Fault Detection and Identification in Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine Using Current Signal Analysis

Abstract

The occurrences of sudden faults in wind turbines cause the inconsistency in energy production. Most of the faults can be prevented by continuously monitoring the condition of the machine parts. However continuous monitoring of the mechanical parts requires extensive use of sensors which is not only expensive but reliability of such methods is also an issue because sensors themselves are also prone to faults and disturbances. This Paper focuses on the issue of occurrences of faults in horizontal axis wind turbines without use of extra sensors. The faults are detected and identified using current signals which are readily available and are more reliable than the other sensors used for condition monitoring. Advanced signal processing techniques are used to analyze different frequency modes of current signals and faults are diagnosed on the basis of frequency spectrum