Wind Turbine Nacelle Test Bench Using an Optimized Torque Control and an Aerodynamic Real Time Model

To allow high efficient and outstanding research in the fields of wind energy a nacelle test bench was developed. This test bench consists of the complete nacelle of a wind turbine, an optimized torque controlled TFM drive and a new real time model of the aerodynamics to realize the same dynamic behavior as at the real plant. In parallel a second wind turbine of the same type was set up in the open field for later verifications. The benefits of the test bench will be discussed, the design and the construction explained and the basic operation presented.