International Wind Engineering performs power performance tests in compliance with IEC 61400-12-1.

The Wind Turbine Power Performance Test aims to the establishment of the relation between the net electrical power delivered to the grid by a single wind turbine and the reference wind speed at a suitable upstream location.

A power performance test aims either to experimentally prove the theoretically derived power curve of a new wind turbine model for certification purposes or to assess the warranty power curve of wind turbine units in a wind farm.

                                          

The test applies the IEC-61400-12-1 standard. Normally, it  is a two- phase process. First, a site calibration is performed, i.e. a measurement procedure aiming to the establishment of the relation between the wind speed measured at the reference meteorological mast and that on a temporary mast deployed at the tested wind turbine position (prior to its erection). In case this is no possible, International Wind Engineering offers alternative solutions (e.g. nacelle anemometry).

The second phase of the measurements (power curve) follows the completion of site calibration. Wind speed and direction, temperature, pressure, humidity, precipitation are measured on the reference meteorological tower.  The active power delivered to the grid is measured with voltage (if necessary) and current transformers and a power transducer calibrated for a range of –50% to +200% of the wind turbine nominal power. Additional wind turbine operational parameters are provided from the sensor panel of the wind turbine using optical isolators as interfaces.

The data logging systems offer remote control, programming and data download through GSM modem .

A comprehensive test report is issued according to IEC 61400-12-1 standard. Sensitivity analysis of power performance on selected parameters may be conducted according to the customer’s requirements.