![]() ![]() Of that number, $8.5 billion was spent on unplanned repairs and correctives caused by component failures, according to new research by Wood Mackenzie Power & Renewables. Global onshore wind operations and maintenance costs reached nearly $15 billion in 2019. Turbine maintenance is by far the most complex and costly aspect of wind energy production. Instead of installing additional hardware sensors on various parts of the turbine, operators try to use software as much as possible because additional hardware components tend to be more expensive and labor-intensive. Perhaps the oil in the gearbox is heating up or the gearbox is vibrating, which could signal that a failure is about to happen. ![]() The key is to be able to predict failures before they occur. Regardless, the more time technicians spend maintaining the turbine, the more expenses are incurred. To optimize turbine performance, operators must conduct both planned and unplanned maintenance. Each is in a unique site, and most have different types and brands of components. Operators mainly focus on preventing gearbox, generator, and drivetrain failures, because they cause the longest periods of downtime.Īdding to the challenge, every wind turbine is different. A gearbox failure, for example, doesn’t happen often but causes on average six days of downtime-a costly proposition.Įlectrical failures are more common, but the duration of downtime is much shorter. Failures with any of these components cause varying durations of downtime. Obviously, wind turbines are complex pieces of machinery, with electrical components, sensors, hydraulics, yaw motors, rotor blades, mechanical brakes, gearboxes, generators, and so on. In all three stages, it’s imperative to reduce failure rates. However, if operators can manage to prolong the useful life of a turbine, it’s valuable from a financial perspective. After that, wind turbines start to wear out and failure rates climb. Once the initial “break-in” period occurs, wind turbines typically run reliably for the next 15 years. Sometimes this is due to working through issues with a new turbine model, or perhaps adjustments need to be made to operating controls. Failure rates are higher in the first three years. ![]() Wind turbines are generally required to last 20 to 25 years, with failure rates that vary over that life span. Although this is quite reasonable, operators are looking for ways to further reduce costs to move into an era in which wind energy is no longer subsidized. However, to remain competitive, the industry needs to operate as efficiently as possible.Īccording to the Institute for Energy Research, the cost of onshore wind power is already low compared to other energy sources at $45 to $92 per megawatt hour. In light of climate change, demand continues to grow. There are already 350,000 wind turbines installed globally, with more than 650,000 MW of installed generation capacity. With the advantages of clean, renewable energy, wind power has become one of the fastest-growing energy sources and one of the most economical solutions for electricity generation. ![]()
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