Newsletter May 2003
Condition Monitoring of Wind Turbines
The Spring 2003 issue of Eureka carries an article on 'Harnessing the Power of the Wind' and includes information on SKF products including their CARB Toroidal Roller bearings and the newly developed SKF Windcon providing a condition monitoring solution for wind farms. These are due to grow rapidly in the next few years, particularly offshore where the conditions are harsher than the more conventional land based turbines.
Their 'Magic Roller' system comprises one roller per bearing row with instrumentation to measure roller load. The WindCon system includes an intelligent monitoring unit (iMUmu) and analysis system and a transmission unit. The iMU is installed in the nacelle of each turbine and continuously collects data on the vibration monitoring of bearings, gearboxes and transmission. Data collected from the monitoring system is transmitted to a analysis system in a control room conveniently located. The system provides root cause analysis of both mechanical problems that occur as well as any longer term foundation faults.
Further information: www.skf.co.uk
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