Modeling the reliability of wind turbine generators (WTGS)
Student name: Mr Okoronkwo Jonathan Onwukwe
Guide: Dr V V N Kishore
Year of completion: 2011
Host Organisation: Suzlon Energy Limited
Supervisor (Host Organisation): Shri Prakash Vora
Abstract: We have investigated the reliability of more than 440 Suzlon WTGs and their parts
in five states of India and particularly changes in reliability of the mechanical and
electrical components coupled with their material consumptions. We first started by
considering the failure rate of WT populations, then the annualized frequency rate
and then their MTBF. This analysis yields some surprising results about reliability
and efficiency of Suzlon WTGs. Then we proceed to consider the major breakdown
duration function Tmed variation with time for WT using the downtime and
frequency failure rate of these populations. We adopted the field performance data
measurement method for the reliability analysis of the errors occurring in the WTGs.
This analysis shows that WT gearboxes seem to be achieving reliabilities based on
their frequency rate rather than downtime while the electrical system is affected by
both. However, WTGs and converters are both achieving reliabilities considerably
depending on the stability of the grid. The study also considers different aspects of
onsite performance of the maintenance team and ways of improving their approach.
Then we conclude by proposing that WTGs should be subject to more rigorous
reliability improvement measures, through the internal reliability growth process
already in place.
