The Nordex Group has successfully completed a series of rigorous tests on the rotor blade of its latest wind turbine in the Delta4000 series to ensure it meets industry standards and is capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions, including electrical storms.
The tests, conducted over the past 11 months, were carried out in accordance with the international standard IEC 61400, which specifies technical requirements for the design of wind turbines. As part of this process, independent certification bodies confirm compliance with these standards, including the structural testing of rotor blades, which is essential for the approval and operation of new turbine models.
During the testing, the N175/6.X rotor blade was subjected to mechanical tests at the Fraunhofer Institute for Wind Energy Systems IWES in Bremerhaven. The blade’s properties, such as natural frequencies, damping parameters, and the electrical resistance of its lightning protection system, were carefully measured to validate the accuracy of previously conducted simulations.
The rotor blade, which was manufactured at Nordex’s Research and Development Centre in Rostock, was subjected to both static load cases and fatigue tests. These tests were designed to replicate the blade’s expected service life. According to Nordex, the blade performed as anticipated throughout the testing phase, with critical parameters such as deflections, strains, and natural frequencies remaining within the permissible tolerances.
Furthermore, the 15-metre-long tip of the N175/6.X rotor blade, which features an integrated anti-icing system, underwent comprehensive lightning tests. These tests, conducted at Polytech’s accredited lightning laboratory in Denmark, included high-voltage impact and high-current tests.
“It is crucial to test for lightning as close to real-life conditions as possible,” said Andreas Christensen, test centre manager at Polytech. “We are pleased to service Nordex Group and a long list of customers from in and outside the wind industry with our accredited facilities, so we can make well-documented test results for certification or keeping momentum in their R&D projects.”
Hendrik Klein, Head of Blade Materials, Design, and Testing at Nordex Group, emphasized the importance of meeting industry standards, particularly as rotor blades continue to grow in size and operate at higher altitudes. “With the right material and design of the rotor blades, not only can the power of the wind be used optimally, but also the planned service life can be achieved, or the risk of lightning damage can be minimized,” Klein said.
He added, “At Nordex, we also test more than is required by the IEC standard. Our goal is to achieve even higher product maturity. The results of the tests are therefore of great value to us as a manufacturer.”
These successful tests mark a significant step for Nordex in advancing its Delta4000 series wind turbine technology, which is designed to meet the growing demands of the renewable energy sector while ensuring reliability and safety in challenging conditions.
