IEA Wind Task 27 – Small Wind Turbine Labels

The scope of IEA Task 27 is focused on small wind with an original scope of promoting small wind turbine (<200 m2, IEC 61400-2)  technology through consumer labels developed through co-operative testing activities and information exchange through the international Small Wind Association of Testers (SWAT) workshops and national SWAT activities.

As such this Task supports the priority strategic objectives as defined in the strategy plan of the IEA Wind Executive Committee (ExCo) for the period of 2009 to 2013. These strategic research objectives explicitly mention the need to actively promote effective co-operation on wind energy R&D through workshops, seminars and collaborative work programs.

In subsequent Task 27 discussions, which were held back-to-back with the IEC 61400-2 MT2 team, there was a realization that turbulence intensity levels, I15 (as currently defined in the Normal Turbulence Model (NTM) in IEC61400-2) are highly likely to be too low for small turbines; typically installed around people, buildings and trees.  Further there was an identified need to develop an “urban/high turbulence” design classification for the IEC 61400-2 standard but more work will likely be needed to create firm validation of I15 or other variables.

Consequently a new Extension Proposal was drafted and revised, and will focus on the research needs for understanding small wind turbines and their performance in environments of high turbulence including the built-environment.  A new scope of work was initiated in September 2012 and will continue through April 2016.

The Task 27 scope is to reinforce the Recommended Practice for consumer labelling through the formation of Small Wind Association of Testers and setting up peer-reviewed wind turbine testing and evaluation opportunities.