Improving Wind Turbine Gearbox Reliability Using SCADA and CMS Data: A Review with Case Studies
Subject Areas : Engineering
1 - Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dariun Branch, Islamic Azad University, Dariun, Iran
Keywords: Wind Turbine Gearbox, SCADA and CSM data, uncertainty, failure prediction,
Abstract :
The gearbox in wind turbines, as one of the key components of the energy transmission system, plays an essential role in the performance and efficiency of wind turbines. However, the failure rate of the transmission system is significantly higher than for other turbine components, such as blades and generators, which is a major problem in the wind sector. These failures are usually due to several factors, including underestimation of actual operating loads, exposure to unexpected loads and unusual working conditions, design defects, and insufficient maintenance and repair. Considering the complexity of gearbox repair procedures, the high cost of replacement, and the long turbine service life, which directly results in lower revenues for operators, the main concern is to improve the reliability of this component. Moreover, the trend towards larger wind turbines and their deployment in remote and inaccessible locations makes the need for efficient and accurate gearbox monitoring more important than ever. This requires the use of advanced condition monitoring technologies and supervisory control and data acquisition systems (SCADA) that can continuously monitor the performance of the gearbox and detect possible failures at an early stage. In this respect, the integration of SCADA and condition monitoring systems can significantly improve fault detection and prediction, allowing operators to better plan maintenance activities, reduce costs and minimise turbine shutdowns., enabling operators to better plan maintenance activities, reduce costs, and minimize turbine shutdowns. This paper reviews common failure scenarios for wind turbine gearboxes and assesses different SCADA and CMS based monitoring methods. It shows, through two case studies, how these technologies can be used to detect and predict early faults and highlights the benefits of each approach. The findings highlight that the combined use of SCADA and CMS data is an effective solution for improving the reliability and productivity of wind turbines.
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