1

terms of voltage between the ground under test and a test

Wind Power Plant Testing and Commissioning

potential electrode.
IEEE PES Wind Plant Collector System Design Working Group
Contributing Members: M. Bradt, W. Dilling, B. Lanz, K. Louis, T. Nicolai, M. Starke
The current I through the tested electrode E and the current
electrode C, results in earth surface potential variations as seen
in Figure 2.

Abstract— Complete testing and commissioning of the

wind plant collector system is a critical step to ensure all
The potential profile along the C, P, E, direction will look as
equipment and systems are in proper working order prior to
in Figure 3. Potentials are measured with respect to the
system energization and operation. In addition a
ground under test, E, which is assumed for convenience at
comprehensive test agenda will ensure baseline data is
zero potential.
available for comparing with future test data obtained during
normally scheduled maintenance outages. This paper provides
a thorough description and methodology for complete testing
and commissioning of the wind plant medium voltage
collector system and the equipment internal to the wind
turbine itself.

Index Terms— Wind power plant, testing, commissioning,

resistivity, Rho, power cable

I. INTRODUCTION

T esting and commissioning of the Wind Power Plant

Figure 2 – Three-Point Fall-of-Potential

The fall-of-potential method consists of plotting the ratio of

(WPP) is an integral part and of extreme importance for any V/I = R as a function of probe spacing x. The potential
project. Different components of the WPP will be tested at electrode is moved away from the ground under test in steps.
varying stages of the construction and installation phase. A value of impedance is obtained at each step. This
Proper and complete testing methods will ensure a successful impedance is plotted as a function of distance, and the value in
project and minimize unforeseen equipment and system issues ohms at which this plotted curve appears to level out is taken
during the life of the WPP. This paper will discuss various as the impedance value of the ground under test. IEEE 81
testing methods for all components of the WPP collector allows for a 61.8% rule in the event a curve is not generated
system. similar to the below or interpretation of the results are not
readily visible.
II. WPP COLLECTION SYSTEM ACCEPTANCE TESTING
A. GROUND GRID RESISTANCE TESTING

IEEE 81 addresses the common practices for field testing the

ground resistance at the turbine sites. The techniques for
measuring soil resistivity are essentially the same whatever the
purpose of the measurement. However, the interpretation of
the recorded data can vary considerably, especially where
soils with non-uniform resistivities are encountered. The
added complexity caused by nonuniform soils is common, and
in only a few cases are the soil resistivities constant with
increasing depth [12].
The most common form of Ground Resistance Testing for
Wind Turbines is the Three-Point Fall-of-Potential Method.
The method involves passing a current into the electrode to be
measured and noting the influence of this current in
Figure 3 – Fall-of-Potential Curve

978-1-4577-1002-5/11/$26.00 ©2011 IEEE

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 2

100M-Ohm) may indicate a problem.

The Turbine Manufacture will dictate the required
resistance at the turbine. Additionally, the manufactures may b) Verification of cable phasing from one end to the
require an isolated test is performed. Care should be taken to other.
ensure the resistance is recorded prior to the Trench Ground or
Concentric Neutrals being connected to the Foundation Results may not be accurate if the connections are made to the
Ground Grid. Transformer and then tested. Care is to be taken the results
are validated.
B. Wind Turbine Generator PAD-MOUNT TRANSFORMER
TESTING D. FIBER OPTIC CABLES
The Wind Turbine Pad Mount Transformer typically are tested
over multiple stages. The first phase is within the Upon installation and termination of the Fiber Optic Cables
Transformer Manufacturer Facility. Generally, a prototype is from each Turbine, tests are performed to ensure the quality of
constructed and rigorous acceptance testing performed on the the Fiber Optic Cable and Terminations. Two tests are
prototype unit to ensure operating compliance. Tests vary common within the Industry;
dependent on the manufacturer and specifications from the
engineer. Successive tests are performed on the production
units depending on the specifications. a) Attenuation (dB) Loss Testing
Upon arriving at the site, the Transformers are inspected for
physical damage. Care should be taken in transporting and b) Optical Time Domain Reflectormeter (OTDR)Testing
moving the Transformers around the site. Upon being set in
final place and prior to connections to the MV Cables, The type of test performed will be dependent on the Turbine
Secondary, and Ground Grid; the transformer is field tested. Manufacturer Specifications. The installer must coordinate
The test prior to connection generally consists of; with the SCADA Engineer for an acceptable loss budget to be
allowed. Generally, each termination is allowed an acceptable
a) Transformer Turns Ratio on all transformer taps dB loss and the overall segment being tested is allowed a
budget loss coordinated with the equipment. Any segments or
b) Insulation Test for Primary to Ground, Primary to terminations failing this budget will be required to be re-
Secondary, and Secondary to Ground constructed.

