An innovative offshore wind turbine rotor blade has arrived at the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult’s test, demonstration and research centre in Blyth, Northumberland, ahead of a planned six month testing programme.
The Blade Dynamics’ prototype ‘D78’ blade has been designed and manufactured in both the UK and USA and made its way, from the NASA Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, to the UK for commissioning and testing. Its modular assembly design is unique, enabling larger, more effective turbines with reduced weight and higher performance. The final stages of the manufacturing process can be completed close to the installation or deployment site, allowing manufacturing to be distributed around the country and providing a route for the future export of blade components from the UK.
The Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult’s test facility is the only one of its kind in the world and will undertake approximately six months of testing. The blade will undergo static and dynamic testing along with independent verification that the technology is reliable.