Vibration Signals and Condition Monitoring for Wind Turbines

Abstract

Rolling element bearings are critical parts of modern wind turbines as they carry the loads of the turning structure and the wind force. The stochastic nature of the wind loads makes it difficult to estimate the useful operational life of the bearings. Condition monitoring of these bearings in a real time environment could be very helpful in estimating their performance and in scheduling maintenance actions when a condition-based maintenance strategy is followed. This procedure can be successfully implemen