The test bench, which is 42 meters long and 9 meters wide, has the capacity to test 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 company said.
Vestas noted that the test bench’s weight, which features motors, wind simulator and generators, is approximately 700 tons. The company has installed fifty meter deep concrete foundations to support the weight.
Commenting on the test bench, Vestas chief technology officer Anders Vedel said the testing of the critical components and systems of the V164-8.0 MW is a part of Vestas’ product development process to ensure the highest possible industry leading quality and reliability.
"Vestas has invested in the industry’s most powerful test bench to ensure the turbine will perform in challenging conditions for 25 years.
"The superior testing expertise we have accumulated over the last decade is a key part of giving confidence to our customers that the machine is of the high quality that they expect from Vestas," added Vedel.
