Gamesa and the Technical University of Madrid have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly design, develop and operate a high-performance aerodynamic testing tunnel in Madrid.
The wind tunnel, which will measure approximately 70 meters long and 50 meters wide, will allow the company to perform advanced full-rotor (three blades and hub) aerodynamic noise measurements, dynamic tests and simulations – all of which will help make its products more competitive, notes Antonio de la Torre, Gamesa's product development manager.
‘Until now, we had to resort to university labs outside Spain to perform these tests. Once this facility is operative, we will be able to run these tests in Spain, which is where our [research and development] effort is based, underpinned by a staff of over 500 engineers.’
Additionally, the facility will enable static testing of turbine blades by simulating the incidence of wind from any direction and at any type of site.
‘This aerodynamic tunnel will be cutting edge by any measure: There is no other facility in Europe in which all of these tests can be performed in combination, offering applications not only for wind power, but also for the railroad and civil engineering industries,’ says Carlos Conde, a dean at the university.
The wind tunnel is expected to begin operations during the last quarter of 2016.
