Full scale basis test of wind turbines and their components

The scope of IEA task 35 is intended to discuss and guide the use of test facilities for wind turbine components as a reliable alternative or complement to on-tower field tests in design validation and demonstration of functionality, service life, and safety response. WTG OEMs, supply chain companies, research entities and certification agencies will collaboratively research and specify the requirements and boundary conditions of test rig configurations and to develop recommended practices for uniform test and measurements procedures. Although there are some test methods for wind turbines and their components defined in the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) TC88 standards it is recognized by many of the aforementioned wind turbine industry stakeholders that system reliability could be improved by further defining new testing procedures and refining existing methods. To this end, it is necessary to specify requirements and boundary conditions of test rig configurations and develop uniform test procedures and measurements. Recommended practices will be provided for the necessary interfaces and subsystems of wind turbines required for a realistic investigation on drivetrain and component specific test rigs. Results of this work will provide recommended practices for standardized test procedures as well as proposals for uniform and qualitative analysis of test results for wind turbines components. This guidance may be used to refine the standardization and certification procedures of the entire wind turbines and components.