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R&D Project

Wind research and development

Wind energy

Wind turbine manufacturing and components

DTU Risø: Pushing the bar for what is possible

3 April 2025

Solution provider

DTU Wind Energy

DTU Wind and Energy Systems is about taking the technology to the next level. About creating an impact for people and society through research and innovation. About collaborating with the entire energy sector to develop the most effective technology on the planet.

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Challenge

As wind turbine technology continues to evolve, the demand for accurate and comprehensive testing of components, particularly turbine blades, has increased. To ensure performance, reliability, and safety, manufacturers and researchers require facilities capable of simulating real-world conditions and testing full-scale components under controlled environments. However, access to such facilities—especially within a university setting—remains limited.

Solution

To meet this need, DTU Risø Campus has expanded its wind energy testing capabilities through the development of two key facilities: the Poul la Cour Wind Tunnel and the Large-Scale Facility. Together, these facilities support testing across multiple dimensions of turbine blade design and performance.

The Poul la Cour Wind Tunnel provides controlled conditions for consistent and repeatable testing of wind turbine blades. It allows for detailed analysis of blade performance under varied wind speeds and directions. Complementing this, the Large-Scale Facility offers structural testing of blades for medium-sized wind turbines. It includes three test stands that can accommodate blades up to 15, 25, and 45 metres in length. These stands enable both static load tests and fatigue tests, helping to validate the durability and structural integrity of blades and similar slender structures.

Result

With these capabilities, DTU Risø Campus has positioned itself as one of the leading university-owned facilities globally in the field of wind energy testing. The infrastructure supports both research and industrial development by offering detailed, full-scale testing options. It contributes to improving the reliability of wind turbine components and supports the broader development of wind energy technology in Denmark and internationally.

Front page of 'Wind energy - powering the future'

Publication: Wind Energy - Powering the future

Discover our white paper on wind energy, and learn about how wind is pushing the ambitions for a renewable energy transition.

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