WindEnergy digital – Part 2 – Digitization in the wind industry
Exhibitors were unfortunately unable to participate in the digital version of WindEnergy Hamburg this year after all. To ensure that SKF Wind’s exciting showcase is not wasted, this article shares some insights into the technologies and data-driven processes which are shaping the industry. How are new technologies and computer-aided processes influencing the industry?
The power of analytics – Creating value with data in wind energy
Previously, SKF announced that they had acquired Presenso Ltd. – a company that specializes in artificial intelligence (AI). Adopting data-driven technology presents wind farm operators and OEMs with plenty of opportunity to boost efficiency and reduce costs. So, how does this work in practice?
Supply chain transparency – Introducing a new solution for streamlining O&M
With the wind energy industry facing increased competition and decreasing margins, SKF and Boralex have teamed up. Their joint project, called the Wind Turbine Reliability Dashboard, will help predict maintenance requirements and streamline supply chain management, lowering overall operating costs and increasing profitability in the process.
No surprises – The relationship between planning, spare parts, and uptime
At first glance, it would appear vital to stock critical wind turbine components to cover potential breakdowns and minimize downtime. Unfortunately, this isn’t always possible, due to financial constraints or inadequate storage. But what if stockpiling components wasn’t as important as it appeared? Rather, careful maintenance planning and diagnostics may be the deciding factors for consistent uptime.
All shook up – Managing vibration in wind turbines
Vibration is normal in most rotating machinery. However, vibration can be detrimental to component health or performance if left to reach abnormal levels and is usually an early indicator of machine failure. What causes problematic vibration levels and how can wind farm operators protect against this?
Entering the age of interconnectivity
Many industries, such as manufacturing, are now connecting their machines, and even entire facilities, with the Internet of Things (IoT). This enables automation and delivers unprecedented levels of performance data. Despite this, the wind energy sector is somewhat behind and has some catching up to do. What benefits could the IoT offer the wind industry?
Core assessment – SKF supports NREL wind turbine drivetrain failure investigations
Premature drivetrain failures are a common cause of wind turbine downtime. However, the cause of these failures is not always clear. SKF is supporting the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to conduct a study that could provide the wind energy sector with vital insights into drivetrain defects.
Bearing the burden – The leading causes of wind turbine bearing failures
Wind turbine functionality is highly reliant on fully operational bearings. However, these components undergo significant strain and deteriorate. Fully understanding failure modes in turbine bearings can be a challenge. But there are ways to reduce the likelihood of breakdowns.
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?
