3 Dec 2009
THE BLADE TEST CENTER OF THE SUZLON ENERGY GROUP VALIDATES NEW ROTOR BLADES UTILIZING MOOG’S TEST SYSTEMS
Turnkey project includes test system development, configuration and comprehensive training
AMSTERDAM, December 3, 2009 – Moog’s Industrial Group, a division of Moog Inc. (NYSE: MOG.A and MOG.B), announced today that the new state-of-the-art Blade Test Center Gujarat (BTCG), owned by the Suzlon Group, the world’s third largest wind turbine manufacturer, has successfully completed tests on a new wind turbine rotor blade using a Moog test system.
The Moog testing system, set up at a cost of $2 million, is a key part of the new test facility based in Vadodara in the India state of Gujarat. It can perform both dynamic and static testing on blades up to 65 metres (213 ft) long. The test system provides the full testing capabilities that are required for the certification of wind turbines for use in the field. Moog is a leader in providing high-performance testing systems to the wind, automotive and aerospace markets and recently strengthened its product portfolio in the alternative energy sector.
The test system delivered to Suzlon runs on Moog Test Software and consists of one Moog Test Controller accommodating 8 channels in which 6 are dedicated to the electric system to perform static tests and 2 are dedicated to the hydraulic system to run dynamic tests. Moog delivered the complete system including high capacity actuators, a hydraulic power supply (i.e.,hydraulic power unit, control manifold, cooling tower and piping), winches able to be loaded up to 200 kN, and hydraulic cylinders with 1,500 mm (59 in) stroke.
Moog’s previous experience with similar test rig installations, knowledge of helicopter test techniques, strong track record in hydraulic actuation, project management approach and on-the-ground technical support from its engineering team were key reasons for being selected by Suzlon for the project.
“Being able to fully test new blades in our facility is a major step forward for the Asian wind turbine market. It not only highlights Suzlon’s overall thrust to maintain market leadership but also provides our non-Suzlon customers with the best-in-class wind energy testing solutions. The new Moog test system gives us a multitude of benefits ranging from cost efficient operation to reduced development time of new blades, thus contributing to worldwide growth in wind energy capacity,’’ said Dr Wim Barendswaard of the Blade Test Center Gujarat.
“Suzlon Energy was very specific in their requirements and we are pleased to see the completion of the tests for the first rotor blades at the BTCG facility. The first time we came to this facility, all we could see was a huge test stand and support frame for the actuators. Looking at the working test system now, we feel we met a really exciting technical challenge. Our local engineering team and our depth of experience in designing and commissioning test systems were crucial to the success of this project and we are delighted with the end-result,” said Anurag Kashyap, Country Manager Moog India.
“Our aim is to bring Moog’s motion control and testing experience to bear on the challenges facing today’s wind turbine makers and buyers,” said Steve Huckvale, President of Moog’s Industrial Systems Group. “Our ability and commitment to supporting customers locally with high-performance motion control and testing solutions is core to our business mission and we are really pleased with the successful collaboration with Suzlon in India.”
About the Blade Test Center Gujarat
The BTCG is a test center for conducting full scale testing of wind turbines blades. Global investors, developers, manufacturers and insurance companies require full scale testing according to the Standards for Wind Turbine Rotor Blades and it is mandatory to obtain a Type Certification according to IEC 61400-23. The BTCG is the first of its kind in Asia and is located at about 22 km (approximately 13 miles) from Vadodara, Gujarat, India. The test center is part of the Suzlon Group, the third leading wind turbine makers in 2008 with 12.3% market share.* For more information, please visit www.btcgujarat.com. For more information on Suzlon, please visit www.suzlon.com.
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Notes for editors
About Moog Industrial Group
Moog Inc. is a worldwide designer, manufacturer, and integrator of precision control components and systems. Moog’s Industrial Group, designs and manufacturers high performance motion control solutions combining electric, hydraulic, and hybrid technologies with expert consultative support in a range of applications including plastics, metal forming, power generation, wind energy, test and simulation. We help performance-driven companies design and develop their next-generation machines. Moog’s Industrial Group, with fiscal year 2009 sales of USD 455 million and 40 locations worldwide, is part of Moog Inc. (NYSE:MOG.A and MOG.B) which has sales of USD 1.849 billion. For more information please visit www.moog.com/industrial.
【Notes】
Static Testing of Rotor Blades
This involves securing the end of a blade to a static test rig and using winches facing each other on either side of the rig to apply positive and negative loads. In a static test, blades are tested for their design loads, including factors such as safety factors, blade manufacturing variations etc. etc.
Fatigue Testing of Rotor Blades
This involves mounting the end of a blade to a dynamic test rig. Hydraulic actuators are mounted on an actuator rig and connected to the blade to apply vertical and horizontal cyclical movement simultaneously. Dynamic testing determines the fatigue characteristics. It is an endurance test whereby the different forces acting on blades as they rotate on a wind turbine can be represented by specific load cycles.
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