Sidebar 2: Standardized turbine testing on the way

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

There is no standardized testing for small wind turbines, says Sean Whittaker, vice-president of policy for the Canadian Wind Energy Association. But there soon will be.

Starting in 2010, buyers of "small" turbines, under 300 kW in capacity, are likely to see new labels on the devices. They will be tested for sound, performance and durability by the Small Wind Certification Council. Whittaker says that standards are being approved now and testing will begin soon. Labels with a rating on them, just like the energy rating on a dishwasher or refrigerator, will be on machines starting in 2010. The program will be voluntary.

Whittaker says the Council will be a neutral body "North American in scope and not for profit." Turbines will be tested against a very strict set of rules and a jury will inspect the results. Testing will be expensive. A manufacturer will have to expect to sell many units to go to the bother of testing, Whittaker says.

Turbines aren't like a tractor or a combine, Whittaker says. "There are few of them out there and less expertise available on how to deal with them." BF