Narec’s 100m blade test facility has been awarded accreditation by UKAS for structural testing of wind turbine blades; complementing the existing accreditation for blades up to 50m in length as well its ASTA/Intertek and UKAS accredited electrical and materials laboratories.
The 100m facility, which opened in 2012 to accommodate larger blades for the next generation of offshore wind turbines required for round three sites and beyond, undertakes dynamic and static tests in accordance with IEC and ISO17025 standards.
Various tests are undertaken, such as the determination of natural frequencies, modal analysis, post-fatigue and collapse assessments helping to ensure the desired level of reliability and prove manufacturing processes prior to installation and operation.
Peter Hope, Blade Test Facility Manager , commented: “This is excellent news for Narec, and combined with our track record, independence and quality systems provides our clients with robust assurance that our certification work is carried out to the required standard.”
Press release, March 14, 2014; Image: Narec