Canadian outfit Clir Renewables has unveiled technology aimed at extending the life of wind farms.
The software analyses wind farm data, including wind flow conditions, component temperatures and vibrations, to provide operators with information needed to make operational decisions in real time.
Data is compared to the turbine design and loading parameters to assess operational risks, assist in long-term strategic maintenance planning and avoid unexpected component failures.
“The data can be fed into financial models, O&M strategies and assist in deciding whether to ‘sweat’ the assets during the PPA or extend their operational life past the agreement,” the company said.
Clir Renewables data scientist Selena Farris said: “Using automated algorithms and machine learning to assess wind turbine performance is an important advancement in the optimization of the wind industry.
“Continually assessing multiple data points across a site or portfolio means decisions are based on up-to-date rather than historical data. Better informed decisions reduce risk which can only be positive.”
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