As wind energy is being called to provide a greater share of the world’s energy burden, more turbines are operating in areas where temperature tests the machinery to its limits. To ensure that operators rely on turbine operation in cold climates GL Renewables Certification (GL) has issued an update to its technical note Certification of Wind Turbines for Extreme Temperatures.
Wind turbines are usually designed to operate in a temperature range from -10°C to +40°C, but at some current installations temperatures can drop to -30°C or -40°C. The new GL Guideline for the Certification of Wind Turbines 2010 is the fourth revision of the note since its introduction in 2005.
Contents of the Latest Technical Note
The latest technical note provides information on load assumptions, safety and control systems, manuals, rotor blades, nacelle covers and spinners, machinery components, strength verification, building structures, and electrical installations.
Cold Climate Site
A site is considered a cold climate site if minimum temperatures of below -20°C have been observed during long term measurements on an average of more than nine days a year, for a minimum of one hour. If a site fulfils these conditions, then cold climate requirements should be considered in the design of the turbine.
GL Renewables Certification
GL Renewables Certification, part of the GL Group, is a leading certification body primarily focussed on the certification of wind farms, wind turbines and their components. For more information, please visit https://www.gl-group.com/glrenewables[the GL Renewables website].
