Residential Wind Turbines Maintenance Issues and Costs
September 7th, 2010 |
A home wind power system can be operational for 15-20 years. The maintenance of the system is estimated to cost only $0.01/kWh, and this is partly due to the sleek design of the system, which includes few moving parts. Still, the turbines do need maintenance to keep the system operating efficiently and to make sure it’s safe.
There are a few areas which succumb to wear and tear most readily, and which require regular maintenance. First, the turbines should be oiled and greased frequently to keep the few moving parts turning smoothly. The tower and rotor blades should be checked for corrosion and loose bolts, two common issues that stem from constant use over the years. Also, electrical connections can cause problems, and should receive an annual check from an electrician.
In regards to the electrical connection between the turbine and the home, safety measures should be in effect. On-grid systems have a detection mechanism which shuts down the system if an outage occurs. It’s important to make sure the mechanism is in place to protect utility employees who work on power lines. In addition, regular safety inspections should be conducted to prevent problems with the electrical system.
Over time, turbine blades can corrode. This is more common in wood blades, but most today are fiberglass, and can last longer before repairs are necessary. The blades may crack, requiring replacement, and the lead blade may require additional maintenance to keep the system moving efficiently. The climate, degree of turbulence, and age of the system all factor into maintenance of the blades.
One area of maintenance on older models is de-icing. On new models, the problem of ice collecting on the blades and then being flung off, creating a potentially dangerous situation for anyone on the ground, has been eliminated through technological improvements. New turbines will still collect ice, and the ice will slow the blades, but the ice slides down the blades toward the tower, rather than flying off as the blades spin.
Bearings, gearboxes, and rotor blades do require occasional replacement. Old or worn equipment can negatively affect the system’s efficiency, which means less energy for the household to use. Generally, parts need replacing every 10 years to keep the system running as smoothly as possible.
There are ways that homeowners can check the equipment on their own, and many times such checking is impossible to ignore. Grinding bolts or malfunctioning rotor blades can be seen and heard readily. Once the homeowner becomes accustomed to the normal functioning turbine, any problems are usually easy to spot. Also, an unusually high utility bill can be a clue as to a malfunctioning wind power system. If the system was installed by a company, the installer usually offers a service period in which they’ll come out to make repairs on the turbine.
With few moving parts and long life spans, wind power systems should be low maintenance. Annual inspections and normal observation by the homeowner ensure the system works properly, and keeps repair expenses to a minimum.
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