Periodic inspection for a wind turbine
The WkP is a required Inspection for most wind turbines and must be done in a 2 to 4 year time period as stated for approval notices in Germany and is also part of approvals in other European countries via a Eurocode standard. The German Institute for Building Technology's stability guideline serves as the reference in Germany (DIBt). This standard applies to towers and antenna structures, which include wind turbines. The inspections, which are usually mandatory by state building codes, are required for wind turbine owners and operators. This standard also regulates the contents of the type test, which are important for approval and operation.
As a type C inspection body, the requirements for the periodic inspection in accordance with DIN EN ISO/IEC 17020:2012 are fulfilled.
The manufacturer submits available calculations and drawings as part of this test to ensure that the structure is stable under categorized site conditions for the design lifetime. For wind turbines, the design life is often 20 years. As part of the periodic inspection (WkP) and during the design life, DIBt requires visual inspections by appropriate experts to inspect the structure and safety equipment. Results must be documented and the owner must submit the inspection certificates and / or reports to the authority (building or trade supervisory authority).
What must be taken into account during the recurring inspection of wind turbines?
As part of the recurring inspection, the manufacturer submits calculations and drawings that are used to check whether the structure is stable under categorized site conditions for the design life. For wind turbines, the design life is usually 20 years. As part of the WKP and during the design life, the DIBt requires visual inspections by suitable experts who check the supporting structure and safety devices. The results must be documented and the owner must submit the inspection certificates and/or reports to the authorities (building or trade inspectorate).
Since 2007, the BWE Expert Advisory Board has formulated principles to specify the quality and scope of the inspection. See also Principles for Periodic Inspection_22_10_17 .doc (wind-energie.de). There are also minimum requirements for the inspection depth and scope, as well as the suitability of the expert and the documents to be inspected.
Scope of the periodic inspection (WKP) of wind turbines
The purpose of the recurring inspection is to assess the current condition and to identify and reduce potential damage. The focus is on assessing the stability and operational safety of the wind turbine. Our expert office in Wunstorf takes into account all factors that must be considered as part of a careful recurring inspection.
To ensure the safe operation of the wind turbine, we thoroughly test the machine and rotor blades of the wind turbine as well as the safety equipment and the stability of the structure. As a member of the expert advisory board of the BWE (German Wind Energy Association), we issue a test certificate agreed with the authorities in addition to the report. Thanks to our specialist knowledge, we can offer you technical tests at the highest level. Please contact us to find out more!
