l

MTS W IND POW ER SOLUTIONS

Booth 2521
Wind Power 2013

Improving Reliability through Mechanical Testing & Simulation

Improving wind turbine reliability is critical to realizing the promise of a clean,
sustainable and economically viable global wind power infrastructure.
Manufacturers and suppliers who successfully optimize their wind turbine
and component designs to minimize costs and maximize uptime will emerge
as industry leaders.
As the worlds premier test and simulation solution provider, MTS stands
uniquely qualified to deliver the technology and expertise required to improve
wind turbine reliability and durability. MTS solutions are deployed worldwide,
subjecting wind turbine materials, components and structures to a full
spectrum of mechanical testing, including characterization, strength testing,
durability testing and systems testing.
Visit us at Booth 2521 and explore all the ways MTS is meeting the wind
turbine industrys critical mechanical testing needs.

MTS Non-torque Loading (NTL) System at Narecs 3MW Drive Train Test Facility Atlantis Resources AR1000 Tidal Turbine shown during torque loading test
Photo courtesy of National Renewable Energy Centre, Narec, in the United Kingdom

M T S TEST & SIMULATION LEADERSHIP

Test engineers and researchers worldwide rely on MTS for the

innovative testing technologies and expertise required to accelerate
and improve research, design, development and manufacturing
processes. High performance MTS solutions have long been
deployed to meet demanding material, component and structural
testing needs across a broad spectrum of industries, including
aerospace, automotive and civil engineering. MTS has extended
this array of mechanical testing capabilities into the rapidly
developing field of wind power generation:
MTS supports the worlds leading wind turbine manufacturers,
suppliers and research facilities with state-of-the-art technology
and testing solutions, facilities planning, test consulting, and
complex systems integration

MTS Inertial Resonance Excitation (IREX) System deployed for blade fatigue testing
at WTTC in Massachusetts
Photo courtesy of Massachusetts Clean Energy Center Wind Technology Testing Center

Advanced MTS testing technologies are simulating the

complex and extreme loading environments of wind turbine
drive trains, blades, bearing systems, towers and more
Robust MTS materials test systems are conducting static and
dynamic testing of advanced composite materials and alloys
MTS testing expertise is proving crucial to the development
of the next generation test and simulation technologies
required to test the extremely large wind turbine structures
planned for the near future
McCormick Place
Chicago, IL
May 6-8, 2013

MTS Seismic Simulator deployed for tower testing at University of California San Diego
Photo courtesy of UCSD NEES and Jacobs School of Engineering

be certain.

Addressing a Full Spectrum of Wind Turbine Mechanical Testing Needs

Drive Train Test Solutions
High-performance MTS Drive Train Test Solutions apply
real-world rotational and off-axis loading for optimizing the
reliability of complete nacelle assemblies, complete drive train
systems, and drive train components such as gear boxes and
bearing systems.

Applications include:
System simulation and verification
Performance and durability testing
Employs innovative MTS Non-Torque Loading (NTL)
System to apply extreme loads in six degrees of freedom
Highly robust and efficient design results in low cost of
operation, high uptime and long life
Rotation/moment input via prime mover
Off-axis, or non-torque, loads (3 forces, 2 moments) via
MTS NTL System
Integral, low-friction hydrostatic bearing technology
delivers superior dynamic performance
High-fidelity simulation and optimum test accuracy
achieved with state-of-the-art FlexTest digital controls,
Multipurpose TestWare software and RPC Pro software

Prime Mover
Drive Coupling*
5 DOF Non-Torque Loading
(NTL) Fixture*

Wind Turbine Test Article

* Patents Pending

Multi-Purpose Bearing Test Solutions

The highly flexible MTS Multi-Purpose Bearing Test Solution
accurately replicates rotor hub and blade loading for performing
mechanical tests on a wide array of wind turbine bearings,
including pitch, yaw and main bearing systems.
Applications include:
Performance under load
Static deflection and stiffness measurements
Durability/fatigue
Employs state-of-the-art MTS Non-Torque Loading (NTL)
System to apply extreme loads in five degrees of freedom

