FastBlade composites stress test facility opens for business

In under three months FastBlade - a partnership between Edinburgh University and Babcock International - will simulate the stresses placed on tidal turbine blades during two decades at sea. To do so, Fastblade’s 75-tonne reaction frame will exert powerful forces on turbine blades over 50 feet long via a system of hydraulic cylinders.

In doing so, it will replicate the complex forces to which tidal turbines are exposed at sea using digital and hydraulic technology systems developed by engineers at Edinburgh University.

In a statement, Professor Conchúr Ó Brádaigh, head of School of Engineering at Edinburgh University, said: “FastBlade will be the world’s first dedicated fatigue test facility for tidal turbine blades, and will help this emerging industry provide clean, reliable renewable energy at a reasonable cost to consumers.

“The facility will also help maintain the globally leading position of Scottish tidal turbine developers in the race to find sources of clean and secure power, as well as confirming the societal impact of Edinburgh University’s research and development efforts in marine renewable energy.”