Vestas’ test bench in the industry has started operation at Vestas’ global testing centre in Aarhus, Denmark. The 20MW test bench is capable of testing the full nacelle of the V164-8.0 MW, validating the performance, robustness and reliability of the turbine over a simulated 25-year lifetime.
The test bench is 42 meters long and 9 meters wide. The total weight of the test bench, including the motors, wind simulator and generators is nearly 700 tonnes. Vestas installed fifty meter deep concrete foundations to support the weight. Motors powering the bench produce 20MW- the equivalent of 26,820 brake horsepower, and the torque exerted on the components of the turbine can be up to a massive 18 meganewton metres. The test bench will stress the drivetrain, including the gearbox, main shaft and generator of the V164-8.0MW - in a controlled environment - reproducing the harsh wind conditions in the North Sea.