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.
Reborn in the USA – Video: Remanufacturing bearings at a US facility
Bearing remanufacturing centers help wind farm operators to extend the service life of their components in a cost- and time-effective manner. The Wind Farm Management Blog previously explained how bearings for wind turbines are remanufactured. This time, we provide a look inside one of SKF’s facilities in the USA, showing key aspects of the remanufacturing process in a video.
Make bearings go further – Wind energy could benefit from remanufacturing bearings
When a bearing approaches the end of its service life, it may seem logical to replace it with a new one. This has been the attitude in the wind energy sector for many years. But things might be about to change as remanufacturing bearings offers organizations the chance to become more competitive and boost uptime.
The world of bearings – What bearings do wind turbines use?
Bearings are responsible for ensuring wind turbines keep on turning. They are active in numerous parts of machinery and play different roles. Therefore, there is a wide variety in every turbine. What are some of the key bearings and how are they used?
Fighting against fakes – The hazardous implications of counterfeit bearings
Sometimes a deal can seem too good to be true. When it comes to bearings this is often the case. Unfortunately, there are many counterfeit bearings on the market. It may not be an issue that consumers are aware of or give much consideration. However, the consequences of purchasing fakes can be disastrous. But what are the dangers?
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.
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.
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?
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?
