Turbine manufacturer Nordex has inaugurated a new generator converter test bench at its Rostock site, expanding its in-house capabilities for developing and validating electrical systems used in modern wind turbines.
The company said the facility will allow faster and more comprehensive testing of high-performance converters, which regulate voltage and frequency and convert turbine output for grid use. Nordex added that converters are becoming increasingly important as international grid codes evolve and as operators adopt grid-forming strategies.
“With the new test bench, we at Nordex are strengthening our ability to develop our own converter solutions to meet the changing international requirements of continuously growing grid connection specifications; the grid codes,” said Helmut Resing-Wormer, head of test and prototype. “We’re testing under real-world conditions in Rostock to ensure our systems’ reliability and grid compliance.”
Dr Christian Wessels, Nordex vice president for global electrical engineering, said the expansion would support more flexible integration methods. “By building in-house development capabilities and expertise in converter technology, we’re laying the groundwork for flexible, tailored grid integration solutions,” he said.
Nordex said the new Power-Hardware-in-the-Loop facility allows engineers to simulate a wide range of grid conditions without relying solely on field testing, enabling earlier measurement data and reducing development timelines.
Government and industry representatives attended the inauguration, including officials from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. Nordex invested more than €4 million in the Rostock test bench, working with partners in Denmark, Spain and Germany’s Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania region.
“In recent years, an engineering network of companies and research institutes has established itself in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and particularly in Rostock, focusing on grid integration and grid stability,” Resing-Wörmer said.
Nordex said the test bench strengthens Rostock’s position as a centre of excellence, complementing existing nacelle, hub, drivetrain and control-cabinet manufacturing operations as well as the company’s blade competence centre.
