Methodology for Detecting Malfunctions and Evaluating the Maintenance Effectiveness in Wind Turbine Generator Bearings Using Generic versus Specific Models from SCADA Data

Miguel A. Rodríguez-López, Luis M. López-González, Luis M. López-Ochoa and Jesús Las-Heras-Casas
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Miguel A. Rodríguez-López: Departamento de Ingeniería de Explotación (INGEX), Iberdrola Ingeniería y Construcción, S.A.U., Avda. de Manoteras, 20, Edif. D, 2ª Planta, 28050 Madrid, Spain
Luis M. López-González: TENECO Research Group, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of La Rioja, Calle San José de Calasanz, 31, 26004 Logroño, La Rioja, Spain
Luis M. López-Ochoa: TENECO Research Group, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of La Rioja, Calle San José de Calasanz, 31, 26004 Logroño, La Rioja, Spain
Jesús Las-Heras-Casas: TENECO Research Group, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of La Rioja, Calle San José de Calasanz, 31, 26004 Logroño, La Rioja, Spain

Energies, 2018, vol. 11, issue 4, 1-22

Abstract: This article offers reasons to defend the use of generic behavior models as opposed to specific models in applications to determine component degradation. The term generic models refers to models based on operating data from various units, whereas specific models are calculated using operating data taken from a single unit. Moreover, generic models, used in combination with a status indicator, show excellent capacity for detecting anomalies in the equipment and for evaluating the effectiveness of the maintenance actions, resulting in lower development and maintenance costs for the operating firm. Artificial neural networks and moving means were used to calculate the degradation indicators, based on the remainders in the model. The models were developed from operating data from fourteen wind turbines monitored over several years, and applied to the detection of faults in the bearings on the non-drive end of the generator. The use of generic models may not be recommendable for detecting faults in all cases, and the suitability will depend greatly on the context of the methodology developed to detect each type of fault, according to the element causing the fault and the fault mode, since each methodology requires a greater or lesser degree of precision in the model.

Keywords: condition monitoring; failure detection; wind turbines; generator bearing; SCADA data; normal behavior models (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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