Experience with modified aerospace reliability and quality-assurance method for wind turbines

Conference · Fri Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1982

OSTI ID:5348359

Klein, W. E.

The original Safety, Reliability and Quality Assurance (SR and QA) approach developed for the first large wind turbine generator project, Mod OA, is described. The SR and QA approach to be used had to assure that the machine would not be hazardous to the public or operating personnel, would operate unattended on a utility grid, would demonstrate reliable operation and would help establish the quality assurance and maintainability requirements for future wind turbine projects. Since the ultimate objective of the wind energy program is to provide wind power at a cost competitive with other energy sources, the final SR and QA activities were to be accomplished at a minimum of cost and manpower. The final approach consisted of a modified Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) during the design phase, minimal hardware inspection during parts fabrication, and three simple documents to control activities during machine construction and operation. Five years experience has shown that this low cost approach has worked well enough that it should be considered by others for similar projects.

• Research Organization: National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Cleveland, OH (USA). Lewis Research Center
• DOE Contract Number: AI01-76ET20320
• OSTI ID: 5348359
• Report Number(s): DOE/NASA/20320-38; NASA-TM-82803; CONF-820619-1; ON: DE82008261
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

17 WIND ENERGY
170602* -- Wind Energy Engineering-- Turbine Design & Operation
ELECTRIC UTILITIES
FAILURES
HAZARDS
MACHINERY
PUBLIC UTILITIES
QUALITY ASSURANCE
RELIABILITY
TURBINES
TURBOMACHINERY
WIND TURBINES