The economic benefits of wind turbine structural testing
- Dynamic Design, Davis, CA (United States)
Wind turbine systems are subjected to highly variable loading conditions as a result of the diverse meteorological conditions found in the field. While the wind energy resource available for extraction and the initial cost of the equipment are major factors in the cost of wind generated electricity, the economic value of any wind power station is ultimately related to the structural lifetime of the machinery located at the plant and to the costs associated with operations and maintenance of the facility. Field experience gained during the past decade has shown large variations in structural lifetime and maintenance costs for identical turbine designs located at dissimilar sites, with resulting dramatic differences in the overall cost of energy produced. Structural testing offers a method for reducing the incidence of wind turbine component failures at any given site by providing an accurate loading envelope for use in detailed equipment lifetime calculations. This paper will broadly discuss the technical issues which are important for turbine field testing and will identify the potential impacts on overall wind plant economics. Wind turbine testing plays a key role in reducing the risk of premature component failure, improving overall mechanical reliability, and enhancing turbine availability.
- OSTI ID:
- 92998
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-950116--; ISBN 0-7918-1294-4
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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