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The Allianz Center for Technology has been investigating wind turbine
damage and incidents for insurance companies, manufacturers and operators
for over 10 years. Although most of the components of wind turbines are used
for industrial applications and power plants, wind turbines operate under
much different conditions, and this results in completely different problems.
The most significant difference between gas and steam turbines on the one
hand and wind turbines on the other hand is that the force of the wind is so
irregular. As a result, the drive train of a wind turbine is subject to much
greater dynamic loads. Virtually all components of a wind turbine are
subject to damage, including everything from the rotor blades to the
generator, transformer, nacelle, tower and foundation.
Our services:
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Load and Vibration Measurement
In view of the special nature of
the forces to which wind turbines are exposed, it is necessary to
investigate wind turbine behaviour under actual operating conditions in
order to identify operating situations that can lead to damage. In
particular, it is necessary to determine whether the specified design
loads correspond to actual reality at the respective location. We use
advanced measurement technology to carry out these investigations.
Long-term measurement enables us to determine site-specific loads on the
drive train such as torque and bending moments or shaft, bearing and
nacelle vibrations. In addition, special measurements make it possible to
determine the causes of damage that regularly affect specific production
sites.
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Design and Engineering
On the basis of the results of damage
analysis and a knowledge of running behaviour, we are able to make
detailed recommendations for the design and engineering of individual
components. In order to increase operational reliability, our
recommendations can also exceed the guidelines of certification
institutes.
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Production Consulting
We can evaluate individual production
processes and inspect or monitor the entire production process in order to
preclude manufacturing defects and enhance quality. This is especially
important in the case of rotor blades, which represent some of the most
cost-intensive components of wind turbines since production is so involved.
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Fire Engineering
There's very little firefighters can do in the
case of a fire at a height of 60 to 100 meters. If a wind turbine is not
equipped with an automatic extinguishing system, a fire inevitably means a
total loss. Falling parts or debris also represent a danger to the
surrounding vicinity. AZT has been involved in the development of
extinguishing systems and technology for decades and can also provide
effective support in the area of fire engineering.
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Condition Monitoring
Our experience and expertise also enable us
to evaluate online condition monitoring systems. We have developed a
catalog of specifications for condition monitoring systems, operators and
manufacturers of wind turbines. It contains information on parameters that
cover everything from signal recording and processing to analysis as well
as limit monitoring and trend analysis. AZT's test reports are also
recognized by Germanisch Lloyd (GL) as a basis for certification.
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Operating and Safety Systems
AZT examines safety systems. We
develop damage scenarios and provide wind park operators with support in
the area of Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA).
Are you interested in further information?
Our experts are glad to help you:
windenergie@allianz-azt.de
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