Definition of Power Curve Measurement of a Wind Turbine
The power curve of a wind turbine expresses the relationship between the incident wind speed and the power output. The measurement of the power curve in a new wind farm is a contractual issue agreed between the Turbine Supplier and the Buyer. The power curve provided by the turbine manufacturer is based on theoretical aerodynamic calculations which are verified against measurements in the process of the Type-Certification of the wind turbine model under usually ideal conditions (flat terrain). However, the power curve is valid under prescribed conditions of turbulence, shear and inflow angle (and possibly air temperature, veer angle). Such conditions are known to be violated by the actual prevailing winds at least in all complex terrain sites.
Power Curve Measurement Procedure
In most cases, the measurement is a two-step procedure which involves the “Site Calibration” campaign prior to the installation of the wind turbines. The Site Calibration establishes the transfer function(s) used to translate the wind speed from the reference mast to the turbine position by installing a temporary mast at the location of the wind turbine prior to its erection. The 2nd step is the measurement of the power output of the wind turbine after its commissioning.
The measurements and analysis are executed according to the IEC-61400-12-1 standard by Independent Accredited Laboratories.
Which parties involved in a wind farm project need it and why
1. Benefits of the Power Curve Measurement for the Owner / Developer:
- Verification and Evaluation of your wind turbine manufacturer
- Optimization of the energy production, which will affect the wind farm revenues over its lifetime operation
- Fine-tuning of the energy production projections by removing a substantial source of uncertainty
2. Benefits of the Power Curve Measurement for the Lenders:
- Robust procedure for evaluation of the Wind Turbine Supplier and the Turbine Model
- Reduced uncertainty of energy calculations by the minimization of a significant contribution of uncertainty (what the actual power performance is at the site conditions)
- Provision of the potential for energy production optimization based on the results of the power performance
3. Benefits of the Power Curve Measurement for the Turbine Manufacturers:
- It is a requirement for Type Certification
- Better knowledge of the actual performance under a range of ambient conditions (providing background data for the improvement of warranty provisions)
- Transparent demonstration of their product strength to customers
You can trust our experts for the Power Curve Measurement of your Wind Farm Project, as our company applies the IEC 61400-12-1 Standard and follows the Power Performance Procedure of the MeasNet network to measure the power curve of wind generators.
For more information, you can visit our “Power Curve Measurement” related webpage by clicking here or directly contact us for an offer request by clicking here.
Author: Kostas Papadopoulos, 18-6-2018