Generally, wind turbines are designed to operate in a temperature
range from 10 °C to þ40 °C [7]. However, in a location
like the Antarctic, temperature can drop as much as 40 °C in
winter. This extreme climatic weather conditions can be challenging
to the operation of the wind turbines and also to the operation
and maintenance staff as the site may not be accessible due to
extreme temperature. In recent time, experience has been gained
especially in small wind turbine installations in areas where cold
weather conditions exist [8]. The reliability and robustness of the
cold-weathered wind turbines are being continually improved
upon with new materials and technology that can withstand
extreme cold weather condition. Wind turbines are now equipped
with blade heating systems with special sensors in order to fit the
cold climate sites [9]. Various wind turbine testing technologies
are also being built in order to support the wind industry to
explore extreme locations. In this case, extreme temperature
testing is performed for the validation of certain components like
gearboxes and transformers. This is to ensure that the wind turbine
components located at this region are reliable in order to
avoid unplanned repairs. Moreover, research groups are now
working with some major turbine manufacturers to ensure a
specialized design that suit the environmental condition of their
location. For example, the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD)
worked in conjunction with German turbine manufacturer, Enercon,
and Australian company, Powercorp, to develop three modified
300 kW wind turbine (Enercon E-30) for Australian Mawson
base station that adapt well with their environmental condition
[1]. Therefore, information about the wind characteristics at
Vesleskarvet is needed in order to develop a modified wind turbine
that has the capability to operate within the operating condition
of the site.