Abstract:

The complexity of modern systems, such as wind energy, requires an interdisciplinary approach. This paper describes the experience of a virtual laboratory in which students from the Physics and Computer Science degree programs at the Complutense University of Madrid collaborate in designing a comprehensive computational model of a wind turbine.

Physics students are responsible for developing the mathematical–physical model, defining the equations governing the aerodynamics of the blades, rotor dynamics, and electric power generation. Meanwhile, Computer Science students are tasked with implementing this model computationally, creating a user interface, ensuring numerical stability, and optimizing the code for efficient execution. A web application has been developed for monitoring wind farms through the implementation of digital twins. The functional platform allows for the virtual representation of a wind farm’s status and real-time supervision of its wind turbines. Metrics such as generated power, rotational speed, wind and wave conditions, stresses, structural movements, and even mechanical failures are measured and stored for immediate management or subsequent analysis. This system provides users with an effective tool to visualize the energetic and structural performance of the facilities, thereby facilitating informed decision-making and improving preventive maintenance.

The project, structured in phases, simulated a professional working environment in which knowledge of physical modeling and software development were interdependent in achieving a common goal. It not only consolidates the specific knowledge of each discipline in a practical and multidisciplinary project but also develops crucial transversal competencies: effective communication between areas of expertise, project management, and a holistic understanding of how physics and computer science combine to solve complex problems.

The experience demonstrates that wind energy is an ideal topic for building bridges between Physics and Computer Science. The project not only meets disciplinary learning objectives but also provides students with invaluable experience in work dynamics essential to professional and research settings.

Keywords:

Collaborative Learning, Problem-Based Learning, Interdisciplinarity, Physical–Computational Modeling, Wind Energy.