Highly robust and efficient design results in low cost of

operation, high uptime and long life
Rotation input via actuator or motor
Off-axis, or non-torque, loads (3 forces, 2 moments) via
MTS NTL System
Features changeable specimen adapters for modeling hub
and blade stiffness characteristics
Allows independent programming of off-axis loads
High-fidelity simulation and optimum test accuracy achieved
with state-of-the-art FlexTest digital controls, Multipurpose
TestWare software and RPC Pro software
5 DOF Non-Torque Loading
(NTL) Fixture

Prime Mover

Bearing Specimen
Reaction Frame

Blade Pitch Bearing Test Solutions

Available in multiple configurations, MTS Blade Pitch Bearing
Test Solutions accurately replicate blade loading (Fy, Fz and Mz)
for performing mechanical tests on blade pitch bearings and
blade pitch drive systems.

Applications include:
Performance under load
Static deflection and stiffness measurement
Durability/fatigue
Features changeable specimen adapters for accurately
replicating a range hub and blade stiffness characteristics

Reaction Block

High-fidelity simulation and optimum test accuracy

ensured with state-of-the-art FlexTest digital controls, MTS
FlexDAC data acquisition, Multipurpose TestWare
software and RPC Pro software

Changeable
Specimen Adapter

Blade Pitch
Bearing
Loading Fixture

May utilize loading fixtures (shown below) or actual wind

turbine components
Rotation Input
Device

Multiple DOF
Loading Assembly

Addressing a Full Spectrum of Wind Turbine Mechanical Testing Needs

Blade Static Test Solutions
MTS Blade Static Test Solutions apply tightly controlled static
loading to blades for performing stiffness and strength tests
required for FEM model validation and/or certification to
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Technical
Specification 61400-23. These solutions integrate robust MTS
hydraulic winch and/or linear actuation technologies to achieve
coordinated loading at multiple pull points on blade.
MTS LINEAR ACTUATOR SYSTEM

MTS HYDRAULIC WINCH SYSTEM

Features durable, single-ended MTS 201 actuators

Used to apply static loading with displacements up to 15 meters

Combines test quality winches and articulating pulley

assemblies

Pulley systems can be employed to triple, double or halve

displacement

Used to apply static loading with displacements greater

than 15 meters

System control manifold features manual mode for setup and System control manifold features manual mode for setup
and automatic mode for testing
automatic mode for testing
State-of-the-art FlexTest digital controllers, MTS FlexDAC
data acquisition and advanced AeroPro software provide
tightly integrated, synchronized test and simulation environment
Reaction Block

Blade

Horizontal Pull Configuration

Loading Fixture

Linear Actuator
Systems

Hydraulic Winch
Systems

Blade

Loading Fixture

Vertical Pull Configuration

Reaction Block

Linear Actuator Systems

Pulley Systems

Blade Fatigue Test Solutions

Highly accurate MTS Blade Fatigue Test Solutions apply automated
cyclic loading to full-scale blades and sub-components at resonant
frequencies for meeting the fatigue testing demands of International
Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Technical Specification
61400-23. These solutions are configured to apply the necessary
energy into the blade to offset damping and thus produce the

desired blade bending moment per the IEC specification. The

MTS offering includes two different loading solutions: the
easier-to-implement and faster running GREX, which can
serve as the base solution for most labs; and the compact and
flexible IREX, which can function as a complimentary solution to
augment lab efficiency and extend testing capabilities.
5

MTS GROUND RESONANCE EXCITATION (GREX) SYSTEM

Easy-to-implement, floor-coupled
load application system features
versatile base and swivel design to
accommodate wide variety of loading
fixtures and blade angles
Well suited for large (40+ meter)
blades, including low stiffness blades
where inertial based devices have
reduced effectiveness*

Performs both flap-wise and edge-wise

fatigue testing; requires change in
blade orientation on reaction mass
Capable of dual-axis resonant blade
testing in combination with IREX
system or additional actuator inputs
Features automated control of test
end-levels and test frequency

State-of-the-art FlexTest digital

controllers, MTS FlexDAC data
acquisition, 793.86 Blade Resonance
Search & Tracking software and
advanced AeroPro software provide
tightly integrated, synchronized test
and simulation environment
Loading Fixture
Reaction Block

