Innovative technology evaluation

Wind turbine technology continues to be developed in order to improve performance, reliability and overall cost-effectiveness. The investigation and application of innovative technology plays an important role in the process of wind turbine design optimisation. Innovation in the context of wind turbine technology can apply to whole turbine concepts, sub-systems and/or components.  Evaluating new technology is important not just for inventors and manufacturers, but also for anybody else with an interest e.g. potential investors, company purchasers, governmental bodies and industry associations.

GL Garrad Hassan’s experts have been at the forefront of wind energy technologies for the last three decades and have well-structured, tried and trusted processes which are typically applied in two phases. The preliminary evaluation aims to establish the credibility of the new technology and usually includes fatal flaw review, scope for energy production and efficiency of device and components, as well as a qualitative evaluation of the proposed system characteristics. Where there is a positive outcome from the preliminary evaluation, a more detailed study is undertaken to assess performance, loads developed, system mass properties, capital cost and cost of energy.