GL Wind: Accreditation for the Certification of Grid Connection Compatibility

Hamburg, 2 August 2005 – Germanischer Lloyd WindEnergie GmbH (GL Wind) is now certifying the grid connection compatibility of wind turbines according to different grid codes. The corresponding accreditation has been granted by the German Accreditation System for Testing (DAP), member of the German Accreditation Council (DAR). Recently, the requirements relating to the grid connection properties of wind turbines, the so-called grid codes underwent fundamental changes: for example, where previously the wind turbines were immediately cut off in the event of grid faults, the grid operator is allowed now – according to the latest Grid Codes (NAR) – demand that the turbine operators continue to support the grid if there is a risk of grid failure, i.e. that they must feed in power even at a fraction of the normal voltage. These “power station properties” known for e.g. coal-fired power stations are thus also being required for wind turbines by the transmission system operators. As a result, most manufacturers of wind turbines are equipping their turbines to meet these new grid code requirements. As these changes represent a great challenge to the electrical systems of a wind turbine, they need to be supported by adequate technical expertise. With the new service, GL Wind is able to give the turbine manufacturers valuable assistance in meeting the wide range of requirements. For the first time, the German Accreditation System for Testing (DAP), member of the German Accreditation Council (DAR) has accredited GL Wind also for the certification of grid connection compatibility of wind turbines according to the Grid Codes; these certificates are entitled to bear the DAR logo. As an entity established jointly by the Federal Republic, the federal states and German industry, DAR is responsible for the coordination of activities taking place within Germany in the field of accreditation and approval of certification and inspection bodies. The GL Wind technical note on the certification procedure for the “Grid Connection Compatibility of Wind Turbines according to Grid Codes (NAR)” as well as further information can be obtained from: Germanischer Lloyd WindEnergie GmbH, Tobias Gehlhaar, phone +49 40 31106-7577, tobias.gehlhaar@gl-group.com.

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