The development of new and larger wind turbines has never been faster than we are currently experiencing. Therefore, the rest of the supply chain must be ready and predict what the OEMs need next to continue development and limit time-to-market.
To meet this, the WTTC, which conducts large wind turbine blade testing, commissioned a new test bench with the size and power to test the next generations of wind turbine blades. This was part of the US DOE and MassCEC's $4 million grant to upgrade the blade test equipment to accommodate the new and longer blades for the larger offshore turbine models.
With the new test bench from R&D Test Systems, WTTC has a future-proof test setup with the ability to perform dual-axis testing, allowing more realistic test loads and results. The new multi-axis fatigue test system will also shorten test time, as WTTC can use the same setup to test horizontal and vertical fatigue tests without changing the test setup, R&D Test Systems said in a release.
Overtakes Danish test center
In 2021, R&D Test Systems built the first dual-axis exciter for Blade Test Center A/S (Blaest). Since then, R&D Test Systems has worked to develop an even larger test bench for the WTTC. The new double-axis exciter is approximately 40 per cent. larger in both size and power and capable of applying 240 kN to the wing with an excitation power of 420 kW, enabling the test system to test wings up to 130 meters long.
- Delivering the first wing test setup of this size to the US is a milestone for R&D Test Systems. This is the first commercial dual-axis system that we have delivered. As an American company owned by MTS and ITW, it is a strategic goal to increase our American activities, explains Key Account Manager Niels Pedersen from R&D Test Systems.
The exciter consists of two units that can deliver individual power and output up to 120kN and 210kW respectively. The user-friendly software allows users to easily configure the test system for different tests. The two units can be used in combination for parallel or dual-axis operation or separately in other test areas.
After being assembled in Denmark, the test bench was sent to Boston, USA. During April, R&D Test Systems installed and commissioned the system on site. After a successful commissioning, the test system was handed over to WTTC, which is already running the first test cycles with the exciter.
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