Construction of the building that will house a 15MW turbine nacelle test rig has been completed. Once complete, Narec will be able to independently test next generation offshore turbines.
Shepherd Construction has handed over the facility, in Blyth, Northumberland, six weeks ahead of schedule.
The test rig will be able to asses the performance of complete nacelles, of up to 15MW rating. Its installation by GE Energy-Power Conversion is well under way, with commissioning due this summer. The Energy Technologies Institute (ETI) is investing £25 million (EUR 29 million) in its design, development and commissioning.
Available to all turbine developers on a commercial basis, the rig will be capable of testing turbines of up to 10MW capacity, at up to 50% over power.
GE is also setting up a test rig at the Lindoe Offshore Renewables Centre (LORC) in Denmark. The Lindoe nacelle testing project will be located on the island of Funen, eastern Denmark. It will be ready for the first tests in 2014.
GE said the tests would include its drivetrain, grid simulation, direct-drive permanent magnet generator and control systems. It will also include an adapter enabling the hub and pitch control to be tested.
Speaking about the Narec rig, Andrew Mill, Narec chief executive, said: "The early completion of building works is a significant achievement and we expect to have completed our first commercial test programme by the middle of next year."
Narec makes progress on 15MW test rig
UK: Work on the National Renewable Energy Centre (Narec) 15MW turbine nacelle test facility is progressing following the completion of the building that will hold the rig.
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