The Ocean Energy Safety Institute (OESI) has granted our project, titled “Metahuman Models for Reducing Human Exposure to Hazardous Conditions During Offshore Wind Turbine Operations and Maintenance,” funding amounting to $499,356 for the period from March 2024 to February 2025. This significant milestone marks a critical step forward in our continuous pursuit to enhance safety measures in the renewable energy industry, especially amidst the demanding conditions associated with offshore wind turbine operations and maintenance.
This is a one-year collaborative project between Texas A&M and Georgia Tech. Dr. Jian Tao and Dr. Xudong Zhang from the Digital Twin Lab are leading the effort on the Texas A&M side.
At the heart of our initiative is the ambition to significantly mitigate the risks encountered by professionals working on offshore wind turbines. By leveraging the sophisticated capabilities of metahuman models enhanced with biomechanical simulations, we aim to create a safer working environment for these individuals. The potential of this technology to revolutionize workplace safety is vast, and we are eager to delve into the research and development process.
Our team will focus on the development of the following components of the proposed digital platform:
- Visualization Interface to enable users to input work environment data, such as the type of task, equipment used, weather conditions, and worker anthropometrics,
- Ergonomics Engine to simulate the tasks using the biomechanical models and data, and
- Data Science Models to enhance the calibration, uncertainty quantification, and speed optimization of the ergonomic engine.
The project will benefit immensely from the expertise of our distinguished collaborator Dr. Yu Ding, Anderson-Interface Chair Professor in the H. Milton School of Industrial and Systems Engineering at Georgia Tech. Dr. Yu Ding is renowned for his extensive research and contributions to Data Science for Wind Energy.
We extend our deepest gratitude to OESI for their support and faith in our vision. This project is not just a step towards enhancing safety in renewable energy operations; it is a leap towards a future where the well-being of every individual working to harness the power of nature is prioritized and protected.
Stay tuned for updates as we progress in our journey towards redefining safety standards in the renewable energy sector. Together, we can create a safer and more sustainable world for all.