C1 Connections successfully performs full-scale test with the C1 Wedge Connection

The C1 Wedge Connection is a high-capacity, low-maintenance connection that can be installed in a fast and safe manner. It can be used both in off- and onshore wind turbines as an alternative to bolted flange connections currently used in tubular steel wind turbine towers and foundations. The C1 Wedge Connection is currently being developed in collaboration with Siemens Gamesa and Delft University.

Production, installation and behaviour of the connection were tested at full scale. Results show that the C1 Wedge Connection can be installed much faster than conventional bolted flange connections.

Please, have a look at the video of the full-scale test.

In April 2019, C1 Connections began cooperating with Siemens Gamesa and Delft University to further develop the C1 Wedge Connection for application in wind turbine substructures. This development has received funding from the Dutch Government Agency RVO (Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland).

Already in 2018, an earlier research project -which was also financially supported by RVO-, demonstrated that the C1 Wedge Connection has much higher load capacity and significantly better fatigue resistance than conventional flanged connections. This is especially relevant in a context of ever-growing turbine sizes and increasing turbine loads. C1 Connections will, together with Siemens Gamesa and Delft University of Technology, continue its development towards market-readiness.

Jasper Winkes, Managing Director, C1 Connections B.V.: “We are thrilled with the results of the full-scale test. We have proven that the technology can withstand extreme loads where the current bolted L-flange is already reaching its limit. Moreover, the C1 Wedge Connection allows the reduction of CAPEX and OPEX while making installation considerably faster and safer.”