Test and measurement specialist TUV NEL is to host a meeting of the International Electrotechnical Committee (IEC), consisting of small wind turbine experts, at its East Kilbride HQ next month. The meeting, from 13th to 17th July, is the seventh in a series to discuss the third edition of the design and safety standard for small wind turbines, due to be published next year.
“Having established a long standing association with the wind energy industry since the early 1980s with the set up of TUV NEL’s Myres Hill test site, we are delighted to be hosting this important meeting”, said Alistair Mackinnon of TUV NEL. “Around 25 experts in the field of small wind turbines are expected to attend from as far as Australia, the Far East, North America and Europe.
“Our staffs have served on a number of the IEC meetings over the years and we are pleased to be contributing to this latest edition as it will address many of the issues faced by the emerging small wind industry today. As the only UKAS accredited small wind testing organisation, we are working very closely with the industry to develop best practice in the research, development and testing of small wind turbines.”
TUV NEL is currently working with over 20 manufacturers who are pursuing MCS certification. The MCS scheme covers a range of elements, including acoustics, power performance and durability. And Mckinnon says: "The testing requirements are challenging and onerous as they rely on current best practice across a turbine’s electrical and acoustic performance, including a number of factors related to product safety and the design file. A typical test takes a minimum of six months, but more realistically, the testing duration is around nine months. As wind turbines rely on the wind, the testing requirements are subject to the vagaries of the weather.
“The IEC meeting in Glasgow will seek to address many of the current issues, including braking systems, towers and supporting structures and, the effects of turbulence on turbine performance and longevity."
The UK government’s feed-in-tariff scheme is only available for certified products and TUV NEL, being one of only a small number of accredited certification bodies, offers a one-stop shop for all small wind turbine manufacturers looking for a certifying body under the MCS. The meeting is by invitation only and is subject to strict IEC governance.