Extendable base options available

Lower equipment mass added to blade
affords faster testing

GREX System

Blade

Multiple GREX units can be deployed

in a single test without slowing test
frequency

Hydraulic Service
Manifold

Integrates MTS 244 Actuator and

Model 249 swivels
Very low system maintenance
requirements

MTS INERTIAL RESONANCE EXCITATION (IREX) SYSTEM

Flexible, energy-efficient blade-mounted

load application system, developed
through a Cooperative Research and
Development Agreement (CRADA)
between the U.S. DOEs National
Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
and MTS Systems Corporation

Capable of dual-axis resonant blade

testing with one or multiple IREX
systems, or in combination with
GREX system
Features automated control of test
end-levels and test frequency

Well suited for shorter, stiffer blade

specimens*
Integrates MTS 244 Actuators, linear
bearings and adjustable masses
Performs both flap-wise and edgewise fatigue testing; does not require
change in blade orientation on
reaction mass

IREX System

State-of-the-art FlexTest digital

controllers, MTS FlexDAC data
acquisition, 793.86 Blade Resonance
Search & Tracking software and
advanced AeroPro software provide
tightly integrated, synchronized test
and simulation environment
Reaction Block

IREX System

Blade

Hydraulic Service
Manifold

Loading Fixture

Hose Stands

* Individual blade test configurations vary and are

determined by a blade designs specific geometry
and properties, as well as the test laboratorys
infrastructure and equipment requirements

Seismic Simulators (Shake Tables)

MTS Seismic Simulators subject full wind turbine structures,
towers and substructures to forces and motions in up to six
degrees of freedom to simulate real-world earthquake
conditions and perform modal testing.
Available in custom six degree-of-freedom configurations
for subjecting full structures to real earthquake conditions;
special-purpose configurations for evaluating extremely
large specimens that require fewer degrees of freedom; and
affordable standard uniaxial and bi-axial seismic simulators
for testing substructures and components in more compact
laboratory environments

Full Scale Wind

Turbine Structure

6 DOF Seismic/Modal
Vibration Table

Combines state-of-the-art FlexTest digital controls

modified for seismic simulation and MTS Seismic Test
Execution System (STEX Pro) software

Materials Test Systems

The MTS portfolio of materials testing solutions comprises a
broad array of high-performance load frames, high-resolution
controls, versatile MTS TestSuite application software and a full
complement of grips, fixtures, extensometers and environmental
simulation systems. Available in uniaxial and multi-axial
configurations, these systems are engineered to accurately apply
monotonic and/or cyclic loading to determine the mechanical
properties of a variety of advanced materials, including:

Glass fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites

Composite materials that will be used in self-feathering
blades (anisotropic properties)
Carbon fiber composites under consideration for longer
(100+ meter) turbine blades
Advanced alloys and ceramics

State-of-the-art MTS Testing Technologies

Multipurpose TestWare (MPT) Software
MPT software features an easy-to- use drag and drop environment
for quickly and easily building, running and reporting on complex
material, component and structural tests. The MPT package
includes 793.86 Blade Resonance Search & Tracking software.
AeroPro Software
Advanced AeroPro software features a tightly integrated control
and data acquisition user interface, advanced control loop
optimization tools, and a host of test setup utilities to streamline
and accelerate complex, multi-axial structural testing.
MTS TestSuite Software
The MTS TestSuite software platform serves as the foundation
for a growing set of easy-to-use material test modules for a full
range of fatigue and fracture mechanics test applications.
RPC Pro Software
World-renowned for automotive road simulation applications,
powerful RPC Pro software can also be used to accurately and
efficiently replicate real-world loading environments of wind
turbines. State-of-the-art simulation, analysis, signal processing
and system diagnostic capabilities make this package an ideal
tool for pursuing hybrid simulation, which loops mechanical
testing of physical systems and components into virtual wind
turbine models of a wind turbines.

FlexTest Controllers
State-of-the-art FlexTest digital controllers deliver the speed and
channel density required to keep pace with evolving test demands.
Features particularly useful for wind turbine testing include:
limit detectors, which provide the ability to initiate a controlled
shutdown when user-defined limits are reached; and dual mode
control, which allows the system to run in displacement control
while performing tests based on the specimen acceleration or strain.
MTS FlexDAC 20 Data Acquisition Systems
Fast data acquisition speeds and high channel-count capabilities
make new MTS FlexDAC 20 systems ideal for evaluating the
behavior of complex, full-scale structures under load. High-performance FlexDAC solutions acquire data from bridge-based
devices such as strain gages and load cells, as well as high-level
devices such as accelerometers and thermocouples. They integrate
seamlessly with FlexTest controllers to provide a truly synchronized
solution that eliminates data skew and yields exceptional test accuracy.

