Abstract

Wind turbines are rapidly becoming more widespread. Worldwide wind power capacity has increased rapidly over the last decade and the growth rate shows continued increase with capacity doubling every three years. Failure rates have been found to be in the region of 1.5 to 4 failures per year while offshore turbines can need approximately 5 service/repair visits per year. Having suitably trained personnel visit turbine installations is a costly enterprise, especially when large and heavy parts need to be replaced. Such problems are exacerbated in the case of offshore installations. It is clear that this technology presents significant challenges in terms of managing reliability. Wind turbines utilise electrical generators, bearings, gearboxes and other well established technologies for which maintenance and condition monitoring have been well covered. The remote scenarios in which these systems are often situated does, however, create new difficulties in ensuring maintenance is efficient. It is entirely conceivable that these systems would not receive the commercial attention they are now subject to if it was not for environmental pressures, due to these difficulties. In order to achieve these environmental benefits it is crucial, however, that these issues are addressed. Condition based maintenance is a key tool which must be developed for each technology based on a thorough analysis of potential failure modes. In this paper we will consider these failure modes, determine how they are currently addressed and indentify how CBM can be used to refine these practices and refine the logistical implications of maintenance of remote assets.