Latest news with #windtunnel
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
China's low-altitude aviation gets major boost with new wind tunnel testing facility
China has reportedly started operations on its first compounded wind tunnel dedicated to low-altitude aircraft testing in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province. Developed by Guangdong Aerospace Research Academy (GARA), the development is being seen as a major milestone for the low-altitude aviation sector—especially drones and urban air mobility vehicles. A composite wind tunnel is a controlled testing facility that simulates flying conditions by blowing air over a fixed model of an aircraft or drone. The structure enables engineers to study aerodynamics (the movement of air around an aircraft) and optimize control systems and flight performance. Wind tunnels are very useful for safely testing aircraft designs and estimating factors such as wind resistance. They also enable testing to be completed faster and more economically than real-world outdoor test flights. The new wind tunnel, it is reported, has been specially designed to test low-altitude aircraft. To this end, it is tailored for drones, air taxis, and other low-altitude flyers, which are increasingly important for logistics, urban transport, and surveillance. Integrates traditional tech with 'windshaper' system The tunnel is China's first 4.5-meter class, making it big enough to test medium-sized drones or small crewed aircraft, while still being efficient for rapid testing cycles. The structure will also foster quicker local testing, alleviate waits of up to a year at facilities like the one in Harbin, which is far away and overbooked. "There were companies that waited for over a year for a testing slot in Harbin. Now, with the wind tunnel launched in the Greater Bay Area, the entire process for wind tunnel experiments, from coordination to testing, takes just three to four months," said Shang Zuming, the director of the wind tunnel testing platform at GARA. "We fix the aircraft to a test platform and let the air flow, creating a relative movement and simulating the conditions of flight in the sky to measure technological parameters," explained Sun Liangbao, head of wind tunnel technology at the Guangdong Aerospace Research Academy. The new composite wind tunnel integrates traditional aviation wind tunnel system with 'windshaper' technology. This can be likened to a dynamic airflow system optimized for smaller and more agile drone testing. This dual function makes it a hybrid platform, marking the first of its kind in China while slashing research time and development costs. Fostering quicker deployment of new flight technologies GARA is planning a 'Bay Area No.1' data-sharing platform to streamline testing and promote collaboration among companies and research institutions. Considering the broader perspective, the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area is a national priority for high-tech innovation. This will prove critical, as drones and low-altitude aircraft are a major focus of economic growth in China. To this end, this new facility helps bridge the gap between lab-based R&D and real-world deployment. According to local reports, it will also support faster commercialization of new flight technologies, including autonomous drones. Looking at the bigger picture, the new wind tunnel marks a pivotal step in accelerating China's low-altitude aviation ambitions by turning aerodynamic theory into flight-ready reality. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
TrinaTracker Receives the first Wind Tunnel Test Technical Review Report in China by DNV
SHANGHAI, July 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- TrinaTracker, the smart solar tracking system provider under Trinasolar (SHA: 688599), announced that it has received a third party technical review of the wind tunnel test program for its Vanguard 1P tracker, with a report issued by the independent energy expert and assurance provider, DNV. The test program, conducted by Tongji University, involved a new rigid-model pressure measurement test and advanced dynamic analysis research for its Vanguard 1P tracker, with DNV providing third-party technical review services. The study was conducted in TJ-3 wind tunnel of Tongji University, of which the scale ranks second among similar wind tunnels in the world. It utilized a large-scale multi-row array model (measuring 5m × 2.2m) to perform comprehensive and precise measurements of wind loads on the tracker structure. The study also investigated the effects of various parameters to ensure the reliability of the Vanguard 1P tracker across different application scenarios. DNV conducted a rigorous review of the research findings. This advanced wind load evaluation further enhances the wind resistance performance of the Vanguard 1P tracker. Xie Tao, General Manager, Energy Systems for Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau at DNV , said, "As a critical component of PV systems, the long-term reliability of trackers directly impacts investor returns. This review examines the innovative wind tunnel testing method proposed by Tongji University and TrinaTracker—a bold step forward in testing technologies amid the energy transition." TrinaTracker maintains dedicated wind engineering research capabilities and collaborates with global leaders like Tongji University, RWDI, and CPP to ensure its products remain at the industry forefront. The partnership with DNV exemplifies a new model to address global customer needs. Moving forward, TrinaTracker will continue investing in technical innovation to deliver cutting-edge tracker technologies and products. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE TrinaTracker Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