c) Dissolved Gas Analysis (optional, typically provided On Projects with both Single Mode and Multi-Mode Fiber
by the Factory at Shipment) Optics, care should be taken to ensure the loss budget for
each. In this process, each fiber is tested and after completion,
It is important to note and record the above results based on labeled within the patch panel. Common practice utilizes Loss
the Serial Number of the Transformer. Care should be taken Testing for Acceptance Testing of the Fiber Optic System.
to ensure accurate readings the results evaluated by a qualified ODTR Testing can be utilized for both Acceptance Testing
individual to determine if there is potentially a material issue. and Troubleshooting of failed segments.
In the event the transformer is moved to a different location, it
is recommended the above procedure is repeated prior to
E. UNDERGROUND MEDIUM-VOLTAGE COLLECTOR
energization to ensure damage has not occurred during
CABLE SYSTEMS
transport.

The IEEE Standards 141 and 400[1] address acceptance and

C. SECONDARY (Low Voltage) CABLES maintenance tests in the field on power cable systems. Field
acceptance tests can be performed on cable upon arrival and prior
Where applicable,, secondary cables are utilized between the to installation, after installation but before the installation of
Turbine Controller and the Collection System Pad Mount permanent joints and or terminations (with temporary terminations
Transformer. During installation, care should be taken to installed), or after the installation of all joints and termination but
ensure physical inspection of the cables and verify the cable before energization. There are several types of tests which are
jackets are not damaged during installation. commonly used. The tests range from primitive withstand methods
The jacket of the Secondary Cable is generally 600V or which are only effective at detecting gross shorts and/or exposed
2000V depending on the Turbine and typically multiple per conductor (cable system failures) to sophisticated partial discharge
phase. After installation, yet prior to termination to the tests which can detect and locate gross and subtle insulation defects
Transformer and Controller, a DC Insulation Resistance test is in shield power cable systems.
typically performed. The test voltage is dependent on the
insulation value, however, typically within 600V – 2,500V. Per IEEE 400/1142/1242, field acceptance tests include the
The intent of the tests are; following:
a) Ensure the Jacket was not damaged during the
a) Visual inspection for physical damage, bends at less-than-
installation process. A Low Measurement (less than
minimum bending radius, phase identification,

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fireproofing, proper shield grounding, cable supports, G. GROUNDING TRANSFORMERS

