A fine balancing act – The importance of correctly managing spare parts
When managing spare parts stock, companies face a significant challenge: maintenance requirements vs. financial resources. This can be a difficult task as mismanagement of either can have serious consequences. So what can operators do to ensure they have this under control?
Sky high prices? – Debunking the myth of cost-inefficiency
The advantages of wind are clear: it is an inexhaustible and environmentally friendly energy source. Furthermore, the technology to harness its power is already well established. However, although wind is a proven eco-efficient energy source, why is it struggling to achieve status as a cost-efficient one?
Adjusting to the extreme – How engineers can deal with challenging conditions
An increasingly volatile climate and powerful winds are an endurance test not only for people, but also for machines. But what would appear to be a disadvantage could actually be a significant opportunity for an entire industry – at the very least for those whose wind turbines can withstand extreme conditions.
Better with age? – Older turbines present a valuable opportunity
A large number of wind turbines have been in operation for many years, leading to inevitable wear. At face value, this may be considered problematic – but on closer inspection, aging wind turbines could present a world of opportunity.
Don’t throw caution to the wind – Taking a statistical approach to wind turbine O&M
Operation and maintenance (O&M) costs represent a large portion of expenditure for wind farm operators. Failure to implement an effective strategy may result in increased costs or machinery failure. For this reason, it is important to take a statistical approach.
Wind O&M market set to soar – Findings from the 2017 Service Market Survey
The experts have spoken: A survey carried out at the 2017 SKF Wind Farm Management Conference has indicated that the global wind operations and maintenance (O&M) market is expected to grow by around 15% by 2020. Read on to discover what the findings of the poll could mean for the wind industry.
Fighting against the current – Protecting bearings from electrical erosion
Electrical erosion is a common cause of bearing failure – something that can lead to complications for wind farm operators, such as downtime or reduced productivity. However, there is a cost-effective solution to this. SKF collaborated with a wind turbine generator manufacturer to resolve the issue.
A smooth operation – The importance of lubrication in turbine bearings
Wind turbines are among the most reliable of power-generating technologies. When they do break down, however, it is often due to poor lubrication of the gearbox bearings. Proper lubrication can keep a turbine operating reliably and efficiently. Finding the right oil – and system with which to apply it – is vital.
Black oxide bearings – Improve wind turbine reliability and performance
Operation and maintenance (O&M) costs can constitute up to 25% of a turbine’s levelized energy cost over its lifetime. Technology that helps reduce maintenance and downtime is therefore crucial. In the previous article of this two-part series, we examined four of the most common bearing failure modes. This time, we will look at black oxidation – an effective solution to improve operational reliability.