In the UK Converteam has been contracted as technical leader for a wind turbine testing centre in Blyth at the National Renewable Energy Centre (Narec), the UK’s leading centre for advancing the development and integration of renewable energy through technology-led innovation.
The Energy Technologies Institute (ETI), a public-private partnership between global industries and the UK Government, is investing £25m in the facility. Due to open in 2013, the Narec facility will be the largest open access test facility in the UK.
Converteam, as the technical leader, will also provide critical equipment including a 15 megawatt, 10 rpm direct drive permanent magnet motor together with an advanced MV7000 variable speed drive unit. The system will provide for the comprehensive testing of complete wind turbine drive trains and nacelles of up to 15 megawatt.
Converteam’s partner in the project, MTS Systems Ltd., will deliver the primary mechanical elements of the test bench including their advanced Force Application System.
ETI’s Chief Executive Dr David Clarke said: “This is a world leading engineering project that will benefit manufacturers, consumers and the UK economy as a whole by helping to increase the reliability and reduce the costs of generating electricity from offshore wind.
“This is a major step in establishing the UK as a leader in the wind turbine industry and we are very pleased to have contracted Converteam as technical leader, with their pedigree of providing complex test rigs worldwide over a number of years.”