Reliability analyses, condition monitoring and fault detection in wind generators.

Reliability and Availability of power electronics converters are of significant importance for offshore wind generation systems as any faults can lead to a reduction of power output and/or unscheduled costly maintenance. Extensive studies have been published on the reliability and failure modes of power electronic converters. However, very few have analysed the effects of environmental conditions such as humidity and contamination on the reliability of converters operating in challenging environment such as those of offshore wind generators.
The project will perform an analysis of the reliability of power electronics converters in wind generator systems with an analysis of common failure mechanisms and identification of stressors including thermal, thermo-mechanical and environmental. Condition monitoring solutions will be investigated with the aim of detecting the gradual degradation of components, estimate the remaining useful life and detect any incipient faults.