While scientists often explore the very smallest of dimensions, colossal objects weighing several tons are soon to play an important role as well: the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) plans to measure large gears of up to four meters in diameter in its future excellence center for wind energy. Its goal in doing so is to develop and make available a form of measurement technology which enables the operation of increasingly large and efficient wind turbines. To conquer this uncharted technological territory, a new building specially conceived for this purpose is being built on the premises of PTB in Braunschweig, using 10 million euros in financing provided by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi). The building will house a large coordinate measuring machine which can be used to measure huge wind turbine components, as well as measurement and calibration facilities for very large torques. In addition, the...
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