This thesis presents a new kind of research platform at the Center for Wind Power Drives at RWTH Aachen University for the laboratory testing of wind turbines. It consists of a state-of-the-art research wind turbine which is newly set up and specifically automated. The platform is embedded in a hardware-in-the-loop system on a system test bench and is connected to a simulation model. It provides simple, automated and reproducible testing under arbitrary conditions in the laboratory. The major components, tower and rotor, are removed and realistic loads are imposed on the turbine on a test bench by a motor and a non-torque load system. The original programmable logic control remains active and missing components are being emulated by the hardware-in-the-loop system. The virtual components of the hardware-in-the-loop environment and the physically existing ones can be exchanged as needed. The attached simulation environment of both the turbine in the field and on the test bench is also fully integrated, enabling virtual or physical testing as required. The controls of both the turbine and the test bench are fully accessible, which offers maximum flexibility. Flexibility on the electrical side is provided by a grid emulator. Due to the extensive instrumentation of the turbine, particular insight into individual drive train components is also possible.The system offers particular advantages for the development process of wind turbines and is recognized by the relevant committees, including for certification. This allows for tests to be conducted much earlier, faster and more regularly, leading to a more agile development process. Research results can be freely published as there are no commercial interests involved. The hardware-in-the-loop system is modularly constructed so that other wind turbines can be integrated with minimal effort. A typical certification measurement campaign was conducted with the presented platform and validated against field data.

Dissertation, Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen, 2024; Aachen : RWTH Aachen Online 1 Online-Ressource : Illustrationen (2025). = Dissertation, Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen, 2024

Published by RWTH Aachen Online, Aachen