NextEra Energy Resources (NEE) is replacing more than 400 faulty blade pitch motors on all 134 GE turbines at two wind farms in Michigan.
The 120MW Tuscola Bay project includes 75 1.6MW turbines, while the 100.3MW Tuscola Bay 2 comprises 59 1.7MW machines. The wind farms started operation in 2012 and 2013, respectively.
NextEra discovered a problem with the motors after getting complaints from four residents regarding a clunking noise coming from the turbines, spokesperson Bryan Garner told reNEWS.
The old-style keyway pitch motor is not able to handle the load that is being placed on them by longer blades and is being switched out with a spline drive pitch motor, Garner said.
“We are in the process of replacing the motors, together with a contractor,” he added.
About half the turbines have been fixed so far. The repairs are covered by warranty with GE.
“GE is working well with NEE to help provide the parts and labor in a timely manner as to keep up with the repairs,” said Garner.
The developer also plans to remove vortex generators that were attached to the blades to increase power performance.
Some of the generators have fallen off because the units were installed too late in the year during cold weather.
“They did not have a significant impact on the generation of the turbines and we are in the process of removing them,” said Garner.
Neither the vortex generators nor the motor issue caused any damage or injury, he added.
GE declined to comment on the problems at the NextEra projects, however, “the quality and reliability of GE turbines is of utmost importance to us as evidenced by our overall performance,” a GE renewable energy spokesperson told reNEWS.
“GE’s global fleet of more than 30,000 wind turbines have recorded more than 800 million operating hours,” he added.
Image: GE
