Testing
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Wind Turbine
Type Characteristics
Measurements

The power performance and other characteristic attributes of the wind turbine type are measured according to applicable IEC standards and included in the type certificate documentation. In cases where applicable IEC standards are not available, the measurement procedure shall be agreed between the applicant and the certification body. The elements to be included in these measurements are selected by the applicant among the elements listed in standards documents. For such measurement results to be included in the certificate documentation, a statement of conformity to the agreed procedures, issued by the certification body or its agent, is required and shall identify the:

  • measurements carried out,
  • measurement standards applied, and
  • resulting measurement report

The signatories of the conformity statement shall be different from the persons responsible for conducting the measurements and reporting the results.
Power Performance Measurements For a type certification in which power performance measurement is included, the measurement procedures shall conform to all applicable elements of IEC 61400-12 "Power Performance..."  The purpose of the measurement is to document a measured power curve and determine the energy capture potential of the wind turbine type. The test conditions, instrumentation, calibrations, and analyses are described in a test report as required in IEC 61400-12.
Power Quality Measurements For a type certification in which power quality measurement is included, the measurement procedures  conforms to applicable elements of IEC 61400-xx "Power Quality ..."  The purpose of these measurements is to document the characteristic quality of the power generated by the wind turbine type. The measurements include maximum power level, rated power factor, flicker coefficient, harmonic distortion, and inrush current during starts and generator switching operations. The test conditions, instrumentation, calibrations, and analyses are described in a test report as required in IEC 61400-xx.
Acoustic Noise Measurements For a type certification in which acoustic emission measurement is included, the measurements shall conform to applicable elements of IEC 61400-11 "Acoustic Emissions Measurements."  The purpose of this measurement program is to document the acoustic emission characteristics of the wind turbine type. If included, the measured acoustic emission characteristics as defined in IEC 61400-11 shall, at least, be the:
  • apparent sound power level at a wind speed of 8 m/s,
  • sound directivity index at the three required positions, and
  • tonality of any tones above the minimum threshold

The test conditions, instrumentation, calibrations, and analyses shall be described in a test report as required in IEC 61400-11.

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Prepared by
National Wind Technology Center
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Operated for the
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
by the Midwest Research Institute

Updated: November 21, 2002