DNV serving the energy industry
Wind, wave
and tidal energy
Type Testing Definitions

Mechanical Loads Measurement, generally per IEC 61400-13
This test is characterized by application of numerous strain gages, accelerometers, displacement and position sensors
on a machine for purposes to measure loads in the machine structure. It requires installation of a hub height
meteorological mast; the data system typically runs for at least 6 months as a remote installation.

Power Performance Measurement, generally per IEC 61400-12
This test is characterized by measurement of a suite of wind inflow conditions along with approximately ten turbine
operation channels, including net power production. It requires installation of a hub height meteorological mast; the
data system typically runs for at least several months as a remote installation.

Power Quality Measurement, generally per IEC 61400-21
This test is characterized by very high resolution measurement and analysis of electrical output waveforms to quantify
machine attributes such as flicker and total harmonic distortion in a variety of conditions. It is generally
continuously attended by engineers and/or technicians for a duration measured in days or weeks.

Acoustic Noise Measurement, generally per IEC 61400-11
This test is characterized by sound recording using a screen-shielded microphone in a standard position and orientation,
mounted on a standard platform. Wind speed and direction measurements are referenced to 10 meter height, and
often a short meteorological mast of this height is used. It is generally continuously attended by engineers and/or
technicians for a duration measured in days or weeks.
Type Testing Applications

Mechanical Loads Measurement, generally per IEC 61400-13
This test is most often applied to new turbine designs for purposes of certification. It is also used frequently to evaluate
internal developments (new blades, new controls, etc.) and validate simulation models. Wind turbine
manufacturers are the primary market, but the service could also be of use to others (evaluating loads effects of
retrofits, etc.). This service is not often used to verify loads performance of machines because calculated design
loads generally are neither site-specific nor published to owners.

Power Performance Measurement, generally per IEC 61400-12
This test is most often applied by wind turbine owners to verify power performance of their installations. It is also
regularly applied by manufacturers to verify power performance of new design types before publishing a warranted
power curve or similar documentation.

Power Quality Measurement, generally per IEC 61400-21
This test is often applied by manufacturers to ensure grid (network) code compliance of new design types. It may also
be applied by owners at the turbine or park level, to address concerns with interconnection.

Acoustic Noise Measurement, generally per IEC 61400-11
This test is applied to both new designs (manufacturers verifying type performance) and operating machines (owners
and/or local parties verifying noise levels).
Relative Test Activity in Parts

Categorized in terms of Time (Duration) and
Data Density (Sampling Rate).

Loads (61400-13)
- Largest overall data volume (20-200 Hz)
- Extensions of the standard are common
- Most complex calibrations

Power Performance (61400-12)
- Subset of loads data
- Considers only 10-minute averages


Power Quality (61400-21)
- Separate data system
- High sampling rates, shorter duration
Power Quality
Time
PPT
Loads
Acoustic Noise
Acoustic Noise (61400-11)
- Separate data system
- High sampling rates, shorter duration
Data Density
Typical Loads Layout
Our systems are designed for
multiple machines, though in
practice one test turbine is most
common.
Standard Loads Deliverables

Test Plan
The test plan includes reference to standards that will be followed, turbine descriptions, a full
channel list, desired capture matrix, data delivery and other reporting schedules. We always
issue a test plan with our loads measurement services, but the scope and length of the test plan
varies according to client preferences and requirements.

Instrumentation Report
The instrumentation report provides details of the installation, for purposes of records and/or
troubleshooting.

Calibrated Data Files
Our preferred and internal working format is MATLAB, but we can deliver measured data in a
variety of formats, to customer specifications. Deliveries occur regularly throughout the test
campaign, with frequency determined by customer needs.

Progress/Status Reports
We often deliver updated capture matrices with statistics plots and summaries of channel validity
in order to allow tracking of progress and identification of especially interesting wind conditions
or events. The progress/status reports also include a log of test activities and events.

Final Report
We offer final reports according to the IEC 61400-13 standard, or other standards and
specifications required by clients.
IMC Measurement System

De Facto Industry Standard

CAN Bus System for Remote Stations

Combo Box Configurability

Fast Analysis and Monitoring of Signals (FAMOS) Software & Native File Formats
IMC Loads Test Layout
Signal Bundle
CAN
Windows PC
CAN over F.O.
Ethernet
FTP Data
CAN over F.O.
Results Using IMC Option
Industry
Rapid
Standard Setup
Raw Data Delivery
Responsive
Service & Reporting
Bachmann M1 PLC

Full PLC Logical Capability

Flexible Bus Systems

Real time Quality Checking
Capability

Digital Output Event Triggering
Capability; Safe Remote Triggering
of Special Events

System Notifications via Email,
Status Logs

MATLAB Data Storage Format,
Other Translations Possible

Commonly Known in the Industry

Reliability to Run 10,000+ Safety
Critical Wind Turbine Controls
Bachmann M1 Loads Test Layout
Signal Bundle
CAN
PC Optional
Ethernet
Rotor Data Backup
FAST Bus (F.O.)
FTP Data
Online Quality Checks
Ethernet SMI
Results Using Bachmann M1 Option
 Industry
Leading Setup
 Improved
Reliability
 Improved
System Flexibility
 Triggering,
 Online
Secondary Sets
Quality Checks
 Email
Notifications
 Rapid
QC’d Data Delivery
 Responsive Service
& Reporting
Committed to leadership
DNV – helping the industry safely turn the renewable
energy potential into sustainable business value