NaREC has created a new method for large scale wind turbine blade testing. The patented new ‘Dual-Axis' testing technology will ensure that larger wind turbine blades are fully able to cope with the greater stresses and strains they will suffer during long-term operations.

The Dual Axis technology offers testing for prototype blades of up to and beyond 70 metres in length. The Dual-Axis system is able to test the blade in both the vertical and the horizontal at the same time. It is planned that the new system will be extended beyond dual axis to incorporate multiple axes testing introducing even more varied twisting into a wind turbine blade prototype. The first operations of the Dual-Axis system are currently taking place, with commercial activities of the Dual-Axis system scheduled for the end of 2007.