Optimal maintenance strategy of wind turbine subassemblies to improve the overall availability

Abstract

Improving wind turbine performance, operation, and efficiency requires evolving Operation and Maintenance (O&M) methods. Different models are required for O&M choices. These models offer a broad variety of scenarios and variables to reduce energy costs and enhance wind farm profitability. In this regard, this paper proposes a detailed approach for maintenance decisions to pick an optimum maintenance strategy (MST) for different subassemblies of wind turbines based on failure analysis. This approach is predicated mostly on a vast field database of failures and repairs of several subassemblies of wind turbines. The maintenance model is comprised of many stages, including the data preparation stage, the availability optimization stage, and the optimum MST selection step. Consequently, this model aids in determining the appropriate MST for all subassemblies of wind turbines to achieve the necessary degree of availability.