DEKRA at the Husum Wind 2019 trade show
Testing to Permit Continued Operation
The operating licenses for numerous wind turbines are due to expire in 2020. This is because wind turbines installed during the course of the German Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG), which came into effect in 2000, were designed for a service life of 20 years. DEKRA is assisting operators so that they can continue to use the turbines safely, where economically and technically feasible.
Wind turbines are generally designed for a predicted service life of 20 years and approved based on type testing. An expert report has to certify the safe continued operation of the turbines once they reach this age if operations are not to be stopped. Wind turbines often have some excess lifespan because the actual stress to which they are exposed is often lower than the calculated stress.
DEKRA has the appropriate accreditation and experts to carry out the necessary tests. They are based on guidelines and regulations that formed the basis for approval for construction and operation 20 years ago (DIBt – German Institute for Construction – guidelines) and the current state of the art. The DEKRA experts check the components relevant for structural stability, the load-bearing components, the functionality of safety devices, the turbine control system and the braking systems.
DEKRA uses both a practical and an analytical method. The practical method involves inspecting the turbines, analyzing weak points and testing all safety-relevant components. The analytical method sees DEKRA use turbine-specific calculations or simulations to determine the remaining service life and provide the operator with a statement as to the turbine’s reliability and economic efficiency. Examining the documentation can also verify that the turbine is subject to less operating stress.
As well as testing for continued operation, DEKRA experts assist wind turbine manufacturers and operators throughout the entire value-added chain with periodic tests, performing warranty inspections, performing condition-based inspections, preparing damage assessments and court-ordered reports, material and substance testing, vibration measurements, sound level measurements, not to mention forecasts, tests and expert opinions in accordance with Section 29a of the Federal Immission Control Act (BImSchG), and technical due diligence.
DEKRA will be among the exhibitors at the Husum Wind trade show from September 10 to 13, 2019. DEKRA experts will be providing information on the company’s range of services and performing many demonstrations – including the non-destructive testing of a pressure vessel – at the exhibition stand.
The SheaRIOS EU project – with DEKRA as development partner –, which involves the remote-controlled inspection of rotor blades using a robot, will also be presented.
DEKRA at Husum Wind:
September 10 – 13, 2019
Hall 5, Stand 5B09
September 10 – 13, 2019
Hall 5, Stand 5B09