Mike Wöbbeking is finalizing the introduction to the new Certification Scheme for type and component certification of wind turbines (DNVGL-SE-0441) with a full overview on related standards and recommended practices.
The new Service Specification applying to type certification of wind turbines as well as for component certification was introduced in our first newsletter and further detailed in the last newsletter. The experiences gathered from certification projects specifically component and type certification of on- and offshore wind turbines realised over the last years have been taken into account for the development of this new certification scheme. Correspondingly the type and component certification schemes have been adapted to meet market needs and stakeholder expectations.
During the process of updating the scheme, our effort was focussed on getting to the next level of certification and standardization; beyond modules and elements of certification this includes all technical aspects laid down in standards and recommended practices.
Starting with the publication of the electrical engineering standard more than a year ago, the meanwhile famous rotor blade standard was published at the end of last year. End of May 2016 our DNV GL standard for loads started hearing and will be published in November. With that the last piece of the puzzle for the full DNV GL scheme for on- and offshore wind energy goes public. The documents on control and protection systems, machinery components and mechanical engineering, support structures or extreme temperatures complete the full scheme. They are all tied together by our service specifications for component, type and project certification and can be amended with documents on e.g. lifetime extension, corrosion protection or shop approvals – just to name some.
For all standards all requirements specified therein shall be fulfilled. However deviations from these requirements or the application of alternative means of complying with these requirements are acceptable after consultation with DNV GL. It is essential that an equivalent level of safety and reliability can be demonstrated while applying alternative methods, tests, analysis or solutions.
The latest revision of all DNV GL documents (Table 1 showing those relevant for component and type certification of wind turbines) can be found on the DNV GL website.
Table 1: DNV GL service documents| Document code | Title |
| DNVGL-SE-0441 | Type and component certification of wind turbines |
| DNVGL-SE-0190 | Project certification of wind power plants |
| DNVGL-SE-0436 | Shop approval in renewable energy |
| DNVGL-SE-0439 | Certification of condition monitoring |
| DNVGL-SE-0077 | Certification of fire protection systems for wind turbines |
| DNVGL-SE-0124 | Certification of grid code compliance |
| DNVGL-SE-0263 | Certification of lifetime extension of wind turbines |
| DNVGL-SE-0448 | Certification of service and maintenance activities in the wind energy industry |
| DNVGL-ST-0076 | Design of electrical installations for wind turbines |
| DNVGL-ST-0126 | Support structures for wind turbines |
| DNVGL-ST-0361 | Machinery for wind turbines |
| DNVGL-ST-0376 | Rotor blades for wind turbines |
| DNVGL-ST-0437 | Loads and site conditions for wind turbines
(planned published in November 2016) |
| DNVGL-ST-0438 | Control and protection systems for wind turbines |
| DNVGL-ST-0125 | Grid Code Compliance |
| DNVGL-ST-0262 | Lifetime extension of wind turbines |
| DNV-RP-A203 | Technology Qualification |
| DNVGL-RP-0363 | Extreme temperature conditions for wind turbines |
| DNVGL-RP-0416 | Corrosion protection for wind turbines |
| DNVGL-RP-0440 | Electromagnetic compatibility of wind turbines |
The certification services are adjusted to follow the wind turbine or component development phases from concept to serial production and beyond, see Figure 1. These development phases may be supported during the wind turbine development by respective certification deliverables.
Figure 1: Certification services aligned with the development process
Component certification as a term used in this service specification covers e.g. major and minor components, systems, single parts or assemblies used in a wind turbine or attached to it. The mandatory certification modules comprise design, manufacturing and testing at different stages of the wind turbine development process.
As discussed in the presentation “Procurement problems? Not this way - solutions for professionals” at WindEurope summit 2016 component manufacturers often struggle to enter new markets or become part of the supply chain of OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturer). OEMs themselves have difficulties in selecting the right partners for their product development and series production. The service specification DNVGL-SE-0441 clearly describes solutions to overcome those challenges. It includes insights in details of relevant normative requirements and use of component certificates to the benefit of all parties involved. The approach spans from professional standard development to efficient certification processes, from joint industry projects to lessons learnt seminars, from recently issued certificates to 30 years of experience, from platform improvement to market entries.
The specification together with the respective DNV GL standards and recommended practices as per Table 2 represents a completely re¬vised and expanded version of the GL-IV-1 “Guideline for the Certification of Wind Turbines”, Edition 2010 and GL-IV-2 “Guideline for the Certification of Offshore Wind Turbines”, Edition 2012; both with a history of 30 years.
Table 2: DNV GL service documents substituting GL-Guidelines| Document code | Title |
| DNVGL-SE-0441 | Type and component certification of wind turbines |
| DNVGL-SE-0190 | Project certification of wind power plants |
| DNVGL-SE-0436 | Shop approval in renewable energy |
| DNVGL-ST-0076 | Design of electrical installations for wind turbines |
| DNVGL-ST-0126 | Support structures for wind turbines |
| DNVGL-ST-0361 | Machinery for wind turbines |
| DNVGL-ST-0376 | Rotor blades for wind turbines |
| DNVGL-ST-0437 | Loads and site conditions for wind turbines
(planned published in November 2016) |
| DNVGL-ST-0438 | Control and protection systems for wind turbines |
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