Full-scale testing – proven reliability

At LM Wind Power, a new blade type is not put into serial production until it has been tested for 20 years of operation. This is to ensure the reliability of the blades throughout the service life of the turbine.

First, a static test confirms that the blade can handle extreme loads.

The blade is then subjected to fatigue testing in a so-called dynamic test in both directions, i.e. flapwise and edgewise. The blade undergoes a level of fatigue corresponding to 20 years of operation.

However, a further static test is carried out to ensure that the blade is able to withstand extreme loads even towards the end of its service life.

Reliable blades

The fatigue tests go well beyond the certification requirements of the blades. They are our way of assuring our customers that the blades will operate reliably throughout the service life of the wind turbine.

Reliable lightning protection

In addition to in-house blade strength tests, we regularly use some of the most advanced high-current laboratories in the world to test our lightning protection system. These tests provide valuable information about what happens when lightning strikes wind turbine blades. LM Glasfiber lightning protection is based on this expertise, which has also enabled us to document safety to a very high standard. Our lightning protection system withstands the effects of up to 98% of all lightning strikes and is certified in accordance with CEI/IEC protection level 1.

The LM DiverterStrip has recently been thoroughly tested to ensure that it can extend the lightning intercept area and lead the lightning down to the lightning receptor.
Read more about our lightning protection
More about our testing programme