ZF Wind Power inaugurated India’s largest 13.2MW test rig in Coimbatore. This modern test rig, is used for comprehensive testing and validation of gearboxes and powertrains, ensuring they can withstand the rigorous demands of modern wind turbines. The dynamic testing capabilities, including real-time simulation of field conditions and torque reversal cycles, support extreme validation up to 20 MNm.
The wind energy sector stands at a critical turning point, grappling with challenges that require cutting-edge solutions to meet soaring global energy needs. Reliable and robust powertrain systems are now more essential than ever. ZF Wind Power’s new test rig launch empowers the company to address this surging demand, solidifying its role as a key system partner in driving a sustainable future.
At the inauguration, Felix Henseler, CEO of ZF Wind Power said, “The 13.2 MW test rig is an integral part of ZF Wind Power’s commitment to the Indian wind energy ambitions. Together with our partners, we cooperate on every challenge in the development and full life cycle of new products, from Co*Design to Co*Service. ZF Group is investing in India to offer complete solutions — from R&D to testing and validation — for global and local needs. In the next phase, we will establish a cold chamber test facility, enabling our India plant to deliver comprehensive end-to-end solutions for both global and Indian markets.
Empowering a sustainable future
ZF Wind Power in India, till date, has supplied close to 60 GW of wind gearbox capacities from Coimbatore for both domestic and global markets. The test rig will significantly enhance gearbox testing capabilities in terms of torque and speed, enabling validation for new products to ensure they meet higher torque levels.
While ZF Wind Power plant at Coimbatore has a world-class manufacturing and assembly set up. The dynamic testing capability of this test rig facilitates real-time simulation of field conditions, specifically for torque reversal cycles. This step is essential to receive approval from customers, insurers, and certification agencies to launch new designs.
ZF Wind Power is continuously increasing the torque levels of their gearboxes and powertrains, and this investment will enable the company to meet the demand for high-quality systems with extensive validation. The plant in Coimbatore can now undertake completely new product development for the next generation gearboxes reducing lead times and optimizing investments.
