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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Structural Testing at the NWTC Helps Improve Blade Design and Increase System Reliability

Program Document ·
OSTI ID:1659765
Since 1990, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's (NREL's) National Wind Technology Center (NWTC) has tested more than 150 wind turbine blades. NWTC researchers can test full-scale and subcomponent articles, conduct data analyses, and provide engineering expertise on best design practices. Structural testing of wind turbine blades enables designers, manufacturers, and owners to validate designs and assess structural performance to specific load conditions. Rigorous structural testing can reveal design and manufacturing problems at an early stage of development that can lead to overall improvements in design and increase system reliability.
Research Organization:
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Wind and Water Technologies Office (EE-4W)
DOE Contract Number:
AC36-08GO28308
OSTI ID:
1659765
Report Number(s):
NREL/FS-5000-64730; MainId:11622; UUID:01c65cc6-222f-e511-8e4e-d89d67132a6d; MainAdminID:102
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English