Wind Farm Project Certification

Reduce risks in onshore and offshore wind farms

Wind farm project certification

The wind energy sector continues to grow rapidly in terms of capacity and complexity, posing new risks and challenges. Given the substantial funding required for the projects, it is important for investors and owners to protect their investment by minimising risks. Operators need to safeguard their wind power production while complying with national regulations.

TÜV SÜD protects your investment by providing independent monitoring and evaluation, wind farm certification and wind farm risk assessmentof your projects.

Our Services

Site condition assessment

  • Our experts conduct soil investigation (technical design, validation of exploration results), review of measuring campaigns (mast, lidar, etc.), evaluation of wind and energy yield reports, assessment of maritime conditions and verification of load-case definitions.
  • We can perform conceptual/ feasibility design examinations for the turbine, foundation, transformer station, cables or other components.

Design basis evaluation

  • TÜV SÜD examines the main parameters and requirements for the design of the whole offshore wind farm to ensure that it is properly documented and sufficient for the ongoing safe design and execution of the project.

Design risk analysis (HAZIP/ HAZOP)

  • We provide organisation, invitations, chairmen and minute-taking to facilitate HAZIP/ HAZOP workshops.
  • Our experts are well-versed in hazard identification, risk estimation, comprehensive reporting and individual worksheet development.

Design evaluation

  • TÜV SÜD’s experts are able to carry out verification work of the following aspects:
    - integrated and dynamic load calculations
    - detailed foundation design
    - detailed turbine design (machinery components, blades, etc.)
    - substation (structure, topside, electrical engineering, fire protection, etc.)
    - secondary structures of the turbine and/or substation (boat landing, ladders, helicopter platform)
    - lifting operations / equipment (lifting / handling / lashing of heavy loads, including effects on component function and their friction-free installation, cables, end fastenings and load-handling devices)
  • We assess the met mast (structure and measurement system) and review the logistics and installation concept of your design.
  • Our experts also conduct assessment of your HSE scheme.

Detailed structural analysis (FE Computation)

  • We perform linear and nonlinear analysis of stresses, deformations and stability.
  • Our experts review global and local load conditions occurring at OWEC, foundational structures and offshore installation ships.
  • The service covers evaluation of local plastification under extreme loads, fatigue analysis of welded and unwelded details, and confirmation of further requirements for usability during transport, construction and operation (free and forced vibrations, elastic as well as plastic deformation, damage checks, evaluation of additional imperfections).

Collision analysis

  • TÜV SÜD uses explicit FE Software to evaluate dynamic phenomena caused by ship-to-offshore wind structure collisions.
  • We assess local deformation at ship and turbine structure or substation structure from collisions, as well as damage to the ship or the turbine/ substation primary or secondary structure from mooring impact.
  • Our variation studies take into consideration factors such as different foundation structures, topsides, turbines, water level and drifting angle of ships.
  • We conduct failure scenario investigation for critical material expansion (crack formation), tilting of wind turbine, crash of nacelle, influence on boat landing maneuvers on turbine (fatigue) and other situations.

Production evaluation

  • TÜV SÜD offers assessment of suppliers based on quality, experience and capacity. Our audits of production facilities include review of manufacturing documents as well as review of training and qualifications.
  • In sampling tests of manufacturing quality, we perform reviews of the current state during production, detection of deviations to target state as well as reviews of material quality and workmanship.
  • In addition, we provide an on-site representative to perform continuous monitoring of production, which covers compliance with quality specification and adherence to time schedules.

Transportation and installation

  • During the design and planning phase, our experts support you with insight into assembly planning and verification of assembly instructions; calculation and assessment of hydrodynamic motion coupling; consideration of motion behaviour, operating limits, resulting forces and safety; and investigation in areas such as mutual shielding, anchoring effects, lifting operations and lashing.
  • During the operation phase, we monitor the installation process and, where applicable, identify errors and determine causes.
  • We also ensure adherence to planning, specifications, regulations and codes of practice; conduct quality assurance measures; perform reviews based on health and safety requirements of Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC; review lifting accessories, chains, ropes and webbing as well as construction site hoists; and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

Safety management and inspections

  • Our experts provide inspection and certification of commissioning of wind turbines, foundations and substations.
  • This also includes national required commissioning inspections of components (e.g. BSH and BetrSichVerordnung, for example for Davit cranes, elevators, pressure tanks, etc.) 

Failure analysis

  • TÜV SÜD provides identification and assessment of failure effects; witnessing and support of tests and measurements; fracture-mechanics assessment of existing defects in components and assessment of remaining service life; support in developing technical solutions, evaluation of measures and solutions, and assessment of technical and organisational measures in the continued operation of damaged components; as well as endoscopy and non-destructive testing (NDT) on-site or in our testing laboratories. 
  • We also help you communicate complex technological connections and cause of failure to non-technical audiences.

Decommissioning assessment

  • TÜV SÜD assists your company in complying with decommissioning standards when removing whole installations and performing seabed clearance.
  • We provide expertise in notification and marking of remains, as well as maintenance and management of the site after decommissioning.

Extended operation

  • We assess the operational and maintenance records of wind farms; conduct periodic monitoring on all parts, systems and components for functionality, corrosion, wear or damage; and determine the appropriate strategies for extended operation such as additional monitoring, design modification, exchange of wind turbines and components, inspection and maintenance, and optimisation of operation.

Other services

  • Survey of plant safety in accordance with the accident prevention regulations (ladder and climbing protection system, PPE, crane systems)
  • Tests on proper functioning of control and safety systems of wind turbine and operational behaviour
  • Checks for damage and conformity of the components used with the certification documents
  • Inspection after start-up / Final Acceptance Test
  • Periodic inspection (turbine, substation, cranes, elevators, safety equipment)
  • End of warranty inspections

Your Benefits

  • Understand risks and gain certainty - from the onset, ensuring reliable development and operation of your wind farm.

  • Optimise plant productivity - by ensuring quality and maximum performance of all installations and systems through our qualified and experienced wind specialists.

  • Strengthen your asset value - by ensuring safety and reliability throughout development, installation and operation phases.

  • Achieve profitable investment - through economic optimisation of facilities.