine.Lab

By making multi-domain subsystems and system models available as plant models,

frontloading controls and systems engineering, one can seriously minimize risks.
Mechatronic system simulation, multi-domain system simulation in combination
with controls, is essential to validate alignment to performance requirements
during all development phases. Processes are transforming into a complete model-
based systems engineering strategy to support mechatronic product development.

Multi-domain controlled systems Optimizing wind turbine output

LMS Amesim, together with LMS Samcef
Wind Turbines, lets you create and run
multi-physics simulation models to analyze
complex system behavior and support the
design of controlled systems from early
specification to subsystem testing.
Innovations within the wind turbine
industry, such as active damping systems
and enhancing controller systems, are
easily executable with LMS Imagine.Lab.
Control strategies need to be developed to
increase the quantity and quality of power,
while at the same time aim at reducing
structural loads. Accurate physical models
provide the necessary input variables to
allow for design, optimization and analysis
of the stability of the controller under
study.

Validated multi-domain models

LMS Amesim comes with a set of dedicated
predefined and validated components and
demonstrators, from different physical
domains (hydraulics, thermal, mechanical,
electrical) and directly executable within
the LMS Imagine.Lab solvers. As such the
solution is used to design and optimize
systems like the cooling system for the
nacelle, various hydraulic actuation
systems, brake systems, power electronics
among other systems.

12
Example of simple wind turbine model Multi-physics modeling of a high current
10 kW synchronous machine WT. circuit breaker and dynamic response
analysis.

LMS Imagine.Lab platform

LMS Amesim
LMS Sysdm
LMS System Synthesis
LMS Fluids Systems
LMS Electromechanical

13
 Validating and finetuning
real life performance
LMS Test.Lab

LMS Test.Lab is a complete, integrated solution for test-based engineering.

It combines high-speed, multi-channel data acquisition with a fully integrated suite
of testing, analysis and report-generating tools. LMS Test.Lab offers a complete
engineering solution for rotating machinery, structural and acoustic testing,
reporting and data sharing. In addition, it allows easy process integration and
implementation of proprietary legacy test and analysis methods through the
Windows operating system automation interface. This perfectly harmonizes with
a wide range of industry standard data formats.

Structural, rotating machinery and Supporting realistic simulation

durability testing For wind turbine manufacturers realistic
LMS Test.Lab is a comprehensive suite simulation is key. Smart field measure-
of noise and vibration test and analysis ments help finetune simulation models
modules. LMS Test.Lab Structures and used to develop new generation wind
LMS Test.Lab Modal Analysis solutions turbines. The simulation model is validated
are used throughout the industry to through operational measurements,
dynamically characterize wind turbine leading to improved accuracy of the
components. Operational vibrations and predictions for new designs.
acoustic behavior of the rotating compo-
nents are analyzed with LMS Test.Lab
Rotating Machinery testing solutions. The
engineering of wind turbine durability is
supported by LMS Test.Lab Durability
Testing. All products within the family
make use of LMS SCADASTM hardware as
the common data acquisition hardware.

Top-performance data acquisition

hardware
The LMS SCADAS measurement front-ends
can be configured for laboratory use,
mobile use or as full standalone data
recorders. The LMS SCADAS Mobile
system, is a lightweight, battery-powered,
laptop-sized unit that is easy to carry up
into a wind turbine nacelle or outdoor
onsite use. The system can be configured
for distributed data acquisition, with slave
units on the rotor, blades, nacelle, and
the tower connected by fiber-optic cables
to a master unit at the tower base.

14
Software platform. Data acquisition systems.

LMS Test.Lab platform

Acoustic testing
Structural testing
Vibration testing
Rotating machinery testing
Durability testing
IEC 61400-11 (Acoustic)
IEC 61400-13 (Loads)

15
 Empowering the
end-to-end process
LMS Engineering

LMS engineers have developed a unique track record for supporting manufacturing
companies to solve their most critical problems and often make the difference
between successful product launches and costly repairs or even failures. Our
engineers are experienced in critical performance attributes, including noise
emissions, performance and reliability. The teams unique balance of skills and
process know-how turns attribute engineering into a strategic competitive
advantage.

Technology transfer through dedicated Lasting return on investment

engineering services
Our team trains your engineers on the
latest innovative tools and techniques used
in the most competitive real-world develop-
ment programs. We work together as a
closely integrated project team. Through
hands-on collaboration, application and
training, know-how and methodology are
transferring to your engineers. Benefits
and advanced techniques are realized
immediately while transfering most
technology knowledge directly in the
actual product development project.
Through an open working relationship and
a direct transfer of knowledge and best
practices, we provide a lasting return on
investment. Backed by a large software
development team, we develop and deploy
innovative tools and methodologies to
eliminate process bottlenecks. The unique
combination of development support and
process re-engineering capabilities allows
LMS to support customers in deploying a
powerful development process with high
throughput and precision.

