Reliability Database and System Analysis

In order for wind generated energy to reach high penetration levels in the electrical market, continued confidence in the quality, durability, and reliability of wind turbines throughout the fleet is imperative. SNL's reliability effort aims to ensure high fleet operating performance levels, judged both by energy delivery and low operating costs. This task will measure, analyze, document and publish current and future turbine and wind farm availability, as well as target potential reliability issues as early as possible. To accomplish this, the program has initiated a national reliability database, which will be used to gather and store wind farm operations data. This data will be analyzed and baseline statistics on the reliability of the fleet will be reported. The program will use these analyses to initiate technology improvement projects where critical reliability issues are discovered. Manufacturers are key stakeholders and will be invited to participate in addition to wind plant owners and operators. Building from the Sandia-sponsored public Wind Turbine Reliability Workshops of the past two years, Sandia will continue to build partnerships across the industry and facilitate information exchange to bridge the gaps between operators, developers, turbine suppliers and component vendors.