Framework for managing the operations and maintenance of wind farms

Abstract

The operations and maintenance of a wind farm constitutes a considerable source of expenditures therefore a holistic framework is herein presented aiming at optimising their management. The principles upon which the framework was developed belongs to the asset management discipline oriented towards the wind energy sector. Besides, it is understood from a cross functional perspective which also embraces information management and business aspects. The framework comprehends different modules conceived with the following purposes: (i) creation of an integral and comprehensive failure database, (ii) modelling of the wind turbines' reliability taking into account their operational context and (iii) defining of maintenance strategy within a life-cycle perspective. The practical aspects of the framework are demonstrated through a case study based on real-field data from the sector. Furthermore, the present research sets the foundation to consider all the proposed algorithms, processes and techniques within a Product-Service System approach, which entails important benefits for the OEMs an for the operators.