A proposed maintenance strategy for a wind turbine gearbox using condition monitoring techniques

Renewable energy sources such as wind are available without limitations, but reliability is critical if pay back periods are to be met. The current reliability and failure modes of offshore wind turbines are known and have been used to develop preventive and corrective maintenance strategies but have done little to improve reliability. The analysis of gear lubricants can detect early signs of failure. Reliability centred maintenance (RCM) approach offers considerable benefit to the management of wind turbine operation, as it includes an appreciation of the impact of faults. This paper provides an overview of the application of RCM and condition monitoring techniques, to support the development of a maintenance strategy. It discusses the development of a sensor-based processing unit that can continuously monitor the lubricated systems and provide, real-time data enabling onshore staff to predict degradation anticipate problems and take remedial action before damage and failure occur.