NEWS

Whether it’s a simple, custom-designed spacer flange or the replacement of a major component - in between, there are countless cost-effective options for making an older wind turbine more efficient. “Retrofit” is the magic word - and it refers to the modernization and upgrading of existing turbines with new components and technologies.

Christian Berndsen, Director of Operations & Engineering at WindNOW!: “We offer affordable and innovative solutions that significantly improve performance. To that end, we have a number of creative options in our toolbox for our customers - beyond maintenance and standard repairs. And all with the goal of extending the service life of older turbines from various manufacturers, increasing reliability, reducing maintenance costs, and improving workplace safety.”

Here are three examples that WindNOW! has developed itself or can implement using partner products:

Are the batteries in the pitch system weak, old, or damaged?

We replace backup pitch batteries - which power blade adjustment even during a power outage - with modern ultracapacitors. These are maintenance-free, have a virtually unlimited service life, and are far less prone to failure than conventional batteries or their charging technology.

Is an IGBT power module in the frequency converter - which converts fluctuating alternating current into stable current - wearing out?

We are installing innovative power modules that extend service life and make grid feed-in more reliable.

Can oil from the gearbox enter the data slip ring transmitter, potentially causing errors in the pitch system and resulting in a system failure?

To prevent oil from entering the transmitter and damaging it - for example, due to a defective hollow shaft - we have designed an intermediate flange, an oil separator that drains the oil to the outside.