Vestas_test bench

Danish wind turbines manufacturer Vestas has commenced operations at its global testing centre in Aarhus, Denmark.

Vestas claimed the 20MW test bench is the largest and most powerful test bench in the industry.

The test bench can test the full nacelle of the V164-8.0 MW, and validate the performance, robustness and reliability of the turbine over a simulated 25-year lifetime.

Measuring 42m long and 9m wide, the test bench weighs nearly 700t, including the motors, wind simulator and generators. The company has installed 50m of deep concrete foundations to support the weight.

The test bench’s motors produce 20MW, which is equivalent of 26,820 brake horsepower, and the torque exerted on the components of the turbine can be up to 18MN metres.

"Vestas claimed the 20MW test bench is the largest and most powerful test bench in the industry."

According to Vestas, the test bench will stress the drivetrain, gearbox, main shaft and generator of the V164-8.0 MW in a controlled environment.

The process will reproduce the harsh wind conditions in the North Sea, using a comprehensive and rigorous test regime based on experience and data gathered from more than 25,000 turbines.

Vestas chief technology officer Anders Vedel explains that the testing of the critical components and systems of the V164-8.0 MW is part of the company’s product development process to ensure the highest possible industry-leading quality and reliability.

The company has invested in unique testing capabilities covering all the systems and critical components for its V164-8.0 MW turbine during the last two years.

Image: The 20 MW test bench is capable of testing the full nacelle of the V164-8.0 MW; Photo: courtesy of Vestas.

Energy