Reference case: Component Design Evaluation for Hybrid Tower - Germany

ENERCON is one of the leading manufacturers of wind turbines with more than 20,000 wind turbines installed in over 30 countries.

With growing demand requiring onshore wind turbines to be more productive, higher towers are necessary because the higher the hub, the higher the wind speed. But because bigger towers incorporate greater risks for instability, are much more expensive and more difficult to transport , another solution had to be found. Hence the development of hybrid towers with concrete bottoms and tops of steel, a combination to ensure a safe and reliable construction.

In order to build hybrid towers in Germany, ENERCON required extensive component design evaluation to confirm that components were designed in conformity with design specifications and the international IEC 61400-22 standard.

Founded 140 years ago, TÜV Rheinland is a global leader in independent inspection services, ensuring quality and safety for people, the environment, and technology in nearly all aspects of life.

We inspect technical equipment, products and services, oversee projects and help to shape processes for companies around the world. Since 2006 we have been a member of the United Nations Global Compact to promote sustainability and combat corruption.

For the wind energy sector we provide a comprehensive service portfolio, covering every aspect of wind energy projects - from site selection, design and manufacturing support to dismantling plants.

Extensive knowledge in the wind energy industry and the accreditation as a Certification Body made TÜV Rheinland the right choice for ENERCON. In order to gain approval for the new tower design, we performed both basis and comprehensive component design evaluations.

Upon completing extensive and successful assessment, we provided a certification report for the Hybrid Tower in accordance with the IEC 61400-22 standard.

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TÜV Rheinland supported ENERCON by providing:

•On-time delivery of the services needed in accordance with time constraints.

•Dedicated and experienced experts for the design evaluations.

•Vast experience in the verification of static and dynamic calculations.