GE’s recently announced Haliade-X 12 MW offshore wind turbine and existing Haliade 150-6MW will undergo test and demonstration programs that accurately replicate real-world operational conditions. Testing will take place at ORE Catapult’s 15MW power train test facility in Blyth, Northumberland.
ORE Catapult engineers will deliver independent performance, functionality, endurance and accelerated life testing of components, sub-assemblies, sub-systems and full systems (including the generator and converter) recreating extreme conditions in a controlled onshore environment.
Welcoming news of the agreement, UK Government Energy and Clean Growth Minister Claire Perry said, “This collaboration is great news and highlights our world-class research and testing facilities.”
ORE Catapult’s testing capability replicates the effects of the wind and includes dynamic torque, axial and radial force and bending moment application to emulate operational conditions. Unbalanced rotor, brake emulations, condition monitoring and control system validation tests can also be conducted.
ORE Catapult’s Chief Executive, Andrew Jamieson, said the company is looking forward to helping GE “enhance their existing portfolio and bring new products and services to the offshore wind market.”
In addition to the R&D activities, the agreement also includes a £6 million ($ 8.5 million) combined investment with Innovate UK and the European Regional Development Fund to install the world’s largest and most powerful grid emulation system at the Catapult’s National Renewable Energy Centre in Blyth. Supplied by GE Power, Grid Emulation, in conjunction with the Catapult’s power train test facilities, will enable the partners, UK companies and researchers to better assess the interaction between the next generation of large-scale wind turbines and the electrical distribution network in the most challenging environments.
