On-site wind turbines offer businesses the opportunity to save a great amount on their overall energy costs, and given your business is also doing its bit to protect the planet, investing in this technology is a wise decision. 

That said, in order to experience the benefits in full, it’s essential to be aware of what can go wrong with your unit. These are huge, complex pieces of engineering, and having a basic understanding of the technical problems that could occur is key to avoiding costly repairs and excessive down time. 

This article has you covered: here are the most common issues that can go awry and how to prevent them!

Blade Damage

The blades are the most important part of the wind turbine structure, and given that they represent the primary moving element, they’re highly susceptible to damage. 

Extreme weather such as lightning storms can cause direct physical damage, but erosion can also occur through general wear and tear. Regular inspections by trained professionals are key for preventing this problem – they can quickly repair damage and install protective coatings before things get worse and end up becoming a major issue. 

Controller Problems

You can think of the controller as the brain of your turbine, and it represents one of the major electrical components of the system. 

It controls start-up and shut-down procedures, so if a software glitch or sensor malfunction presents as a frequent problem, your unit down time can skyrocket (Vestas controller repairs are a common requirement, for example).  

One of the most important aspects for preventing issues with your controller is to ensure software and firmware are regularly updated, and have sensors tested as part of your routine inspection.

Generator Failures

Your turbine generator is a highly important component responsible for the process of converting mechanical energy into electrical power you can utilize. Given so, it’s doing a lot of work 24/7, making it a common weak point for failure in a lot of systems. 

Preventing failure revolves around routinely checking bearings and components for wear, monitoring temperature levels, and critically, keeping the area your generator is situated in clean. 

Gearbox Damage 

The turbine’s gearbox is the element that controls the rotational speed of the blades, and similarly to the generator, it’s under heavy loads at all times. 

This makes it susceptible to failure, which is usually simply a case of wear and tear. The gearbox requires regular lubrication, so this should be your first port of call when hoping to prevent the problem (and you’ll need to ensure you use a high-quality oil). 

Wrapping Up

The above elements represent those most likely to fail, but there are several other mechanisms through which your turbine could break down. It’s essential to have a good working relationship with your turbine engineers to ensure all aspects are covered to give your unit the longest lifespan possible. Repairs might be expensive initially, but for what you’ll gain from having a fully-functional wind turbine over the long-term, they’re more than worth it.