An innovative cyclic loading device to study long term performance of offshore wind turbines

A new paper published in the journal of Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering. 

VJ Tech in collaboration with Surrey university to design and produce an innovative cyclic loading device to simulate multiple force acting on a wind turbine. 

Click here to download the paper (Original - Extraction required)

Click here to download the paper (Open access version)

Abstract: One of the major uncertainties in the design of offshore wind turbines is the prediction of long term performance of the foundation u.e. the effect of millions of cycles of cyclic and dynamic loads on the foundation. This technical note presents a simple and  easily scalable loading device that is able to apply millions of cycles of cyclic as well as dynamic loading to a scaled model to evaluate the long term performance. Furthermore, the device is economic and is able to replicate complex wave forms (in terms of frequency and amplitude) and also study the wind and wave misalignment aspects. The proposed test methodology may also suffice the requirements of Technology Readiness Level (TRL) Level 3-4 i.e. Experimental Proof of Concept Validation as described by European Commission. Typical long term test results from two types of foundations (monopile and twisted jacket on piles) are presented to show the effectiveness of the loading device.

About VJ Tech

We manufacture and supply soil, concrete, cement, rock and asphalt testing equipment for laboratories around the world from our base in Reading, UK.

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• London’s Canary Wharf, Millennium Dome and Jubilee Line tube extension
• Malaysia’s iconic Petronas Twin Towers
• and Dubai’s Palm Islands.

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