A map of wind turbine test sites. (Source: U.S. Department of Energy). Interactive version available at: http://energy.gov/articles/blades-glory-wind-technology-bringing-us-closer-clean-energy-future.
The nation’s largest and one of the world’s most advanced wind drivetrain testing facilities opened in North Charleston, S.C. On November 21. Led by Clemson University’s Restoration Institute, the facility will help test and validate new turbines, particularly for offshore wind.
“Developing America’s vast renewable energy resources is an important part of the Energy Department’s all-of-the-above strategy to pave the way to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future,” said U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy Daniel Poneman. “The Clemson testing facility represents a critical investment to ensure America leads in this fast-growing global industry—helping to make sure the best, most efficient wind energy technologies are developed and manufactured in the United States.”
“This facility is about job creation, sustainable growth, and energy independence, while building the infrastructure to power America’s economic growth and prosperity for years to come,” said Congressman Jim Clyburn. “I applaud Clemson University for their leadership in bringing this cutting edge research to South Carolina and North Charleston. Wind energy represented over 40% of new electricity production in the United States in 2012, but there is still tremendous amount of untapped potential for this technology. I look forward to this industry creating jobs while providing clean renewable energy.”
Located at a former Navy warehouse with easy access to rail and water transport, the Clemson wind drivetrain testing facility will test machinery that converts both onshore and offshore wind to electricity and allow engineers to simulate 20 years’ worth of wear and tear on drivetrains in a few months. The facility’s proximity to the coast also makes it ideal for American and international companies to testing larger offshore wind turbines.
Supported by a $47 million Energy Department investment as well as about $60 million in outside funding, the facility is equipped with two testing bays—for up to 7.5-megawatt and 15-megawatt drivetrains, respectively. The facility will also feature a grid simulator that mimics real-world conditions and can help private industry and public researchers better study interactions between wind energy technologies and the U.S. power grid.
Last week, we reported that the world’s largest offshore wind turbine was installed in Belgium. The world’s most powerful offshore converter station, that converts alternating current electricity from wind farms into high-voltage direct current for transmission to the mainland, was positioned this August in the North Sea.
