MAteRials for Wind farm componEnts Life improvement - MARWEL

Project summary

Bearings, the most critical components of Wind Turbine drivetrains, show high incidence of unexpected failure with high maintenance costs. MARWEL Project aims at extending the service life of bearings Wind Turbine in rotors, generators and gearbox, developing protective solutions against wear and corrosion of such critical elements i) via Innovative Graded Coatings deposited by Cold Gas Spray and High Velocity Oxy Fuel, and ii) by the optimization of the induction hardening on bulk steel. The analysis of the vibration signals from bearings on Wind Turbine and signals from lab vibration monitoring system and new testing procedures will guide the optimization process. The vibrational data analyses will provide technical-statistical information for better comprehension of phenomena involved in bearings failure modes. The optimized solution will be evaluated to better address the O&M management plan from a technical-financial point of view with the aim of lowering costs.