TURBINE BLADES
Turbine blades are increasing in length to improve energy production. ORE Catapult is an independent Test Laboratory offering full scale wind turbine blade tests.
Our expertise combined with our world class facilities deliver tests which de-risk technology development leading to improved blade reliability. Enabling our clients to understand and enhance their blade design, materials, manufacture and overall performance.
TURBINE BLADE TESTING & VALIDATION
We have been testing blades since 2006, gained UKAS accreditation in 2010 and became an IECRE Test lab in 2018. We have tested over 30 blades and have consistently tested some of the longest and most novel designs. With extensive experience of blade testing our engineers, researchers, technicians and project managers provide a turnkey test programme.
ORE Catapult’s tests form a vital part of blade certification, inform model validation and drive research. Our standard test methods are accredited in accordance with IEC 61400-23, additional we offer research test which can be tailored to client requirements. We adhere to strict confidentiality, quality and time management throughout each project.
Our facilities include:
100m+ blade test facility
A world-leading facility, capable of testing next generation offshore wind rotor blades in excess of 100m.
50m R&D blade test facility
A facility for R&D blade test programmes, subcomponents and innovative blade technologies up to 50m in length.
Blade rain erosion test rig and composites laboratory
State-of-the-art facility for simulating and analysing erosion of wind turbine blades during operation. Our composites laboratory also develops new material solutions for blade leading edge.
7MW demonstration turbine
Operating a 7MW offshore demonstration turbine with 83.5m blades, enabling real-time blade analysis and feedback to support research, testing and innovative technology development.
BLADE TESTING CAPABILITIES
Testing services
- Blade mass and Centre of gravity
- Natural Frequency
- Static testing including off axis
- Fatigue testing including dual axis
- Torsional stiffness
- Lightning protection systems
- Test to destruction
- Fastner tests
Our research
We have a strong record of research, testing and validation with an emphasis on simulation capability and representative test methods. Our research interests include:
- Test simulation tools
- Off axis test methods
- Dual axis fatigue test
- Bi-axial calibrations
- Torsional fatigue testing
- Sectional and modular testing
Simulation focus
ORE Catapult have developed in-house simulation tools based on beam elements with fully populated 6 x 6 stiffness/mass matrices for predicting blade behaviour. The static simulations use a nonlinear co-rotational formulation and fatigue simulation use modal superposition. The tools have been validated against numerous blade tests and can be used in optimisation routines to design test configurations which minimise over testing and optimise biaxial testing.
OUR ACCREDITATIONS
INDUSTRY STANDARDS
The Offshore Renewable Energy Catapults two blade test facilities and blade erosion test laboratory are accredited to UKAS ISO/IEC 17025. Find out more here.
Our accreditationsCLIENT TESTIMONIAL
By using ORE Catapult’s facilities and expertise, we will be in a better position to adapt our technology in a shortened time, reduce unplanned maintenance, increase availability and power output, while introducing new features to meet customers’ demands.”
John Lavelle
CEO OFFSHORE WIND BUSINESS, GE RENEWABLE ENERGY
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BLADE RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
CONTACT OUR TEAM
