Wind Turbine Testing in the NREL Dynamometer Test Bed

A new facility has recently been completed at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory that allows full-scale dynamometer testing of wind turbine components, from generators to complete wind turbines. This facility is equipped with a 2.5 MW motor, gearbox, and variable speed drive system to deliver shaft torque. To simulate other aspects of wind turbine loading an MTS fatigue-rated loading system is fully integrated into the facility. This will allow actuators to cyclically load the structure in a variety of ways. Enron [formally Zond] Wind Corporation has installed the first test article in the facility to help mature the Z-750 series wind turbine design. Tests include brake and control system tuning, endurance testing of gear elements and bearings, and structural testing. Some aspects of the power converter will also be tested. This paper describes the Dynamometer Test Bed and its capabilities. Also, an overview of the Zond testing program is presented.