Wind Turbine Blade Static Testing

Wind turbine blade static testing involves the application of static loads to multiple locations along a blade to simulate real-world operating conditions. Blades are typically subjected to loads up to 150% of their rated loads for performing the stiffness and strength tests required for blade certification and FEM model validation. Two configurations are employed for wind turbine blade stating testing, often in tandem: a hydraulic winch assembly for large-deflection, high-load static blade test locations, and a linear actuation assembly that provides smaller deflections with high loads (above 200 kN) to the sections of the blade nearer to the root.

MTS is uniquely qualified to help you launch and maintain a successful wind turbine blade static test program. Leveraging proven technology for subjecting wings and other large aerospace components to massive loads, our solutions combine robust hydraulic winch and/or linear actuation technologies to achieve coordinated, precision loading and closed-loop control at multiple pull points along the blade. Other key MTS wind turbine blade static testing capabilities include:

• Specially designed hydraulic winch-loading and actuator-loading devices
• Digital controllers with high channel density, high capacity, and superior configurability
• Optional software for tightly integrated control and data acquisition
• Clean, quiet and highly reliable hydraulic power units
• Facilities planning