Nordex has taken a significant step in bolstering its in-house capabilities with the inauguration of a generator converter test bench at its Rostock site. This facility, a €4 million investment, is designed to accelerate the development and testing of high-performance converters, which are crucial for adapting wind turbine output to meet evolving grid requirements and implementing grid-forming strategies.
The Power-Hardware-in-the-Loop test bench allows Nordex to simulate a wide range of grid conditions, enabling faster and more comprehensive testing without relying solely on field trials. “With the new test bench, we at Nordex are strengthening our ability to develop our own converter solutions to meet the changing international requirements of continuously growing grid connection specifications; the grid codes,” said Helmut Resing-Wormer, head of test and prototype at Nordex. This capability is essential for ensuring the reliability and grid compliance of Nordex’s systems under real-world conditions.
By investing in this technology, Nordex is positioning itself to provide flexible, tailored grid integration solutions. “By building in-house development capabilities and expertise in converter technology, we’re laying the groundwork for flexible, tailored grid integration solutions,” said Dr. Christian Wessels, vice president of global electrical engineering at Nordex. This move underscores the company’s commitment to innovation and its response to the increasing complexity of global grid codes.
The inauguration was attended by representatives from government, research institutions, and partner companies, including the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. The event highlighted the growing engineering network in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, particularly in Rostock, which focuses on grid integration and stability. “In recent years, an engineering network of companies and research institutes has established itself in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and particularly in Rostock,” Resing-Wormer noted.
The new test bench expands Rostock’s role as a centre of excellence, complementing its existing capabilities in nacelle, hub, drive-train, and control-cabinet manufacturing, as well as its blade competence centre. This development is likely to influence the broader wind energy sector by setting a precedent for in-house testing and development of critical components, potentially driving innovation and competition in grid integration technologies.
As the energy sector continues to evolve, the ability to adapt to changing grid requirements will be paramount. Nordex’s investment in converter technology and testing infrastructure positions the company at the forefront of this shift, potentially shaping the future of wind turbine electrical systems and grid integration strategies.