TÜV Rheinland has been accredited by the German Accreditation Body (DAkkS) as a certification body for type and component certification of wind turbines in accordance with international standard IEC 61400-22. This authorizes the company to conduct conformity assessments of onshore and offshore turbines and their components and to issue certificates accordingly.
“With this successful accreditation, DAkkS has affirmed our expertise in the field of wind energy,” commented Bruno Kuckartz, Head of the Energy Systems division at TÜV Rheinland . “We can now offer manufacturers of turbines and components an alternative on the market.” This completes the company’s range of services for the wind energy industry.
Type approvals of wind turbines by a neutral certification body such as TÜV Rheinland are conducted in order to prevent that manufacturers have to submit every single turbine for a separate test. The certification process comprises several steps. Based on the turbine design it includes a comprehensive assessment of the construction documents, evaluation of the manufacturing process, including quality management, and prototype testing by neutral experts.
Amongst others, the tests cover design requirements and safety related issues, as well as the design of turbines, gear systems and rotor blades. Optional assessments of the foundations and additional measurements can be conducted. The results are expert reports for verification for the complete system or components. After a final evaluation, the process is completed with the issuance of the appropriate certificate to the manufacturer.
TÜV Rheinland offers manufacturers, operators, investors and insurance companies a comprehensive range of services for wind energy. The company supports customers worldwide through expert reports and measurements, performs risk and damage analyses as well as certifications of wind turbines and wind energy projects.
TÜV Rheinland is also recognized by the German Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) as a certifier of offshore windfarm projects. In the field of civil engineering, the company offers sophisticated services such as site assessment and soil examinations, as well as manufacturing surveillance, and structural design verification, quality control and construction supervision, e.g. for the tower and foundation.
In addition, TÜV Rheinland performs acceptance tests and periodic inspection as well as conformity assessments in accordance with the building authorities for wind turbines. Supervising the transport and installation of offshore wind turbines and transformer platforms – known as marine warranty survey services – is a further key area of activity. On behalf of operators or insurance companies, TÜV Rheinland ensures the smooth installation of new turbines and helps considerably to minimize risks.
TÜV Rheinland will be at Husum WindEnergy 2012 in Hall 3, Booth 3E06 from September 18 to 22.
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Press release, September 14, 2012; Image: TÜV