ZF Wind Power Coimbatore has inaugurated India’s largest and most advanced 13.2 MW test rig, designed specifically for gearboxes and powertrains in the wind energy sector. This state-of-the-art facility enables comprehensive testing and validation under real-world conditions, ensuring systems can endure the extreme demands of modern wind turbines.
The rig’s dynamic capabilities include real-time field condition simulation and torque reversal cycles, supporting extreme validation up to 20 MNm. These features enable ZF Wind Power to rigorously test powertrain systems for performance, durability, and reliability.
As the wind energy sector faces mounting challenges in its effort to meet global energy demands, the need for robust and future-ready powertrain solutions has become critical. The commissioning of this cutting-edge test rig not only addresses these challenges but also reinforces ZF Wind Power’s role as a key system partner in advancing sustainable energy technologies.
With this strategic investment, the ZF Group enhances the efficiency, reliability, and longevity of wind energy systems—both in India and globally—driving innovation and accelerating the transition toward a greener future.
Preparing for empowering a sustainable future
ZF Wind Power in India till date has supplied close to 60 GW of wind gearbox capacities from Coimbatore for both domestic and global markets. The test rig will significantly enhance gearbox testing capabilities in terms of torque and speed, enabling validation for new products to ensure they meet higher torque levels.
While ZF Wind Power plant at Coimbatore has a world class manufacturing and assembly set up. The dynamic testing capability of this test rig facilitates real-time simulation of field conditions, specifically for torque reversal cycles. This step is essential to receive approval from customers, insurers, and certification agencies to launch new designs.
As a leading technology innovator, ZF Wind Power is continuously increasing the torque levels of their gearboxes and powertrains. This investment will enable ZF Wind Power to meet the demand for high-quality systems with extensive validation. The plant in Coimbatore can now undertake completely new product development for the next generation gearboxes – reducing lead times and optimizing investments.
System Co-Operation: ZF Wind Power Reinforces Role as a True System Partner
“The 13.2 MW test rig is a key pillar of ZF Wind Power’s long-term commitment to supporting India’s wind energy goals,” said Felix Henseler, CEO of ZF Wind Power. “In close collaboration with our partners, we engage at every stage of a product’s lifecycle—from Co-Design to Co-Service—addressing development challenges with a shared vision.”
ZF Group’s ongoing investments in India aim to provide complete, end-to-end solutions tailored for both global and local markets. These encompass R&D, testing, and validation—all delivered under one roof. In the next phase, we plan to establish a state-of-the-art cold chamber test facility at our India plant, further strengthening our capability to deliver comprehensive solutions.
“This commitment reflects our role as a trusted system partner—driving co-innovation and advancing sustainable technologies through deep collaboration with our ecosystem of partners,” Henseler added.
“ZF’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its continued investments in the region. The 13.2MW test rig strengthens our broader strategy to drive sustainable energy solutions and empowers the development of more efficient and reliable wind turbines. Furthermore, this aligns with our strategic sustainability goals and supports Indian and global efforts to transition towards renewable energy sources,” concluded Akash Passey, President ZF Group India.
The 13.2MW test rig is a not only a groundbreaking advancement in the Indian wind industry but underlines ZF’s global reach and footprint of state-of-art production capabilities.
