LM Wind Power partners with Offshore Renewable Energy for new blade testing method

Denmark’s wind turbine blade manufacturer LM Wind Power has partnered with UK’s Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult for developing a new blade test method to cut blade test times by up to 25%.

The partnership further seeks to develop a system to reduce the time for the fatigue-testing almost by half.

Generally, wind turbine blades testing takes several months of time for having a lifetime of 20-25 years.

LM Wind Power and ORE Catapult are expected to develop less time consuming and effective blade test method together.

They will also seek to enhance the test design and develop a quicker way for carrying out flapwise and edgewise fatigue testing on the same blade and at the same time.

The new test method is expected to be a low cost one.

ORE Catapult in association with Durham University and LM Wind Power has developed a fatigue analysis software, which has recently been certified by DNV GL.

LM Wind Power offshore VP Alexis Crama said: "It is crucial that we continue to innovate and improve in every stage of the development and manufacture of offshore wind turbines to reduce the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) and ensure the expansion of offshore wind in the UK, Europe and beyond.

"The collaboration with a world-class research and test institution such as ORE Catapult cements our position as an offshore industry leader and enforces our commitment to innovation and to further developing the sector to the benefit of developers, consumers and the environment."

With over 25 years of experience in the field of offshore blade, LM Wind Power’s blades have been installed in over 50% of the offshore turbines.

ORE Catapult innovation and research Director Ignacio Marti said: "Great strides have been made in reducing the cost of offshore wind generation, but it is only through world-class, collaborative innovation and research such as this exciting project that we will continue to deliver such progress, to ensure a secure, affordable low-carbon energy supply and considerable economic benefit."

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Image: LM Wind Power has partnered with UK’s Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult for developing a new blade test method. Photo courtsey of Catapult Offshore Renewable Energy

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