Understanding Wind Turbine Maintenance

The blades of the wind turbine absorb wind energy to generate power. Environmental factors can crack and peel the turbine’s blades over time, requiring professionals to use infrared imaging detection methods to find and analyze the damages. In addition to using infrared imaging detection equipment, wind power enterprises also analyze the stress change failure mode of blades in different stress environments.

This detection can be done during a turbine’s operation, which allows for preventative measures to be put in place for minimal downtime on the wind turbine. The actual inspection and replacement/correction of parts occurs when the blades have stopped, allowing professionals to potentially detach, correct, and reattach any damaged parts.

The gearbox is the part of the wind turbine that connects the main shaft to the generator. A gearbox takes the slow rotation of the turbine blades and converts it into a faster RPM to produce the correct rotational speed and generate power at the frequency required by the grid. To avoid potential oil leakages or damages with the gearbox, the gearbox’s pipeline, end cover, center hole, cooler, etc. all need to be inspected and sealed regularly.

The generator is what turns the turbine’s rotating mechanical energy into electrical energy. Generators not only have to handle environmental conditions and mechanical wear-and-tear, but they also have to handle electromagnetic conditions.

It being under continuous operation means it has to handle more stress than other components of the wind turbine including excessive vibration, heating of the bearing, potential fractures to the rotor rod, and damage to the insulation. This potential for damage means there is a heavier emphasis on daily inspection and maintenance of generators to prevent issues before they inhibit electricity generation.

The main control system is what helps wind turbines maintain normal and stable operation. This system sends action commands and logical judgements to the turbine, providing technical support for the operation.

While it is a very important piece of the turbine’s system, it is susceptible to the influence of external factors. When these kinds of problems arise, maintenance staff will either replace components of the system or refresh the program. For further issues and external faults, alarm prompts are used by a background monitoring SCADA system to locate the fault so professionals can take corresponding measures.

The pitch system performs multiple roles for a wind turbine. It fulfills the role of an actuator, which is the part of the system that transforms electrical energy into mechanical energy, or in the turbine’s case, rotational movement. This system is also used to control speed efficiency and utilization rate of wind energy in the wind turbine system as a whole.

The pitch system is a rotating component, meaning it has strict requirements on the torque of bolts and devices in the hub, as well as the tightness of the connections. Internal components must be checked on and secured through the use of special tools such as hydraulic wrenches and tensioners to ensure the protocols for this system are strictly followed.

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Understanding Wind Turbine Maintenance

Predictive Maintenance of Wind Turbines

Common Wind Turbine Components That Require Fault Testing

Electrical Testing for Wind Turbines

How ATEC Can Help You