Field measurements

http://www.efre-bremen.de
© Jan Meier

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, short 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 personnel and is accredited as a test laboratory according to ISO 17025 for testing the mechanical loads on wind turbines and determining their power performance. It also benefits from unique testing infrastructure as well as established, industry-related research. The development and expansion of the AWF was supported by ERDF funds from the state of Bremen. All field measurements on wind turbines and their analyses are realized in AWF.

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.

The key tasks of AWF are:

  • 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
© Foto: Jan Meier

Subject of measurements

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:”.

Accredited for testing of mechanical loads on wind turbines