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Wind Power

At 40 percent, wind power contributes the largest percentage of worldwide renewable energy (excluding large hydro power). Additionally, the amount of installed wind power generation is expected to continue to grow 25 to 30 percent per year. In 2007, it resulted in more than 90 GW of total power generation. National Instruments provides the key technologies for wind turbine development and engineering, including applications such as structural analysis, machinery condition monitoring, power quality and performance, environmental monitoring and field testing, turbine control, and dynamometer and performance testing.

Structural Analysis

Structural analysis of wind turbine blades and towers ensures that they operate safely and reliably. Tests include dynamic strain and vibration measurements with hundreds of synchronized acquisition channels, full- and scale-model testing, fatigue testing (single and multiaxis), static and ultimate strength testing, nondestructive test (NDT), stress visualization, acoustic emissions, displacement, stiffness, and modal analysis.

Machine Condition Monitoring

Sophisticated wind power generation equipment is built using large, expensive machinery requiring vibration monitoring and predictive maintenance. The monitoring systems must function in a wide temperature range and support advanced analysis and control algorithms to maximize power generation and minimize stress.

Power Quality

The output power quality of a wind turbine is part of the defining quality of renewable energy. Engineers can determine the viability and power performance of an installation by measuring the power curve, generator, and power system component efficiency with wind speed and power output at a particular site, and by calculating the estimated energy output.

Environmental Monitoring and Field Testing

When field testing wind turbines, engineers must use various sensors including strain gages, accelerometers, current and voltage sensors, and others to measure loads on operating turbines. Field testing monitors power quality and production, structural integrity, noise/acoustic emissions, electrical output, and environmental conditions.

Turbine Control

Wind turbines require advanced control algorithms for all parts of their operation. NI tools have been used to develop and test the control algorithms embedded in the turbines, including measuring torque and speed for the turbine power curve.

Dynamometer and Performance Testing

To fully evaluate wind turbine systems, it is necessary to analyze gearbox fatigue, simulate wind turbine control, test transient operation, and test vibration and acoustical characteristics within defined specifications. Before installation, engineers must measure a gearbox's performance at full power and speed for specific speed/torque test points. Engineers often collect data on vibration, noise, oil temperature, and gear mesh order analysis.