The performance of a wind turbine, as represented by its power curve, correlates the velocity of the wind flow intercepted by the rotor with its electrical output. This power curve plays a vital role at various stages throughout the lifespan of a wind farm.

Before a new turbine design is introduced to the market, it undergoes assessment to validate its performance against its power curve. Project developers utilize power curves in conjunction with wind data to assess the economic feasibility of wind farm development.

During operation, the aerodynamic efficiency of a turbine may change over time due to factors such as component wear, accumulation of debris on the blades, and other environmental effects. Monitoring the power curve over the wind farm’s lifespan helps track turbine health and degradation from aging.

Power curves are also instrumental in estimating the combined power production of wind farms and their integration into national power grids and electricity markets.

The procedure for measuring the power performance characteristics of individual wind turbines, applicable to turbines of all sizes connected to the electrical grid, adheres to the IEC 61400-12-1:2022 standard. Various measurement methods are employed for evaluating wind turbine power performance according to IEC standards:

• Meteorological Mast (IEC 61400-12-1:2022)
• Ground-based LiDAR / SoDAR (IEC 61400-12-1:2022)
• Nacelle-Mounted LiDAR (IEC 61400-50-3:2022)
• Nacelle-Mounted Anemometry (IEC 61400-12-2:2022)

Furthermore, wind farm power performance can be assessed using existing nacelle-mounted anemometers, albeit not in compliance with IEC standards. While this industry practice lacks standardization, it serves wind farm owners in maintaining overall performance cost-effectively with existing SCADA data.

At 3Dot Energy, we support our clients with all the aforementioned measurement methods. Also we provide comprehensive measurement systems for the power performance measurement system