Barlovento Applus+ performs wind turbine power performance testing in onshore and offshore wind farms to measure a turbine’s actual energy output under specific conditions. The objective is to verify that the wind turbine performs according to its design specifications and the manufacturer's claims. The wind turbine power curve testing involves collecting data on wind speed, direction, and power output to evaluate efficiency and ensure compliance with international standards, such as IEC 61400 12 1.
Testing the power performance of wind turbines is a critical procedure to verify their performance and ensure that actual energy production meets the manufacturer’s warranted power curve.
Our global, specialized Barlovento Applus+ team is equipped to provide wind turbine power performance testing services in onshore and offshore wind farms. We support our clients throughout all phases of the turbine power performance testing process:
1. Planning and preparation: Define test objectives and configuration, select site and wind turbine, ensure compliance with IEC 61400 12 1 standards, as well as provide and commission measurement equipment, including conventional met masts, ground LiDAR, and nacelle LiDAR.
2. System calibration: Calibrate all measurement devices to ensure accurate and traceable data collection.
3. Wind measurement campaign execution: Record wind speed, wind direction, air density, and turbine power output over a sufficient period.
4. Data analysis: Review collected data and compare the actual wind power curve with expected values.
5. Reporting: We carry out the reporting with in-house-developed software that enables comprehensive data analysis and provides recommendations.
We are a MEASNET member and ENAC-accredited lab, providing wind turbine power performance testing according to IEC standards, particularly IEC 61400-12-1, to ensure accurate, consistent, and reliable measurement of turbine output. Compliance with these standards provides a trusted basis for resolving performance-related disputes.
As an example of our expertise, our team has been working closely with one of our clients on an innovative research project to explore the potential of Nacelle-Mounted LiDAR (NML) technology for wind turbine power performance testing in semi-complex onshore terrain.
NML technology, already widely recognized for its effectiveness in offshore wind and flat terrain onshore projects, is currently being tested in more challenging environments. Our project focused on understanding how this cutting-edge technology can be adapted to semi-complex terrains, where traditional methods have been the norm.
Throughout the project, we conducted detailed terrain analyses, carefully positioned the NML systems, and managed a comprehensive wind measurement campaign. Results are promising, as we have seen significant reliability and accuracy in NML measurements, even in these tougher conditions.
This collaboration marks an important step in expanding the applicability of NML technology, offering new flexibility and insights for the wind energy industry.
Wind turbine power performance testing services are aimed at wind farm developers, turbine manufacturers, investors, and lenders. These stakeholders rely on accurate performance data to validate wind turbine efficiency, support investment decisions, ensure regulatory compliance, and verify that contractual and manufacturer specifications are met.
- Performance verification: Confirms that the turbine meets expected output and efficiency levels.
- Financial risk mitigation: Ensures informed investment decisions and supports project bankability.
- Regulatory compliance: Helps meet certification and legal requirements.
- Dispute resolution: Provides objective data for resolving performance-related conflicts.
- Optimized operation: Identifies underperformance and opportunities for improvement.
Applus+ brings extensive expertise, technical capabilities, and skilled professionals to the renewable energy and wind power sector. We offer highly specialized solutions, including wind consulting services, wind turbine inspection, and wind resource assessment. Additionally, we provide support for wind projects and installations, covering environmental compliance, health and safety, engineering services, and quality assurance, among others.
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