In spite of their increasing popularity, managing the use of wind turbines has been exceptionally challenging. Through computational prognostics, Sentient Science determined that current operating lifetime for a large number of turbines is only between five to thirteen years. Initial estimates indicate that savings of $150,000 per turbine per gearbox replacement can be achieved using physics-based long-term prognostics, leading to a substantial return of investment for wind farm operators. However, long-term prognostics require a precise determination of the loads in all six degrees of freedom occurred on the drive-train.

Author: Eduardo J. Alvarez, Adrijan P. Ribaric, PhD

Publish Date: November 6, 2017