Description
The installation of offshore wind farms has the challenge of reducing the cost of operation and maintenance. The increase in the size of wind turbines, their location on the sea, and sea conditions makes the maintenance cost becomes a major concern. Among the costs associated there are two elements that stand out because of the need for a crane boat: blades and their bearings. This project focuses on one of these elements, the pitch bearing, developing a new type of offshore bearings, which, compared to existing bearings can diagnose themselves and know their status. This allows for an external control of the state of the bearings, and the need for maintenance actions that allow the bearings and therefore the turbine work within established operating parameters. The bearings will incorporate hardware (sensors, front-end electronic, acquisition and processing unit) and software (algorithms) that allow detecting their status and sending it to an external system
Summary of project results
The overall objective of this project is the development of a smart pitch bearing for offshore applications, able to evaluate its structural state and transmit it. Regarding the crack detection by means of Eddy currents, LL has developed an innovative solution that allows detection of cracks in the bearing while it is in operation. The developed method does not require the purchase of commercial equipment, but specific hardware and software developed within this project, thereby constituting a low cost solution. Regarding the capture and detection of magnetic particles, LL has developed two different devices. The low cost, first device allows a partial cleaning of the grease, and the second one also monitors the amount of magnetic particles existing in it. Regarding to the method of seal reparation, the developed device allows performing on-field maintenance in a simple and effective way. LL will be able to offer an important service to his costumers thanks to its optimal design.
Summary of bilateral results
In this project, LL has worked together with the Norwegian company NorMec. They have collaborated in the development of the on-field method of seal reparation, with the design and development, and subsequent optimization, of a device for seal reparation. This device will allow conducting easy and effective on-field maintenance operations. The weight and dimensions reductions implemented in the design, along with the positioning facilities developed, will enable Lau Lagun to offer a good service to its customers. The collaboration with the Norwegian company NorMec has been so successful that Lau Lagun will keep working with them in other developments in the near future.