World’s largest device for measuring torque in wind turbines opens
Clean Energy Wire
A new wind power research project at Germany’s national metrology institute PTB (Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt) offers the world’s largest facility for the precise measuring of torque in wind turbines, a feature that is particularly important for the development of offshore wind installations, the PTB said. The facility at the institute’s ‘Wind Power Competence Centre’ in Braunschweig will help to better understand and respond to the enormous forces working on turbines during strong winds. The installation’s centre piece, the ‘Drehmomentnormalmesseinrichtung’ (torque standard measuring device), is a unique feature that will help to make large wind turbines more resilient and reliable, PTB president Cornelia Denz said. “The wind industry will substantially benefit from the services the PTB offers with ‘Made in Germany’ quality,” Denz argued.
Wind power is planned to become Germany’s most important electricity source over the course of the energy transition and the country is home to some of the leading turbine manufacturers. While the domestic industry has been plagued by weak expansion figures and economic difficulties over the past years, the renewed thrust for the energy transition across Europe and other parts of the world has renewed confidence in the industry. Research and development in the green technology area is seen as a key element to ensure the country’s sustained competitiveness.
