Wind Turbine Main Bearing: A Mini Review of Its Failure Modes and Condition Monitoring Techniques

Abstract

Condition monitoring of wind turbine components is critical to operational effectiveness and efficiencies, which becomes vital at the utility scale level. Among other components, the main bearing has been identified as a critical component. This is due to its operating conditions and loading, which deviate from other bearings in the wind turbine power train. The growing improvement on wind turbine production capacity has consequently improved condition monitoring approaches to its critical components. This study presents a mini-review of wind turbine failure modes and condition monitoring strategies for its main bearing. A brief overview of vital wind turbine components is presented, focusing on the main bearing. The study summarizes the failure modes of the main bearing and identifies potential condition monitoring methods for the main bearing, their strengths and limitations. Finally, prospects for future research in the condition monitoring of wind turbine main bearing were highlighted.