Fraunhofer IWES

Contract for Nacelle Testing for 8-MW wind turbine signed

The prototype of the new offshore turbine from Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy is set to undergo extensive hardware in the loop (HiL) testing in the Dynamic Nacelle Testing Laboratory (DyNaLab) from April 2018 until the end of the same year. The focus will be on the performance of the generator and the turbine’s grid compatibility. Fraunhofer IWES replicates the loads on the rotor and grid side realistically by using a comprehensive grid simulator and a highly dynamic drive system. This makes it possible to draw reliable conclusions about how the turbine will perform in the field in just a short period of time. The design validation of new turbine models offers manufacturers decisive support in accelerating the electrical certification of their systems and avoid surprises after the market launch.

Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy and Fraunhofer IWES have now officially signed the contract for the comprehensive validation of the SG 8.0-167 DD nacelle. A pilot project was already launched at the beginning of the year with the aim of specifying the test design, clarifying interfaces, and preparing adaptations of the test infrastructure to the nacelle’s special design. With nearly 80,000 MW installed wind power, Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy has a wealth of experience in the industry; Fraunhofer IWES can simulate a wide range of load scenarios under reproducible conditions, for example the requirements of different grid codes for time-efficiency and cost-efficiency testing.

 “The cutting edge testing methods of the DyNaLab are an important addition to our inhouse turbine testing”, said Andreas Nauen, CEO Offshore bei Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy. “The combination allows us to shorten testing campaigns and at the same time improve the reliability of the results by comparing field and laboratory data”.

"We are very happy to assist SGRE in their development of highly reliable turbine technology. With our unique infrastructure and proven testing methodologies, Fraunhofer IWES will work in close cooperation with the experienced SGRE team to achieve the required project objectives", confirms Prof. Andreas Reuter, Managing Director of Fraunhofer IWES.

An optimized, verified turbine design contributes to high availability and low repair requirement which, in turn, reduce the levelized cost of energy for offshore wind.