Maintenance of wind turbine efficiency
Renewable energy sources (RES) play an important role both from the point of view of individual users and the economy as a whole. Hence, wind turbines are an increasingly common sight on the Polish landscape. This is because they are one of the most cost-effective, clean and readily available energy sources in the world. However, have you ever wondered what the safety issue is, the operation of wind energy systems and the maintenance of wind turbines? You will learn about it from reading this article.
Wind turbines as a source of clean energy
Wind farms are a source of clean and environmentally safe electricity. It is generated from the wind and, of course, the more often the wind blows or the stronger the wind, the greater the potential for generating this energy. Of course, the design of wind farms and their construction involves investment, but it also contributes to many benefits. Among them are reduced dependence on fossil fuels, cleaner air or low operating costs. On the other hand, in the context of traditional power plants, it should be borne in mind that they are associated not only with the need to invest in their construction, but also with costs arising from their continued use. And what is this issue in the case of turbines? What are the technical inspections of wind power plants or wind turbine inspections?
Construction of power plants and wind turbines
Wind turbines themselves are a safe source of power generation, provided that all procedures are followed, such as technical inspections. Power plants are made up of many components, of which wind turbines are a key one. When considering the issue of their service and maintenance of efficiency, it is worth defining what a wind turbine is in general. On the website of the Central Institute for Occupational Safety and Health - National Research Institute you can find a definition, according to which a wind turbine is "a device containing a turbine rotor, consisting of a hub with blades and systems for controlling their position, converting the kinetic energy of the wind into mechanical work in the form of rotor rotation. An essential part of a wind turbine, sometimes equated with it." Wind turbines are therefore only a component of the whole system, although important enough that their operation and servicing are crucial.
How is a wind turbine built? It consists of many components. Going from the bottom, at the very bottom is the base, which is to ensure the stability of the entire structure. Above it is an output to the power grid and a tower with an entrance ladder located in the centre. At the top of the tower are the key components of the turbine, such as the power plant's directional servo, nacelle, generator, parking brake, wind turbine blades, the actuator of their repositioning mechanism and the hub.
The components most susceptible to damage are the wind turbine blades, as they are the most heavily loaded parts of the entire structure. Many of the potential hazards that can damage wind turbine blades are due to external factors. These include atmospheric conditions, such as lightning strikes, and in the winter, they can be damage caused by icing. Therefore, an important role in maintaining the efficiency and ensuring the safety of the wind power system is played by wind turbine servicing and technical damage risk assessment.
Safety of wind turbines
Wind turbine service
Wind turbine inspections should be performed regularly by qualified personnel. Personnel engaged in this profession must follow wind turbine health and safety rules, as many of the jobs they perform fall into the particularly hazardous category. Wind turbine inspections involve work at heights, as well as inside the technical equipment, i.e. in the wind turbine tower or nacelle. Therefore, they should be performed using safety features such as harnesses and ropes, and service technicians must be assisted by at least one person who is outside, being in constant contact with them.
What kind of service activities does inspection and maintenance include? It is necessary to inspect the propellers for any damage or cracks, check the oil level in the gearboxes, check the condition of the parking brake and possibly replace the linings or adjust the brake, lubricate the bearings, etc. All services should be performed under suitable weather conditions and, of course, during turbine downtime.
In addition to the activities described above, the servicing process also includes maintenance of the wind turbine's electrical circuits. All systems and equipment installed in the turbine must be equipped with appropriate safeguards to provide protection against possible failures and interference with the power grid.
Technical improvement of wind turbines
The rapid increase in interest in renewable energy installations, including wind farms, which has been going on for some time, will also mean a growing demand for services related to their operation and maintenance. Regular inspection and maintenance of wind turbines and their individual components are crucial for the proper operation and operation of wind power plants.