More than hundreds of onshore downwind turbines, and tens of fixed bottom offshore downwind turbines, are operating in 2017. Several floating downwind turbines are demonstrated for evaluation.

The objective of Task 40 is to coordinate international research and investigate the benefits of downwind turbine technology toward the reduction of the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) and proliferation of onshore and offshore wind plants. The Task is designed to capitalize on past experiences and recent demonstration results as well as recently developed computational capabilities.

The focus will include onshore and offshore wind turbines with both floating and fixed bottom applications while investigating the relevant design conditions where downwind turbines might offer advantages. Key research aspects that will be studied include dynamic response, loads, controls, impact on LCOE, and so on.

The task will include an objective, harmonized approach to assessing the LCOE of downwind turbines based on select baseline turbine models and methods accepted by the Participants. We are expecting to research and investigate the benefits of downwind turbine technology with many researchers from many countries.