Ceit to research into more resilient wind turbine components in view of climate change challenges

The technology centre is developing state-of-the-art solutions to improve the reliability of wind turbines when faced with high winds within the framework of the MEECEVE II project.

Climate change has transformed the operative conditions of wind turbines, as they are being subjected to extreme climate events that may compromise both their functioning and lifespan. Current designs, based on previous wind-related events, do not envisage any increase in the frequency or intensity of these phenomena, thus giving rise to uncertainty as to whether safety factors are sufficient to ensure the resilience of wind turbines.

By way of a response to such problems, Ceit is taking part in the MEEVCE II project, the aim of which is to design wind turbine components capable of withstanding these new conditions. The work involves not only seeking to improve the reliability of wind turbines through design, but also reinforcing competitiveness of the Basque wind power industry within an increasingly demanding global milieu.

Towards more robust and sustainable wind turbines

The project covers three key degradation mechanisms in wind turbine components:

• Wear and tear: a phenomenon which, albeit not catastrophic, has a significant effect on turbine performance, as it may for instance modify the aerodynamic behaviour of the blades or capacity of the gearbox to transmit power.
• Onset and propagation of cracks: via analysis using fracture mechanics, this process may affect the structural integrity of key components such as the axis or bearings.
• Breakage of internal bearing elements: faults in moving parts within the bearing may lead to serious operative problems, such as rotating movement collapse of the pitch.

Ceit to work on design of the rotor axis

By focusing on these degradation mechanisms, the project will deal with all key components of the wind turbine, such as the blades, pitch bearing, multiplier and axis. The Ceit Technology Centre will be focusing on the latter, as it will be at the helm of degradation analysis of the rotor axis – a critical component in energy transmission. Research focuses on two key aspects:

• Fracture mechanics: Ceit is studying the onset and propagation of cracks on the surface of the axis – a phenomenon that compromises the structural integrity of the component.
• Material fatigue: state-of-the-art models are being developed to predict axis lifespan by integrating steel microstructure data and a record of loads experienced, including overload deriving from high winds.

Additionally, to seek a response to the problems attached to the different wind turbine components, technologies are being developed such as laboratory validation tests to obtain precise data about component degradation, digital twins to simulate the behaviour of such components, and holistic turbine models to analyse the behaviour of degraded parts.

The project, which is being funded via the Basque Government Elkartek programme, is of two years’ duration (2024-2025), and brings together a consortium led by Ikerlan and in which the following entities are taking part: Ceit, Bearinn, Mondragon Unibertsitatea and the Clúster de Energía.