Everything About Wind Turbine Maintenance
Regular maintenance plays a vital role in keeping the wind turbines running smoothly, including cleaning, inspecting, lubricating and repairing the machines. Here is a guide for Manitoulin Island wind turbines for their proper running.
Inspection is one of the most important parts of wind turbine maintenance. It involves using various tools for inspecting the nacelle, blades, tower and generator. The inspector may also take measurements and photos. Cleaning includes the removal of debris from the turbine parts and is done manually. However, some companies also offer automated cleaning systems. The next step is lubrication which involves applying grease or oil to prevent abrasion and keep the Manitoulin Island wind turbines working properly. Repairs may also be conducted during the scheduled maintenance visits.
Why is Wind Turbine Maintenance Important?
Wind turbines are a valuable renewable energy source but require regular maintenance for smooth running. If they break down, it can cause serious property damage and injure people. Hence its maintenance becomes extremely important, including inspecting the blades, generators, gearboxes and bearings.
What Maintenance Do They Need?
Wind turbines have maintenance routines specially designed for them due to their unique structure and extreme weather conditions. The maintenance routine will include the following:
- Checking the bladesregularly for cracks and damages: blades can crack over time due to sunlight, corrosion and extreme temperatures.
- Inspecting the gearbox for wear and tear as they can fail after prolonged use.
- Ensure the generator works properly, as it can stop working due to electrical or mechanical issues.
- Checking the bearings regularly for signs of deterioration since they can get damaged if not properly lubricated.
- Cleaning the nacelle regularly: nacelles can collect dust and debris, causing serious health risks.
- Keeping the rotor free of vegetation as the rotor blades can break off if vegetation is caught in them.
- Checking regularly for wiring damage: improper wiring can short out and cause fires.
- Changing oil regularly is an important part that keeps the gears moving smoothly.
How Long Do Wind Turbines Last?
Wind turbines can last anywhere from 20-100 years if maintained correctly. However, this depends on what type of turbine it is. Also, the average lifespan is 30 years. Most wind turbines today use modern technology and materials, thus making them more robust than before. However, some older turbines need maintenance work to keep them running smoothly. Older wind turbines can encounter problems like broken blades, worn bearings, and cracked gearboxes. Although fixing these issues is easy, maintenance checks are vital to prevent costly repairs.
Which Parts of a Wind Turbine Are Likely to Fail Most Often?
Many parts of a wind turbine can fail over time, leading to unscheduled breakdowns, the most common failures being gearboxes, blades, bearings, and generators. The most expensive part of wind turbines is their bearings, as they transmit power from the rotor to the tower. These bearings can wear out over time, thus leading to turbine loss efficiency.
Blade failures occur when blades break off during operation. They are more prone to failure as they are made of composite materials. Gearbox failure can happen when the gear inside the box wears down. Since they are usually made of steel, they may be susceptible to corrosion. Generators convert mechanical energy into electrical energy and are said to be the heart of wind turbines. But they, too, can get worn out and inefficient over time.
How Often is Maintenance Required?
Although most wind turbines require maintenance at least once every two years, some may need maintenance more often than others. The maintenance frequency depends on many factors, like the type of turbine, its installation date, age, and the amount of wind energy produced. Some types require more frequent maintenance than others, like horizontal axis wind turbines require more maintenance than vertical axis turbines. The former is designed to capture wind energy from any direction and is commonly used in areas with strong winds, like coastal regions. While the latter is specially created for use in areas with weaker winds, such as inland regions.
Maintenance Strategies for Wind Turbines
Wind turbine maintenance strategies can be of two types, either preventative or predictive. This comes as part of their warranty coverage.
- Preventative maintenance: this is an effective method of preventing problems. It includes regular inspections and routine maintenance that can help erect potential issues before they become major ones.
- Predictive maintenance: this helps prevent costly breakdowns by predicting potential problems before they take place. If you know what may go wrong, you can fix it before any major breakdown happens. This type of maintenance uses sensors to monitor various aspects like temperature, speed, vibration, and other factors. Software programs may also be used to analyze these data points and identify the areas that need repairs.
Regular Maintenance is Important
Poor maintenance of wind turbines can hinder electricity production at total capacity. Remember that the turbine owner should pay for electricity produced when it is not operating at its peak performance. So you must pay careful attention to turbine maintenance.
