ARROW tours MassCEC’s Wind Technology Testing Center

Last week, ARROW students, staff, and faculty toured the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center’s Wind Technology Testing Center (WTTC) in Boston, MA. The WTTC is the premier blade testing facility in the USA, and it is capable of testing blades up to 90–120 meters in length for offshore and land-based wind turbines. Their work is critical for developing and maintaining reliable and efficient domestic wind energy.

Representatives from the four Massachusetts-based ARROW schools were in attendance, representing a broad range of expertise, including fisheries and ecology, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, and business and management. 

During the ARROW visit, WTTC Engineering Director George Blagdon gave a 30-minute presentation about what blades are made out of, and what their failure points are, the testing process, how they are transported, and the role of the state of Massachusetts in supporting the wind industry. After the presentation, ARROW participants were able to see a blade going through fatigue testing, and look inside an on-shore wind blade to better understand scale and construction. 

After the presentation and tour, University of Massachusetts Lowell student Luis Ramirez noted that he’s “proud to see that Massachusetts is a leader in clean energy innovation.” ARROW looks forward to continuing their partnership with the WTTC.