ISO 10816-21-2015 PDF

Full title and description

Mechanical vibration — Evaluation of machine vibration by measurements on non-rotating parts — Part 21: Horizontal axis wind turbines with gearbox (ISO 10816-21:2015). This International Standard gives guidance for measurement and evaluation of vibration on non-rotating parts of horizontal-axis wind turbines that incorporate a mechanical gearbox and a generator, typically for assessing machine condition and operational vibration severity.

Abstract

ISO 10816-21:2015 specifies the measurement and evaluation of mechanical vibration of wind turbines and their components by taking measurements on non-rotating parts. It applies to horizontal-axis wind turbines with mechanical gearbox and rated generator output exceeding 200 kW and addresses measurement on supporting structures and machine housings (for example bearing housings) and provides rules for assessing vibration severity.

General information

• Status: Withdrawn / superseded.
• Publication date: May 2015 (2015-05).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 17.160 (Vibrations, shock and vibration measurements).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2015).
• Number of pages: 15 (official ISO record).

Scope

This part of ISO 10816 covers measurement and evaluation of mechanical vibration taken on non-rotating parts of horizontal-axis wind turbines with gearbox and rated generator output exceeding 200 kW. It is intended for turbines installed on steel or concrete towers, with multi-bladed horizontal rotors and gear-driven generators (synchronous or asynchronous). The standard focuses on measurements taken on bearing housings and other non-rotating locations of drivetrain components and gives evaluation guidance for operational vibration levels.

Key topics and requirements

• Guidance on selection of measurement locations on non-rotating parts (bearing housings and machine housings) of wind turbine drive trains.
• Procedures for taking vibration measurements and for evaluating vibration severity for turbines with gearbox-driven generators (rated output >200 kW).
• Definitions of applicability and machine characteristics (tower/foundation types, rotor and generator classes) relevant to correct interpretation of results.
• Criteria and evaluation zones (severity classes) for measured vibration on non-rotating parts used to support condition assessment and maintenance decisions.
• Notes on the relationship to acceptance testing and other standards (later work has consolidated and updated these requirements).

Typical use and users

Used by wind-turbine OEMs, condition monitoring and reliability engineers, field measurement technicians, test laboratories, certification and inspection bodies, and asset owners/operators to assess vibration levels of drivetrain components and to inform maintenance, troubleshooting and acceptance activities. The document provides a common reference for interpreting vibration measurements taken on non-rotating turbine components.

Related standards

ISO 10816-21:2015 is part of the ISO 10816 family concerned with evaluation of machine vibration by measurements on non-rotating parts. This specific part has been withdrawn and superseded by ISO 20816-21 (published 2025), which consolidates and updates guidance for horizontal-axis wind turbines. For acceptance measurements of gearboxes and generators in manufacturers’ test facilities, related documents such as ISO 20816-9 and IEC 60034-14 are also relevant.

Keywords

vibration measurement, wind turbine, horizontal-axis, gearbox, drivetrain, bearing housing, vibration evaluation, ISO 10816, ISO 20816, condition monitoring

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 10816-21:2015 is an International Standard that specified how to measure and evaluate mechanical vibration on non-rotating parts of horizontal-axis wind turbines with gearboxes (for turbines with rated generator output above 200 kW).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers selection of measurement locations on non-rotating parts (for example bearing housings), measurement procedures, and evaluation criteria (severity classes) for operational vibration of gearbox-equipped horizontal-axis wind turbines.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Wind turbine manufacturers, maintenance and reliability engineers, field technicians, test labs, certification bodies and asset owners/operators use it to interpret vibration measurements and support maintenance and acceptance activities.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 10816-21:2015 has been withdrawn and superseded. The updated and current guidance for horizontal-axis wind turbines is published as ISO 20816-21 (2025). Users should refer to ISO 20816-21:2025 for the latest requirements.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes. It belongs to the ISO 10816 family (evaluation of machine vibration by measurements on non-rotating parts) and is now reflected within the later ISO 20816 series which updates and consolidates vibration measurement and evaluation guidance for large machines, including wind turbines.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: vibration measurement, non-rotating parts, wind turbine, gearbox, drivetrain, bearing housing, vibration evaluation, severity classes, condition monitoring.