Unrivaled Global Support

Facilities Planning
MTS fields the most experienced worldwide service, support
and consulting staff of any mechanical testing solution provider.
This global team can provide the facilities planning expertise
required to ensure that your test laboratory is properly configured
at the outset to readily accommodate all your foreseeable wind
turbine testing activities. This consulting spans a wide range of
considerations, including:
Hydraulic power supply and distribution
Foundation and strong floor design
Floor plan efficiency
Hose and cabling schemes
Electrical power requirements
Materials and equipment handling capabilities

Maximizing Uptime & Productivity

Upon facility completion, MTS will coordinate the installation and
integration of test systems and train your laboratory personnel
to operate them safely and efficiently. During the installation
phase, MTS personnel can work with you to determine the best
Routine Maintenance and Fluid Care Program plan to match
the expected operation of your test equipment. Once your
laboratory is fully operational, MTS lifecycle management
programs can serve to maximize system uptime and productivity
to help you complete test programs as quickly as possible.

Regional Business Centers

THE AMERICAS

EUROPE

A S I A / PA C I F I C

MTS Systems Corporation

MTS Systems France

MTS Japan Ltd.

14000 Technology Drive

BAT EXA 16

ArcaCentral Bldg. 8F

Eden Prairie, MN 55344-2290

16/18 rue Eugne Dupuis

1-2-1 Kinshi, Sumida-ku

USA

94046 Crteil Cedex

Tokyo 130-0013

Telephone: 1-952-937-4000

France

Japan

Toll Free: 1-800-328-2255

Telephone: 33-1-58 43 90 00

Telephone: 81-3-6658-0901

Fax: 1-952-937-4515

Fax: 33-1-58 43 90 01

Fax: 81-3-6658-0904

E-mail: info@mts.com

E-mail: contact.france@mts.com

E-mail: mtsj-info@mts.com

MTS Systems GmbH

MTS Korea, Inc.

Hohentwielsteig 3

12, Sunae-ro 46beon-gil

14163 Berlin

Bundang-Gu

Germany

Seongnam-si

Telephone: +49-30-810002-0

Gyeonggi-do 463-825,

Fax: +49-30-810002-100

Korea

E-mail: euroinfo@mts.com

Telephone: 82-31-714-7151

Internet: www.mts.com

MTS Systems S.R.L. socio unico

Strada Pianezza 289

Fax: 82-31-714-7198
E-mail: mtsk-info@mts.com

10151 Torino

MTS Systems (China) Co., Ltd.

Italy

Building 23, No.481,

Telephone: 011 45175.11 sel. pass.

Guiping Road

Fax: 011 45175.00-01

Shanghai 200233,

E-mail: mtstorino@mts.com

P.R.China

MTS Systems Norden AB

Sdra Lngebergsgatan 16
SE-421 32 Vstra Frlunda

Telephone: 86-21-5427 1122

Fax: 86-21-6495 6330
E-mail: info@mtschina.com

Sweden
Telephone: 46-31-68-6999
Fax: 46-31-68-6980
E-mail: norden@mts.com
MTS Systems Ltd. UK
Brook House
Somerford Court
Somerford Road
Cirencester GL7 1TW
Glos. -United Kingdom
Telephone: +44-1285-648800
Fax: +44-1285-658052
E-mail: mtsuksales@mts.com

l
MTSSystems Corporation
14000 Technology Drive
Eden Prairie, MN 55344-2290 USA
MTS, FlexTest, RPC and TestWare are registered trademarks, and AeroPro, MPT, MTS FexDAC and MTS
TestSuite are trademarks of MTS Systems Corporation within the United States. These trademarks may be
protected in other countries. RTM No. 211177.
ISO 9001 Certified QMS
http://www.mts.com/en/ContactUs

2013 MTSSystems Corporation. Wind Power_Chicago backgrounder Printed in U.S.A. 5/13