GWP – expert services and laboratory tests for the energy industry
GWP offers the energy industry comprehensive expert services: whether wind turbines, solar technologies or hydrogen applications – our damage analyses, our specialist knowledge and state-of-the-art laboratory tests secure the energy supply of the future.
A reliable, sustainable energy supply forms the basis for a functioning economy. With Germany's exit from nuclear power, the country is internationally recognized for a pioneering energy transition. The aim is to reconcile security of supply with environmental and climate protection and to ensure a resource-saving, affordable energy supply.
The energy transition requires new quality assurance. Our services help us understand the complex challenges facing the industry and improve products. In this way, we are also laying the foundations for a sustainable future - for us and future generations.
Damage analysis and handling of damage to wind turbines
Wind turbines are complex machines that are subject to a variety of mechanical, electrical and environmental stresses. The most common types of damage include:
Together with the Expert Center for Technology (EZT), experienced experts for damage analysis and damage prevention and the GWP as a laboratory for the investigations have joined forces to form an interdisciplinary network. EZT • Expert Center for Technology (experten-zentrum.tech)
To test resilience under environmental stress, thermal cycle and damp heat tests simulate conditions such as extreme temperatures and high humidity. Mechanical tests, including wind, snow load and hail impact tests, check stability under external stress. CT and microscopy make tiny material defects and microcracks visible
Modern analysis tools such as infrared thermography and machine learning algorithms help to identify anomalies and weak points and use the data for future improvements.
A key aspect of the safety assessment is the fire test in the laboratory. This simulates an emergency situation by exposing tanks to extreme temperatures and fire. The aim is to test the structural integrity and tightness of the tanks and to ensure that in the event of a fire there is no uncontrolled escape of hydrogen, which could cause explosions.
CFRP tanks have advantages due to their high strength and low weight, but their behavior under extreme conditions must be precisely tested. Other materials are also being tested for their suitability in order to ensure the best possible safety in the event of a fire.
In addition to fire performance, the tanks are tested for mechanical strength, aging and fatigue to ensure their long-term safety and durability. The comprehensive tests are crucial to developing safe hydrogen storage solutions that can withstand the extreme conditions in use.
Society for Materials Testing mbH
Ensure quality | Support development | Analyze damage | Pass on knowledge