Reference Case: Design Assessment for Wind Turbine Component

Due to the steady growth of wind energy, wind turbines with increasing dimensions are being installed all over the world. In order to develop new wind turbine types and sizes, the market steadily requires state-of-the-art components such as the new HybridDrive designed by Winergy. Thanks to our extensive experience in the wind energy industry, TÜV Rheinland was awarded a contract to assess the design of this prototype.

Winergy developed the HybridDrive, an innovative wind turbine component. Consisting of a two-stage planetary gearbox and a direct linkage of the permanent-magnet driven generator, the HybridDrive has a rated torque of about 2,550 kNm, a rated power of 3.0 MW and weighs around 34 t (including the oil unit).

This new component is intended for work in a new 3.0 MW wind turbine prototype jointly developed by W2E Wind To Energy GmbH and Winergy. In order to minimize the impact of a complete type approval process for this turbine, Winergy needed an experienced partner to conduct a design assessment of the HybridDrive before the actual project set-up.

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.

In 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.

Our certification services for wind turbines and wind turbine components are based on the international standard IEC 61400 series. Our Certification Body for products is accredited by the German Accreditation Body according to EN 45011 for the certification of wind turbines according to the IEC 61400 series. In addition, we can ensure compliance with national standards and regulations, such as the DIBt and GL guidelines.

Thanks to our extensive experience in the wind energy sector, our global network of experts and our profound knowledge of regulations and standards, TÜV Rheinland was the preferred choice for Winergy.

For the successful completion of the new 3.0 MW wind turbine prototype project, we provided Winergy with third-party testing and certification based on the GL 2010 standard. Our services included a design evaluation, type testing and the assessment of fundamental manufacturing criteria and specification items with focus on functionality and effectiveness.

The successful certification of Winergy’s HybridDrive has confirmed the optimal synchronization of the product’s components as well as its above-average technical performance. The project partner W2E Wind To Energy GmbH was thus able to license their wind turbine prototype equipped with the HybridDrive to other companies.

Read more about our Wind Turbine Certification

TÜV Rheinland supported the Winergy by providing:

• Rapid and efficient project handling.
• Interdisciplinary testing and certification with respect to the requirements of GL 2010.
• System testing for prototypes.
• Highly-experienced experts with a broad knowledge of international and national market-access regulations, laws and restrictions.