How to Extend the Life of Motors and Generators
On a wind turbine, or in any application for that matter, motors and generators are designed to fulfil a specific function for an expected time frame. In order to extend the life expectancy beyond the original design behaviours, it is critical to maintain the unit properly and to make improvements where weaknesses are exposed during service. All turbines have different operating requirements and all site locations offer different challenges. This article will introduce some of the actions that can be taken to improve both the reliability and longevity of the motors and the generator found in utility scale wind turbines.
By Kevin Alewine, Director of Marketing, Shermco Industries, Texas, USA