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Data acquisition Software and Communications
News Release from: SKF UK | Subject: WindCon
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 14 February 2003
Remote condition monitoring is a breeze
WindCon is a remote online condition monitoring solution for wind farms, which gives operators a complete overview of the mechanical condition of their wind turbines on a continuous basis.
For many wind energy operators there is a considerable cost in simply getting to their wind turbines Furthermore, in some locations, weather conditions can also prevent visits from being made
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 17 Nov 2005 at 8.00am (UK)
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System makes sense of turbine diagnostics
SKF has developed an expanded version of its very successful wind turbine monitoring system.
Condition monitoring boosts wind farm reliability
SKF is to install its WindCon condition monitoring system in 126 Enertrag wind turbines located in nine different wind farms across Germany and France.
As a result, SKF has introduced WindCon, a remote, online condition monitoring solution for wind farms, which gives operators a complete overview of the mechanical condition of their wind turbines on a continuous basis.
WindCon enables the early detection of small problems that may lead to major breakdowns.
It therefore allows operators to schedule preventive maintenance which will enhance maintenance timing and efficiency and therefore improve the overall uptime of the wind turbines.
As the statistical data gives an overview of wind turbine behaviour in different application conditions, it also enables better-informed decisions to be taken on a long-term basis regarding wind turbine design, operation and maintenance.
A typical wind turbine installation can be configured in the customer's language to give root cause analysis of mechanical imbalance, alignment error, shaft bending, mechanical looseness, failing couplings, bearing condition, gear wheel damage, resonance problems, electrical problems, and even faulty or weak foundations.
Additional features, such as tower vibration and blade vibration, can easily be added.
The WindCon system consists of an intelligent monitoring unit (iMU), a supervisory and analysis system, and a specialist hotline.
The iMU continuously collects data and automatically carries out not only the vibration monitoring of bearings, gearboxes and transmission but also makes sensor and electronics checks of all the installed monitoring devices.
All data, including fault-generated alarms, is transmitted from the monitoring system to a supervisory and analysis system.
This is housed in a control room that can be located anywhere that is convenient for the turbine operator.
Advanced machine diagnostics are performed and clear text messages regarding detected faults are given.
A specialist hotline is also provided which enables SKF specialists to identify actions to be taken in the event of queries on the part of the local operating engineers.
WindCon is specifically designed to meet the tough demands of offshore wind turbine applications, although it is anticipated that the system will find favour for any remote farms, whether on or offshore. Request a free brochure from SKF UK ...
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