Mechanical load measurements can be used both as the basis for design and as the basis for certification. The main of this kind of measurements is to get a consistent data base with quality and repeatable data which define de mechanical behavior of the wind turbine assessed.
The measurement is based on the standard IEC 61400-13:2015 where the measurement procedure of the fundamental structural loads of a wind turbine is described with the aim to validate the aeroelastic simulation model.
The measurement procedure includes the acquisition of the following data:
In order to validate the aeroelastic model, it is essential knowing in which conditions the mechanical data are produced, therefore it is necessary to have both good operational and meteorological representations of the operational conditions.
After measuring mechanical, operational and meteorological data, the data are processed. Though one of the main objectives, as mentioned above, is having a data base comparable with the simulation model, it is also useful having post-procedure data, such as PSD, Rainflow calculation, Load Spectra, DEL, tests statistic.
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