To ensure the optimal operational availability and thereby the production of energy over the next 20 years, periodic inspections of all mechanical and electrical components will be necessary. In compliance with this task, a works manager will usually be hired from the operator to monitor the technical aspects of operating.
His tasks contain the analysis of the operating data, such as wind velocity, wind direction, engine speed, engine power and several temperatures. In interaction with the error statistics and trend analysis he is able to receive information about the efficiency of the wind turbines and indices of operating problems of the single components. His occupation starts with the putting into operation of the wind farm and is, as they case may be, ending with the renaturation, respectively with the repowering of the wind turbines.
The risks of the operating and the associated costs of potential repairs are completely passing over on the operator, when the stipulated warranty period is over. By what, especially the costs for maintenance and repair can generate a significant part of the operating costs besides the economically costs. An alternative to this concept is a full service contract with the manufacturers, which can minimize the risks. The costs for such contracts are usually depending on the produced power of the wind farms. To guarantee the availability and therewith the stability of yield, it is especially important to maintain particularly parts like the anti-friction bearing and the main gear unit.
Another focal point of the operating, besides the maintenance, is the insurance. The standard insurance is consisting of liability insurance, exterior insurance, e.g. lightning, and an insurance against machinery breakdown during the operating. Beyond that it is recommended to take out business interruption insurance to compensate downtime caused by repair.
Also belonging to the area of responsibility of the operator is the management of further tasks like for instance in Germany the §§ 6, 16 and 66 of the Renewable Energy Law or the System Service Ordinance.
The Nordum Akademie is able look back on over one decade of experience in the management of wind turbines in the megawatt range and would be glad to consult you about the optimization of the operating phase of your wind farm project.