Fundamental Aerodynamics for Large Wind Turbine Performance and Reliability

The Department of Energy's Wind Energy Technologies Office (WETO) is seeking research proposals for the Aerodynamics of Large Turbines (ALTius) project through the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The solicitation focuses on two primary topic areas: high Reynolds number airfoil aerodynamics validation datasets and aerodynamic characterization of nonoperational loads phenomena for large wind turbines. Key objectives include collecting benchmark airfoil aerodynamic data, validating modeling and simulation tools, and providing physical insights to minimize risks and costs for next-generation wind turbines. Proposals will be evaluated using a best-value selection process, with a firm-fixed-price contract type that requires a minimum 10% price participation for non-academic institutions. The solicitation (RFX-2025-10021) requires technical questions to be submitted by February 7, 2025, with final proposals due by April 7, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time. Eligible offerors include domestic institutions of higher education, for-profit entities, nonprofit organizations, and state/local governmental entities.

The solicitation has no specific set-aside designations and covers two topic areas with distinct budget allocations: Topic Area 1 (High Reynolds Number Airfoil Aerodynamics) has a maximum budget of $4,750,000, while Topic Area 2 (Nonoperational Loads Phenomena) has a maximum budget of $1,500,000. The primary place of performance will be Golden, Colorado, with significant testing planned at the National Full-Scale Aerodynamics Complex (NFAC) 40-foot by 80-foot wind tunnel facility. The project has a 36-month period of performance, during which contractors will be required to conduct comprehensive wind tunnel testing, develop detailed test matrices, and generate publicly available datasets. Approximately $3 million in DOE funding is directly allocated for NFAC tunnel operations, with additional costs for test article fabrication and instrumentation. The research aims to support offshore wind turbine development, particularly for multi-megawatt turbines, by generating critical aerodynamic performance data at Reynolds numbers exceeding 10 million.