A holistic approach for collection and utilization of O&M data

At present there is a considerable scope for optimizing wind turbine reliability and maintenance procedures. However, for further optimization of wind turbine (WT) design as well as maintenance strategies it is essential to have in-depth knowledge about the reliability behavior of WT and their components. This can be gained by the generation of a common database containing operational experience as well as failure information. On the basis of a maintenance guideline the evaluation of a database provided by a large group of operators allows to isolate statistical solid information. In combination with newly developed and already known analyzing procedures statistically reliable statements regarding the reliability behavior will be enabled. Based on anonymous analyses, operators gain the opportunity to test and optimize maintenance procedures and the performance of their WT. This requires a unified data structure and a consistent approach regarding data collection and uti lization. A detailed documentation of all maintenance measures of a large population of WT and a purposeful structured database are necessary to extract valid conclusions out of the operational experience. The necessary uniform labeling of components, operating systems and the systematic storage of errors and data initially enable the management of a largely standardized and electronically supported logging. As a result, the monitoring process can be simplified, the financial and technical reporting improved and cooperation with similarly oriented businesses enabled.