Dynamic test benches|Support structure test center

The Support Structure Test Center (TTH) in Hanover offers a unique infrastructure for testing all types of support structures (towers and foundations) on a scale of 1:10 and larger. The foundation test pit and the span can be used to investigate fatigue and extreme load behavior under multi-axial loading. Furthermore, accelerated testing of rotor blade bearing systems is feasible. The test center also offers four specially equipped laboratories to carry out scientific investigations. The “structural health monitoring laboratory”, the “soil mechanics laboratory”, the “concrete laboratory” and the “fiber composite laboratory” complete the infrastructure of the test center.

Clearly defined testing procedures up to extreme loads provide reproducible results and thus allow complex questions to be answered. Bringing together structural models, numerical analyses and large-scale experiments, simulation models can be validated, and wind turbines with improved availability and better cost effectiveness can be realized. The structure’s dynamic and fatigue behavior under long-term cyclic loading by waves, wind and operation can be reproduced in short time, i.e., tests lasting three to four months can provide meaningful results. System reserves can be determined, further optimization potential can be defined, and the structural design can be adapted accordingly. Constructing more slender structures while maintaining structural safety and reliability enables savings on materials and logistics. Besides, more environmentally acceptable construction methods can be developed and tested at TTH.