MCS publishes updates to small wind turbine Standards
6 December 2024
MIS 3003 V4.0 & MCS 033 V1.0 PUBLISHED
Although the number of small wind turbine installations over recent years has been modest, MCS believes this technology has a bright future as energy prices continue to rise and the challenges around planning permission are eased. In support of this anticipated growth MIS 3003 has undergone a comprehensive re-write.
The first major re-write in over 10 years, this update to MIS 3003 now incorporates updated guidance and requirements derived from the Energy Saving Trust document CE72 (which is no longer maintained as a current document) and includes improved clarity around the scope and more guidance in terms of turbine specification.
The MCS performance estimation method, which historically has been described within MIS 3003 has also undergone a comprehensive re-write and has been removed – it now sits within its own dedicated Standard MCS 033.
MCS 033 V1.0
MCS 033 now permits two methods for predicting the energy performance of a small wind system. The first method uses the proposed location to look up the mean wind speed using the Global Wind Atlas developed and maintained by a partnership between the Department of Wind Energy at the Technical University of Denmark and the World Bank Group. This reference dataset replaces the NOABL dataset used previously (because it is no longer supported or updated by the UK government).
The second method for those consumers happy to wait (and pay the cost) to get a more accurate assessment is to erect wind speed monitoring and data-logging equipment for at least 6 months. This data, with the characteristics of the proposed turbine, is then used to predict the annual energy generation of the system.
As with other performance estimation methods, MCS has developed an Excel tool to simplify the process of producing an assessment which can be discussed with customers.
This publication marks the culmination of over 2 years’ work by the MCS small wind technical working group.
Access the MCS 033 system performance estimate calculator here.