Anders Wickström

Anders is one of Sweden's most experienced experts in wind power, after 30 years of work on technical development of renewable energy.
He started in the late 1980s with the design of two-bladed 3 MW turbines, where structural dynamics and strength were fundamental technology areas to handle. In addition to analytical methods, Finite Element calculations became important in the design of structure and welds, focusing on fatigue.
Three years in Oslo provided experience in hydropower, focusing on FE analyses of structural dynamics and the development of Francis runners. The result was a completely new design of this type of turbines, which has since been dominant.
He then became one of the founders of ScanWind. Thanks to an advanced aeroelastic simulation environment, based on VIDYN, a turbine concept without gearbox for the Norwegian coastal landscape was developed. The turbine control was integrated identically in the simulations, which was important for lowering loads and optimizing production. With an in-house developed data collection system, operating variables could be logged on each turbine for up to 50 Hz, which enabled validation of all different extreme situations to which the wind turbines were exposed for during years of operating hours.
ScanWind later became part of General Electric, where the direct-drive concept, with an active yaw system, was further developed into an offshore wind turbine of 4 MW. Anders was responsible for design loads, dynamics and performance and had an active role in the development of a new 55 meters long blade.
In 2012, Anders was one of the founders of the independent consulting company Scandinavian Wind. With access to VIDYN, solid experience from simulations and development of entire wind turbines, the company received assignments in different areas including procurement support for Statkraft, development of floating wind power concepts and support in various research projects in collaboration with Chalmers, including design of new carbon fibre blades and pitch regulated hub for an updated research turbine.
In 2016, Anders worked as the wind turbine expert for the Swedish Accident Investigation Authority and its investigation of the accident in Lemnhult, focusing on pretension, fatigue and life calculations of bolted tower joints.
Since 2018, Anders has been working at RISE and supports companies with product and concept development within onshore and offshore wind energy. These include Modvion, which develops wooden towers for wind power.