Field measurements

The rapidly growing competition in the wind energy industry demands high-quality, efficient processes enabling prototypes and installed wind turbines to be measured, analyzed and optimized in the field. Developers, manufacturers, operators and technical service providers as well as banks and insurance companies require reliable information regarding the efficiency, functionality and life-time perspective of their wind turbines. The Application Center for Wind Energy Field Measurements, AWF, a cooperation between Fraunhofer IWES and fk-wind:, offers services for the measurement of operating wind turbines.

AWF has highly qualified scientific and technical staff at its disposal and is accredited as a test laboratory according to ISO 17025 for testing the mechanical loads on on wind turbines and determining their power performance.

AWF is integrated into the Fraunhofer IWES organization and works closely together with the University of Applied Sciences Bremerhaven, benefitting from access to a unique testing infrastructure as well as established cooperations for applied research. This allows the field measurement activities of both institutions to be bundled and ensures that projects are carried out efficiently. The  Application Center for Wind Energy Field Measurements is supported by the European Regional Development Fund/State of Bremen.

Implementation of standardized and customer-specific measurement projects on operating wind turbines

Technical support for measurement campaigns as part of both institutes’ research and development projects

Further development of sensor technology and methodology for wind turbine field measurements

Application fields

Certification measurements and validation of simulations

Comparison measurements for rotor modifications

Load monitoring for reducing operating costs and for improved lifetime extension calculations

In consultation with the customer, AWF applies the relevant national and international standards and guidelines.

For example, meteorological parameters and the generated output as per IEC 61400-12-1 and/or load parameters as per IEC 61400-13 are recorded.

In order to evaluate and interpret the measured data, the most important operating data on the wind turbine, e.g., the azimuth position and the speed are also recorded. In addition, AWF also offers special measuring campaigns using strain gauges or acceleration sensors (e.g., as per VDI 3834) as well as further customized electrical and mechanical measurements.

If necessary, AWF can integrate the comprehensive experience and expertise of Fraunhofer IWES and “fk-wind:”.