Press Release – 7th November 2012
Schaeffler provides online condition monitoring of
turbines at Crystal Rig wind farm
Bearings and condition monitoring specialist Schaeffler (UK) Ltd
has supplied five online condition monitoring systems to wind
farm developer and operator Fred.Olsen Renewables (FOR). A
further 20 condition monitoring systems from Schaeffler are
expected to be installed later this year on the remaining turbines.
In May 2012, FOR installed five FAG WiPro s condition
monitoring systems from Schaeffler on five wind turbines at the
Crystal Rig wind farm in Scotland. These systems continuously
monitor the condition of the main rotor bearings, gearbox and
generators, with Schaeffler UK also providing remote monitoring
services on a 24/7 basis.
Crystal Rig wind farm is located on the Lammermuir Hills,
approximately 40km east of Edinburgh in the Scottish Borders.
When Crystal Rig wind farm commenced operations in October
2003, it was the largest onshore wind farm in Scotland, with a
rated output of 50MW. The hub heights of the Phase 1 wind
turbines are 60m with a rotor diameter of 80m.
In phase 2, a further five wind turbines were installed at Crystal
Rig, bringing the total number of turbines to 25, generating a total
capacity of 62.5MW from May 2007.
Stuart Naylor, Operations Manager at Fred.Olsen Renewables
UK commented: “We are delighted with the condition monitoring
systems and remote monitoring services provided by Schaeffler
1
and we look forward to continuing and further developing this
working relationship in the future. Back in September 2011, when
we were looking for a suitable UK-based supplier, we found
Schaeffler to be extremely professional and competitive, as well
as demonstrating confidence that their system could provide us
with the most suitable condition monitoring system. Additionally,
Schaeffler offered flexible training, remote monitoring and
reporting services to meet our requirement.”
Schaeffler’s FAG WiPro s is an online condition monitoring
system that is suitable for the permanent monitoring of wind
turbines. The system is extremely compact, with the monitoring
unit and multiplexer integrated in a single unit, which offers a high
degree of flexibility for end users.
The system combines all control modules into a single compact
housing, which measures just 260 x 150 x 90mm, enabling easy
installation in control cabinets. The integrated multiplexer enables
the recording of signals from up to eight different sensors.
FAG WiPro s monitors vibration conditions, which if left
undetected, can cause costly unplanned shutdowns of wind
turbines. These conditions include damage to bearings and gears,
as well as shaft misalignments. If a specified threshold value or
alarm limit is exceeded, the system triggers an alarm. The
vibration monitoring data can be analysed directly on site at the
central control station or this data can be retrieved via a TCP/IP
communications link and analysed by either the end user or by
Schaeffler. Integration of oil quality (particles) as part of the
monitoring is also possible.
2
“On each of the five wind turbines being monitored at Crystal Rig
wind farm, we’ve installed six vibration acceleration sensors,”
stated Dr Steve Lacey, Engineering Manager at Schaeffler UK.
“One of these sensors is a special, low frequency vibration sensor
that monitors the main rotor bearing and there is also a low
frequency vibration sensor on the input shaft to the gearbox. Two
additional standard vibration acceleration sensors are installed on
the power train gearbox, with a further two vibration sensors on
the generators. These sensors provide us with 24/7 vibration data
– including both time-based and frequency-based vibration data –
which enables us to look for faults or to detect problems early.”
“Since the condition monitoring systems were installed in May,
we’ve picked up a couple of faults in the generator bearings and
identified early problems with some gears on a planetary gearbox.
These faults were confirmed by Fred.Olsen by using fibre optic
cameras [endoscopes] to look inside the gearbox,” he added.
For more information on Schaeffler’s condition monitoring
systems for wind turbines, please call Schaeffler UK’s Marketing
Department on 0121 313 5870. Alternatively, email
info.uk@schaeffler.com
ENDS [645 words]
Note to editors:
Schaeffler with its product brands INA, LuK and FAG is a leading
provider of rolling bearing and plain bearing solutions and of linear and
direct drive technology, as well as a renowned supplier to the
automotive industry of high-precision products and systems for engines,
transmissions and chassis applications. The globally active group of
companies generated sales of approximately 10.7 billion euros in 2011.
With approximately 76,000 employees worldwide, Schaeffler is one of
3
the largest German and European industrial companies in family
ownership. With 180 locations in over 50 countries, Schaeffler has a
worldwide
network
of
manufacturing
locations,
research
and
development facilities, sales companies, engineering offices, and
training centres.
Fred.Olsen Renewables (FOR) has been developing and operating
wind farms since the mid-1990’s, showing real commitment to the
Scottish and UK renewable energy generation market. Its operational
portfolio comprises Rothes (51MW), Pauls Hill (64MW) and Crystal Rig
(200MW), giving a generating capacity of 315MW. Consented onshore
projects are Mid Hill (75MW), Windy Standard II (37.5MW) and Rothes
II (40MW), with a large offshore project in Irish waters, Codling Bank (up
to 1GW). FOR has a 50% interest in Windy Standard II in partnership
with RWE and Rothes II is currently under construction and is due for
completion in May 2013. FOR is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bonheur
ASA and Ganger Rolf ASA, both listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange,
with FOR being responsible for the development of renewable energy
generation activities. See www.fredolsen-renewables.com for more
information.
To download a high resolution image for this article, please go to
the “Press Area” at www.silverbulletpr.co.uk . Alternatively, you
can request an image by contacting:
Dean Palmer
Director
SilverBullet PR Ltd
Tel: 01780 753 000
Mobile: 07703 023 771
Email: dean@silverbulletpr.co.uk
www.silverbulletpr.co.uk
Schaeffler (UK) Ltd,
Forge Lane, Minworth,
Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands B76 1AP.
4
Tel: 0121 313 5870 Fax: 0121 351 7686
e-mail: info.uk@schaeffler.com
www.schaeffler.co.uk
5