Wenqu Chen, a mechanical-engineering research student at Sheffield University (
www.sheffield.ac.uk), has developed a novel technique to predict when wind turbine bearings will fail.
He uses ultrasonic waves to measure the load transmitted through a ball bearing in the wind turbine; from this, engineers can forecast its remaining service life.
When a bearing is subject to a load, its thickness is reduced by a very small amount due to elastic deformation, and this changes the speed of ultrasound waves as they travel through the bearing. Mr Chen uses a custom-built piezoelectric sensor mounted in the bearing to measure the speed and determine the load.
This sensor is less costly and significantly smaller than those that are currently available, making it suitable for smaller turbines.
Professor Rob Dwyer-Joyce, co-author of the paper and a director of the University of Sheffield said: “This technique can be used to prevent unexpected bearing failures, which are a common problem in wind turbines. Removing the risk of breakdown and unplanned maintenance can help to reduce the cost of wind energy and make it much more economically competitive."
This new technology is currently being tested at the Barnesmore wind farm in Donegal by Ricardo.