Comparison of Wind Turbine Performance Prediction and Measurement

Abstract

The purpose of this work was to evaluate the state-of-the-art of performance prediction for small horizontal-axis wind turbines. This effort was undertaken since few of the existing performance methods used to predict rotor power output have been validated with reliable test data. The program involved evaluating several existing performance models from four contractors by comparing their predictions for two wind turbines with actual test data. Test data were acquired by Rocky Flats Test and Development Center and furnished to the contractors after submission of their prediction reports. The results of the correlation study will help identify areas in which existing rotor performance models are inadequate and, where possible, the reasons for the models shortcomings. In addition, several problems associated with obtaining accurate test data will be discussed.