Project description and overview:

This project will enhance Turbine Solution’s capacity and capability to provide specialised, third-party services for wind turbine maintenance. This project seeks to adapt Turbine Solution’s current bearings services that it delivers to its oil and gas turbine customers to those needed in wind turbines.

A critical component in how a wind turbine operates lies in the bearings, which facilitate the smooth rotation of moving parts within the nacelle including the main shaft, generator and gear box. The process of replacing bearings in a wind turbine is complex and requires meticulous planning and execution. Accessing the gear box and shaft bearings is difficult due to the confined spaces within the nacelle and the weight of the equipment. In addition, Australia’s wind turbines are usually located in remote areas and operate at significant heights which adds complexity to the task. Technicians must be equipped with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and all tools and replacement parts must be suitable for the task, readily available and meticulously inspected before use.

Turbine Solutions’ strategy is to commercialise a repeatable, unique turbine servicing model that will enable Turbine Solutions to easily transition its current gas turbine sector offering into the wind energy sector and establish a strong foundation in the Australian wind energy supply chain. This service will offer specialised services and advanced tools designed to optimise wind turbine performance and ensure efficient maintenance practices. In particular, this project will focus on adjusting its turbine bearing replacement and borescope inspection services, each critical to minimising downtime and enhancing the reliability of wind turbines.

In particular, the service model to be commercialised will initially focus on bearing updates, repairs and maintenance trials, in established wind farms.