Vibration Research & Testing Centre
The Vibration Research & Testing Centre (VRTC) is one in 4 in the world and is state of the art in solving wind induced vibration problems. The VRTC was launched in December 2000 by UKZN in collaboration with Eskom and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through the Technology Human Resources and Industry Programme (THRIP), as well as Eskom’s Tertiary Education Support Programme (TESP).
A R6.8 million investment resulted in a world-class facility which consists of a 95-metre long temperature regulated laboratory. The laboratory is one of only four in the world and it is the only facility of its kind in the Southern hemisphere.
The VRTC provides the basis for the performance of high-level applied research that addresses the key issues relating to the operation of overhead transmission & distribution lines (conductors, clamps and other equipment). It is an ideal facility to carry out strategic research on mathematical & experimental modeling of overhead transmission & distribution lines relating to wind induced Aeolian vibrations.
The overall vision of this portfolio is that the investigations into the vibration damper testing on the overhead transmission lines, will contribute to the improved distribution of electricity, in terms of optimised costs in structure life-span, reliability and safety.
ary.The VRTC provides the basis for the performance of high-level applied research that addresses the key issues relating to the operation of overhead transmission & distribution lines (conductors, clamps and other equipment). It is an ideal facility to carry out strategic research on mathematical & experimental modeling of overhead transmission & distribution lines relating to wind induced Aeolian vibrations.
The overall vision of this portfolio is that the investigations into the vibration damper testing on the overhead transmission lines, will contribute to the improved distribution of electricity, in terms of optimised costs in structure life-span, reliability and safety.
Vibration Research and Testing Centre – Westville
The following equipment is used for testing in the 95 m temperature controlled lab:
- 85 m test span
- 130 kN hydraulic variable tension rig
- 5-3000 Hz electrodynamic shaker with acceleration of 1000 m2/s and displacement of 50.8 mm peak to peak
- Measurement and control system (100g accelerometers, 22 kN force transducers, laser displacement transducer, 5 &10kN load cells, straight gauges for elongation, Puma control and NI data acquisition and logging system)
Tests undertaken:
- Damper testing
- Conductor testing including OPGW
- Up to quad bundled conductor testing and damper testing
- Conductor fatigue test
- Jumper testing
- Conductor and insulator testing
Advantages: Can undertake non-standard testing