Error Analysis in Wind Turbine Field Testing

In wind turbine field testing, one of the most important issues is understanding and accounting for data errors. Extended dynamic testing of wind turbines requires a thorough uncertainty analysis and a regimen of quality assurance steps in order to preserve accuracy. Test objectives need to be identified to determine the accuracy requirements of any data measurement, collection, and analysisprocess. Frequently, the uncertainty analysis reveals that the major sources of error can be allowed for with careful calibration and signal drift tracking procedures. This paper offers a basis for the discussion and development of a repeatable and accurate process to track errors and account for them in data processing.