Extending wind turbine reliability

Over the past decades, the number of wind turbine installations has continued to increase as the need for renewable energy sources has grown and so too has the need for their maintenance. Specialist service providers are needed to make sure that the turbines keep turning and generate electricity.

Since wind turbines were first commissioned on an industrial scale, the technology and design of the components has progressed rapidly, enabling units over 1 MW to be installed with an expected working life of around 20 years.

 

Planning for warranty expiration

 

Wind turbine manufacturers usually offer a warranty period of five to ten years, where the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) has a contract with the owners to deliver maintenance and repair projects. When this expires, owners are able to seek out more cost-effective suppliers, but any savings must not be at the expense of quality or expertise.

Wind turbines built by the same OEM will contain many common components from the same manufacturers, but this is not always the case when it comes to the generator. Very often, two identical models of wind turbine will contain generators from different suppliers, which can make maintenance programs more complex.

Such a specialist field requires considerable expertise to be able to handle the numerous designs and offer upgrades that can improve reliability and efficiency. Sulzer has extensive experience in generator maintenance and repair, with many specialist engineers involved in the wind turbine industry. This expertise covers all manufacturers of generators, and the processes used to deliver a timely repair have been honed over many years.

 

Optimising availability

 

Once a generator has arrived at the service centre, it is important to establish the technical details of the machine and carry out a series of initial tests and discover the precise condition of the generator. These are followed by the tear-down and visual inspection, which offer additional information on the work that needs to be carried out.

From here, the reliability and availability of the turbine will be determined. The choice of materials used to rewind a generator and the way in which they are installed can make all the difference between uninterrupted service for two years or ten years.

Modern insulation technology used in generator windings allows for thinner layers which can withstand greater dielectric stress and higher temperatures, which also allows more space for copper within the same slot area. This reduces the resistance of the stator winding, which runs cooler, allowing an increase in output.

 

Spares inventory

 

Most operators will hold at least one generator as a spare unit so that it can be installed at the same time the faulty component is removed from the nacelle. This optimises repair times and minimises costs by only requiring the specialist crane to be on site for one day.

However, the storage of generators needs some special attention if these vital pieces of equipment are going to remain serviceable. Sulzer recommends that the generators are kept in a climate-controlled atmosphere that minimises moisture content and temperature fluctuations. It also suggests that the drive shafts are turned at least once a month to prevent bearings and seals ‘taking a set’.

If a spare component is not available, the time in the workshop becomes critical because every hour is lost generating time and this can be a significant loss. This is in addition to the extra crane costs that will be incurred due to the lifting equipment needing to return to site to install the repaired generator.

 

Minimising repair times

 

Depending on the make of the generator, Sulzer can turnaround a repair in just two weeks, but some designs are more complicated than others, so this time can extend in some cases. By using the latest CAD software, new bars or coils can be precisely formed to ensure an exact fit in the stator slot, making the installation process more efficient.

By using comprehensive testing techniques, the reliability of the new coils and the repair as a whole can be guaranteed. Testing at full voltage, with both the rotor and the stator being tested for insulation resistance as well as partial discharge provides evidence of the build quality of the project.

 

Planning ahead

 

Preserving the reliability of a wind turbine is essential for keeping it operational and cost effective. By working to prevent potential failures, condition monitoring and repair work can be planned ahead of time, ensuring that any downtime is minimised.

Read the article online at: https://www.energyglobal.com/special-reports/26072019/extending-wind-turbine-reliability/