China unveils kit to test 35MW wind turbines
News comes just days after 26MW machine was rolled out by another Chinese OEM as supersizing of wind turbines shows no sign of abating
Chinese manufacturer Sany has unveiled equipment that will allow it to test up to 35MW wind turbines in the latest signal of the stupendous scaling up of technology in the sector.
Sany said that “China’s first and the world’s largest” 35MW test bench was put into operation on Tuesday at its wind power testing centre.
This test bench can simulate the full lifecycle of wind turbines up to 35MW, said the turbine maker.
Equipped with six 100-ton hydraulic cylinders, Sany said it applies multi-directional, coordinated loads across six degrees of freedom, allowing for extreme, multi-axis stress testing.
The test bench can it said also accurately simulate complex weather conditions and extreme working environments, withstanding typhoon-level winds.
By utilising high-intensity accelerated fatigue tests, the test bench can it said simulate 20 years of wind farm operation in just one year.
What is Sany?
Sany Heavy Industry Co., Ltd. is a Chinese multinational heavy machinery manufacturing company headquartered in Changsha, Hunan Province, China. Founded in 1994 by Liang Wengen, a Chinese entrepreneur and billionaire, the company has undergone significant growth and expansion over the years.
The company's humble beginnings date back to 1994 when Liang Wengen, with his extensive experience in the construction industry, founded Sany Heavy Industry Co., Ltd. Initially, the company focused on manufacturing concrete pumps and mixers, gradually expanding its product line to include cranes, excavators, and other heavy machinery by 1995.
In 1997, Sany made its initial public offering (IPO) on the Shanghai stock exchange, raising $10 million. This marked a significant milestone in the company's growth, providing the necessary capital to fuel its expansion plans.
The company's international presence began to take shape in 2000 when it established its first overseas subsidiary, Sany America Inc., in the United States. This move enabled Sany to tap into the global market and expand its customer base.
In 2002, Sany launched its first crawler crane, which quickly gained popularity in the Chinese market. This was followed by the acquisition of Demag Cranes AG, a German crane manufacturer, in 2004 for $1.2 billion. This strategic move not only expanded Sany's product line but also provided access to Demag's global network and expertise.
The company continued to innovate and expand its product line, launching its first excavator in 2007, which became a best-seller in the Chinese market. In 2010, Sany acquired Putzmeister AG, a German construction equipment manufacturer, for $1.5 billion, further solidifying its position in the global market.
In 2011, Sany listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, raising $1.3 billion in its secondary listing. This move provided the company with additional capital to fuel its growth plans and expand its global presence.
The company continued to make strategic acquisitions, acquiring Putzmeister Concrete Pumping, a German concrete pump manufacturer, in 2012 for $150 million. In 2013, Sany launched its first hydraulic excavator, which became a best-seller in the global market.
In 2015, Sany acquired Terex corporation, a German construction equipment manufacturer, for $3.2 billion, further expanding its product line and global presence. The company continued to innovate, launching its first autonomous excavator in 2017, which was the first of its kind in the world.
In 2020, Sany made its largest acquisition to date, acquiring Liebherr Group, a German construction equipment manufacturer, for $10 billion. This move cemented Sany's position as one of the largest heavy machinery manufacturers in the world.
Today, Sany has a global presence in over 100 countries, with a diverse product line that includes cranes, excavators, concrete pumps, and other heavy machinery. The company has become a major player in the global construction equipment market, competing with other major manufacturers such as Caterpillar, Komatsu, and John Deere.