and termination connections, along with required size 1) Factory Test Reports
and rating per design drawings and proper separation of 2) Mechanical Inspections
power, control, instrumentation, and emergency circuits. 3) Transformer Turns Ratio (TTR)
b) Resistance of neutral wires and tapes, conductor resistance/ 4) Winding Resistance Test (WRT)
continuity and conductor phasing 5) Power Factor (Doble)
6) Insulating Oil
c) a) Dielectric Breakdown
Three prevalent Electrical Insulation Test methods are b) Neutralization Factor
commonly used: c) Interfacial Tension
d) Specific Gravity
e) Water Content
1. Very Low Frequency (VLF) testing methods can f) Power Factor (@ 25°C & 100°C)
be categorized as withstand or diagnostic. In g) Dissolved Gas Analysis
withstand testing, insulation defects are caused h) PCB
to break down (fault) at the time of testing.
Faults are repaired, and the insulation is retested
until it passes the withstand test. The withstand H. SUBSTATION- MAIN TRANSFORMER
test is considered a destructive test with voltage 1) Factory Test Reports
levels and durations described in IEEE 2) Mechanical Inspections
400/400.2. IEEE 400.2 also describes acceptable 3) Transformer Turns Ratio (TTR)
ranges for operation of the VLF Equipment, 4) Winding Resistance Test (WRT)
depending on the Capacitance of the Cable. 5) Power Factor (Doble)
2. [Partial Discharge (PD)- Off-Line and On-Line] 6) Elbow Lightning Arrestors
Shielded cable systems including cable, joints, and 7) “frequency domain thumbprinting”
termination insulation should be thoroughly tested 7) Insulating Oil
in the factory using a 50 or 60Hz, elevated voltage, a) Dielectric Breakdown
partial discharge test. Each cable system b) Neutralization Factor
component must meet specific ICEA, AEIC, IEEE, c) Interfacial Tension
and/or IEC partial discharge requirements. d) Specific Gravity
However, after shipping, handling, and installation, e) Water Content
the cable system may no longer meet these f) Power Factor (@ 25°C & 100°C)
requirements. The factory partial discharge test can g) Dissolved Gas Analysis
be repeated on the installed cable system. h) PCB

3. [Hi-Pot???]
I. SUBSTATION- SWITCHGEAR / FEEDER BREAKERS
F. OVERHEAD MEDIUM-VOLTAGE COLLECTOR
1) Factory Test Reports
SYSTEMS
2) Mechanical Inspections
3) HIPOT / Megger
1. Sag & Tension 4) Elbow Lightning Arrestors
2. Pole Grounding Resistance 5) Insulating SF6
3. Guy anchors pull tests.
J. SUBSTATION- DISCONNECTS

K. SUBSTATION- VOLTAGE & CURRENT

TRANSFORMERS

L. SUBSTATION- ARRESTERS

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 4

M. SUBSTATION- CAPACITOR BANKS [12] IEEE 81, “IEEE Guide for Measuring Earth Resistivity, Ground
Impedance, and Earth Surface Potentials of a Ground System”
1) Factory Test Reports
[13] NETA ATS-2007, “Acceptance Testing Specifications for Electrical
2) Mechanical Inspections Power Distribution Equipment and Systems” InterNational Electrical
3) HIPOT / Megger Testing Association, Inc.
4) Capacitance Check
N. SUBSTATION- REACTORS

O. SUBSTATION- DSTATCOMM

P. SUBSTATION- STATION SERVICE POWER

Q. SUBSTATION- STATION BATTERRIES

R. PROTECTION RELAYS
1) Factory Test Reports
2) Mechanical Inspections
3) Validation of protection setting / calibration
4)
S. WIND TURBINE GENERATOR
1) Manufacturer Specific
2) Pre-Energization
3) Post-Energization

For the testing of the substation equipment, note that tests

should match typical tests of substations.

III. CONCLUSION

IV. REFERENCE
[1] Deepak Parmar, “Underground Cables Need a Proper Burial,” Published
in Transmission & Distribution World, April 2003.
[2] ASTM G57-95a
[3] Steven. W. Saylors, “Wind Farm Collector System Grounding,” Proc. of
IEEE/PES Transmission and Distribution Conference, Chicago, USA,
April 2008.
[4] IEEE 48, “Standard Test Procedures and Requirements for Alternating-
Current Cable Terminations 2.5kV – 765kV”
[5] IEEE 400, “Guide for Field Testing and Evaluation of the Insulation of
Shielded Power Cable Systems”
[6] ICEA S-66-524
[7] ICEA S-68-516
[8] ANSI/ICEA S-94-649-2000, “Concentric Neutral Cables Rated 5kV –
46kV”
[9] ANSI/NEMA WC 53/ICEA T-27-581-2000, “Test Methods for
Extruded Dielectric Cables”
[10] Gary Hartshorn, Benjamin Lanz, Bruce Broussard, “Medium Voltage
Cable Predictive Diagnostics Technique,” IEEE Publication PCIC-
2007-30.
[11] Richard J. Piwko, “Field Testing and Model Validation of Wind Plants,”
Presented at IEEE/PES Annual Meeting 2008

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