Reliability Analysis of Wind Turbines

Abstract

With the rapid development of wind power industry, the reliability of wind turbines has become a hotspot in wind power research. The failure modes and research prog- ress of wind turbine reliability both at home and abroad are analyzed. The failure modes, failure causes and detection methods of some key components in the wind turbines are summarized. Also, the frequently used methods of reliability analysis and research status of wind turbine reliability are analyzed. Following this, research focuses, methods and measures to improve wind turbine reliability are presented. We also shed light on the condition monitoring and assessment process with condition monitoring system and supervisory control and data acquisition. It is of great signifi- cance to reduce the cost of operation and maintenance and to improve the safety of wind turbines.