The Wind Energy and Control (WEC)

Wind Energy and Control Centre · University of Strathclyde

De-risking wind innovation — from novel turbine concepts to grid-ready systems

WEC is Strathclyde’s external-facing centre for wind energy research and technology de-risking. We bridge radical ideas and deployable engineering through world-class modelling, control, and validation pathways — including MERINO Lab real-time experimentation.

Research supported by public funders and industry collaboration.
EPSRC UKRI EU Programmes Industry Partners

Centre snapshot

Go-to expertise for novel turbine concepts and an academic “pitstop” to de-risk wind energy technologies.

WT

Research & Expertise Pillars

Six integrated pillars connecting innovation to deployment — from novel turbine architectures and aerodynamics through to power conversion, grid integration, reliability and technology de-risking.

Novel Turbine Concepts

Independent assessment of disruptive architectures and credible pathways to deployable engineering.

Aerodynamics & Aeroelasticity

Performance, loads and stability — including coupled aero-structural-control behaviour.

Machines & Power Conversion

Electrical viability, converter interaction and scalable integration of advanced drivetrain concepts.

Wind Farm Control & Grid Integration

Plant-level performance, grid compliance pathways, and robust operation in offshore/weak-grid conditions.

Reliability & Asset Management

Condition monitoring and decision support for lifetime performance, availability and cost reduction.

Digital Twins & De-risking

Evidence-driven validation workflows connecting simulation, real-time control and credible outcomes.

Full expertise overview →

People & facilities

WEC unites academic leadership and research expertise across wind systems, power systems, reliability and advanced energy conversion — supported by MERINO Lab experimental capability.

Professor James Carroll
Co-Director
Leadership
Professor Olimpo Anaya-Lara
Co-Director
Leadership
Dr Hong Yue
Modelling, control & optimisation
Academic
Dr David McMillan
Reliability & asset management
Academic
Dr Reza Yazdapanah
Electrical machines & design
Research
Dr Laurence Morgan
Aerodynamics & aeroelasticity
Research
Meet the full team →
MERINO Lab

Rapid, low-cost real-time experimentation

MERINO accelerates real-time controller deployment with modular platforms designed for maintainability and fast replacement — enabling aggressive testing, including fault scenarios, without prohibitive risk.

Partner with WEC

Bring your wind technology challenge to a centre built to de-risk it.

Whether you’re validating a novel turbine concept, testing control strategies, assessing grid integration, or building evidence for investment decisions — WEC provides rigorous analysis and credible de-risking pathways.

© Wind Energy and Control (WEC) · University of Strathclyde