Attention turns to 2019 – What will be this year’s hot topics in wind energy?
2019 promises to be a big year for wind energy. There are plenty of important events coming up, and new approaches to O&M will play a significant role in the sector. The Wind Farm Management Blog talks to Dr. Philipp Schmid from SKF for key insights into what we can expect in 2019.
Carburization or black oxidization? – Analyzing leading methods for strengthening bearings
Bearings are key components for machinery reliability. Therefore, they need to be robust, especially in critical applications such as main shafts and gearboxes for wind turbines. Various methods for enhancing the durability of these components are often discussed. In this article, we compare carburized non-coated with black oxide through hardened bearings.
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.
System reboot – Remanufacturing lubrication systems as a new trend
Remanufacturing in wind energy is a relatively new phenomenon. When remanufacturing is mentioned in the sector, most would associate the process with bearings. But the remanufacturing trend is gathering speed and lubrication systems are the next component identified as an area where operators could significantly reduce costs.
Revolutionizing wind – Floating wind turbine project underway in France
Offshore wind farms represent an opportunity to generate electricity much more efficiently while protecting the environment. Winds are strongest further out at sea, but conventional offshore turbines can only be installed at limited depths. Consequently, floating wind turbines are emerging as a trend.
Digitized inventory – Optimizing spare parts management with software
Many operators order replacement parts on an item-by-item basis. This can be effective but does have limitations since the performance of the total system is not understood when considering items in an inventory individually. Innovative software may hold the key to fine tuning stock levels and expenses on spare parts and ensuring wind farms always have just what they need.
Striking designs – Unique wind turbines that stand out from the rest
Not all wind turbines are created equally. While most people are familiar with the appearance of a wind turbine, there are some designs that break the mold. In this article, the Wind Farm Management Blog looks at some of the world’s most interesting turbines.
Floating in the wind – Scotland opens the world’s first floating wind farm
Despite wind energy production becoming more efficient, many wind turbines are still situated in locations where conditions are not optimal. An increasing number of offshore sites improve the current situation by utilizing the stronger winds at sea. However, in some parts of the ocean, fixed turbines are not viable. The solution? Floating wind farms.
An untapped source – The role of big data in the wind energy industry
Big data is taking its hold on the 21st century. We are seeing its prominence in all areas of society. But the wind power sector seems to be somewhat behind. Why is this, and how can big data contribute to the industry achieving its ultimate goal of improving the levelized cost of energy?