Full process enhancement

We enable customers to analyze and
optimize a designs real-life performance
from early concept stage to the entire
process, allowing development teams to
drive major design choices as early as
possible. Throughout the detailed design
and engineering phase, we excel at
detecting weak spots in the design,
identifying root causes delivering valuable
insight in time to affect design decisions.
We diagnose late-stage development
problems and develop pragmatic solutions
with minimal impact on the structures
cost and time-to-market.

16
Building a high-fidelity wind turbine virtual Drivetrain operational vibration
prototype. measurements.

Unique hybrid engineering

LMS has developed and perfected a unique hybrid (test-CAE) approach
in which simulation results are correlated with field and component
measurements in order to generate a validated model of the wind turbine.
The approach has helped several wind turbine manufacturers understand
in detail phenomena like gearbox- or generator-induced tonality issues,
noise transfer paths and identification of in-operation loads.

17
 A unique portfolio of
software platforms and
engineering services
The potential gains offered by individual tools risk being lost in developing unique
interfaces and providing error-prone data translations. Each major application
family has been built with a consistent user interface paradigm and data model
resulting in a consistent platform for numerous application modules. Each modular
family is packaged in a way that users are offered maximum flexibility at the most
economical price point.

Structural integrity Safety

System dynamics Performance
Vehicle dynamics Power management
Comfort Fuel economy and emissions
Noise and vibration Fluids
Sound quality Electromechanical systems
Durability Thermal management

LMS Virtual.Lab LMS Samtech suite

Design
Controls
CAD

LMS Imagine.Lab

System synthesis System data management Multi-physics modeling

LMS Test.Lab

Laboratory testing LMS SCADAS Mobile testing

Data acquisition systems

18
LMS Samcef Wind Turbines and LMS Virtual.Lab platform for 3D performance simulation
LMS Samcef Wind Turbines is one of the worlds most advanced computation platforms dedicated to
wind turbine design. From early stages in the design process, using the integrated parameterized
model down to component vibration analysis, the LMS Samcef Wind Turbines approach exceeds
todays certification requirements. LMS Samcef Wind Turbines brings coherence to your design
process by providing a common interface to various engineering disciplines that improves
teamwork.

LMS Imagine.Lab platform for mechatronic system simulation

LMS Imagine.Lab is a complete 1D system simulation platform to model and analyze multi-domain,
intelligent systems and predict multi-disciplinary performance. Model components are described
using validated analytical models that represent the systems actual hydraulic, electric or mechanical
behavior. LMS Imagine.Lab frontloads mechatronic system simulation for multi-physics modeling
and full system analysis.

LMS Test.Lab platform for test-based engineering

LMS Test.Lab is an integrated platform offering a complete software and hardware portfolio for
noise and vibration testing including solutions for acoustic, rotating machinery and structural
testing, environmental testing, vibration control, reporting and data management. With its unified
interface and seamless data-sharing capability between different applications, LMS Test.Lab offers
users tremendous efficiency gains and ease-of-use.

LMS Engineering
LMS engineers work with customers to solve their most critical problems and often make the
difference between successful product launches and costly repairs or even failures. Experienced in
critical performance attributes, the teams unique balance of skills, engineering experience and
process know-how turns attribute engineering into a strategic competitive advantage.

LMS Customer Services

We support our customers with engineers who not only understand the hardware and software, but
also master the related engineering applications. Extensive training, seminars and onsite services
help our clients technical staff gain and maintain their software and system know-how. We offer a
complete portfolio of professional services, including full installation management, onsite training
and support, and continuous knowledge transfer.

19
About Siemens PLM Software
Siemens PLM Software, a business unit of the Siemens
Industry Automation Division, is a world-leading provider
of product lifecycle management (PLM) software, systems
and services with nine million licensed seats and 77,000
customers worldwide. Headquartered in Plano, Texas,
Siemens PLM Software helps thousands of companies
make great products by optimizing their lifecycle
processes, from planning and development through
manufacturing and support. Our HD-PLM vision is to give
everyone involved in making a product the information
they need, when they need it, to make the smartest
decision. For more information on Siemens PLM Software
products and services, visit www.siemens.com/plm.

Headquarters Europe
Granite Park One Researchpark Haasrode 1237
5800 Granite Parkway Interleuvenlaan 68
Suite 600 3001 Leuven
Plano, TX 75024 Belgium
USA +32 16 384 200
+1 972 987 3000
Asia-Pacific
Americas Suites 4301-4302, 43/F
5755 New King Court AIA Kowloon Tower,
Troy, MI 48098 Landmark East
USA 100 How Ming Street
+1 248 952 5664 Kwun Tong, Kowloon
Hong Kong
+852 2230 3308

2014 Siemens Product Lifecycle Management Software

Inc. Siemens and the Siemens logo are registered trade-
marks of Siemens AG. LMS, LMS Imagine.Lab, LMS Imagine.
Lab Amesim, LMS Virtual.Lab, LMS Samtech, LMS Samtech
Caesam, LMS Samtech Samcef, LMS Test.Lab, LMS
Soundbrush, LMS Smart, and LMS SCADAS are trademarks
or registered trademarks of LMS International N.V. or any of
its affiliates. All other trademarks, registered trademarks or
service marks belong to their respective holders.
39453-X20 3/14 C