GOTEBORG, Sweden, May 22, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- SKF has developed an online monitoring system for the wind energy market called the SKF WindCon System. With this system the windpark operator has a complete overview of the mechanical condition of his wind turbines on a continuous basis.
This allows him to detect small problems that may occur and plan preventive maintenance before these small problems lead to major breakdowns. As a result, SKF WindCon will enable operators to improve overall uptime of the wind turbine and enhance maintenance timing and efficiency.
The SKF WindCon system is specially designed to meet the tough demands of offshore wind turbine applications although they can operate equally successfully onshore as well. As a result the key features are;
Robustness
Flexibility
Easy-to-use
Can be customised
Advanced analysis tools
Configured in customer's language
In addition there is extensive support and experience available from the SKF global organization, which has been involved in thousands of condition monitoring applications all over the world.
The system can be divided into 3 levels:
- A monitoring system (iMU) is installed in the nacelle (the main
body) of each turbine. This system collects data continuously and
automatically carries out not only vibration monitoring of bearings,
gearboxes and transmission but also sensor and electronics checks
of all the installed monitoring devices. If the system detects a
fault, an alarm is transferred to supervisory systems.
- Data collected from the monitoring systems is transmitted to a
supervisory and analysis system placed in a control room that can be
located anywhere convenient to the turbine operator. Advanced
machine diagnostics are performed and clear text messages regarding
detected faults are given.
- A specialist hotline where SKF specialists can access the trend
data via remotely links. They can give input to identify actions to
be taken in the event of doubt on the part of the local operating
engineers.
A typical wind turbine installation can be configured to give root cause analysis of the following;
Mechanical unbalance Alignment error Shaft bending Mechanical looseness Failing couplings Bearing condition Gear wheel damage Resonance problems Electrical problems Fault/weak foundations
Additional specific features such as Tower Vibration and Blade Vibration can easily be added.
The statistical data gathered will enable the engineering staff of the wind park to get an overview of the particular response that their wind turbines make to the specific application conditions. This will allow more knowledgeable decisions to be taken on a long-term basis regarding wind turbine design, operation and maintenance.
Gteborg, May 22, 2002
Aktiebolaget SKF (publ.)
For further information, please contact:
Lars G Malmer, SKF Group Communication, tel. +46 31 337 1541, e-mail: Lars.G.Malmer@skf.com Colin Roberts, Group Technical Press, tel. +31 306 075 608, e-mail: Colin.Roberts@skf.com Aktiebolaget SKF, SE-415 50 Gteborg, Sweden, tel. +46 31 337 1000, fax +46 31 337 2832, www.skf.com
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