Wind turbine lifetime extension decision-making based on structural health monitoring

T. Rubert, G. Zorzi, G. Fusiek, P. Niewczas, D. McMillan, J. McAlorum and M. Perry

Renewable Energy, 2019, vol. 143, issue C, 611-621

Abstract: In this work, structural health monitoring data is applied to underpin a long-term wind farm lifetime extension strategy. Based on the outcome of the technical analysis, the case for an extended lifetime of 15 years is argued. Having established the lifetime extension strategy, the single wind turbine investigated within a wind farm is subjected to a bespoke economic lifetime extension case study. In this case study, the local wind resource is taken into consideration, paired with central, optimistic, and pessimistic operational cost assumptions. Besides a deterministic approach, a stochastic analysis is carried out based on Monte Carlo simulations of selected scenarios. Findings reveal the economic potential to operate profitably in a subsidy-free environment with a P90 levelised cost of energy of £25.02 if no component replacement is required within the nacelle and £42.53 for a complete replacement of blades, generator, and gearbox.

Keywords: Structural health monitoring; Wind turbine; Lifetime extension; Fatigue analysis; Remaining useful lifetime; Levelised cost of energy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:renene:v:143:y:2019:i:c:p:611-621

DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2019.05.034

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