Lifetime extension of wind turbines can be attractive for operators, investors and manufacturers from both a technical and economic point of view. DNV GL developed a standard for safe operations and service specification for certification of onshore and offshore wind turbines beyond their original designed lifetime.
Lifetime extension of wind turbines
Investing in lifetime extension enables operators and investors to benefit from a longer service time once a turbine has been paid off. The opportunity for added revenue on the one hand and the risk of a failure, injury to people or property damage on the other hand are important aspects that need to be considered in this regard. Taking into account the different perspectives and needs of operators, manufacturers and energy suppliers, DNV GL has further developed its approach to extend turbine’s lifetime that has been introduced with publication of the ‘Guideline for Continued Operation’ in 2009. The approach described herein has already won broad acceptance in the market.
More guidance
The database for the evaluation for a turbine’s potential to extend its lifetime can be very different. Site-specific information, turbine-type related experience, accessibility of design documentation are important aspects that may influence the approach. Being aware of this DNV GL has developed different methods in order to provide more guidance on possible approaches for lifetime extension and to offer adequate solutions to operators of single wind turbines as well as of large wind farms or even to manufacturers. These methods have been implemented in the new service documents DNVGL-ST-0262 ‘Lifetime extension of wind turbines’ and DNVGL-SE-0263 ‘Certification of lifetime extension of wind turbines’.
Different approaches
All methods evaluate the suitability of the turbine for the life time extension, and depending on the purpose, they have a different level of detail. The methods ‘simplified approach’, ‘detailed approach’ and ‘probabilistic approach’ consist of an analytical and a practical part. They include quantification of the remaining useful life (“proof of strength and stability”) based on different procedures.
Contact us
Please contact us when considering lifetime extension. DNV GL offers adequate solutions to all customers and can support in finding the most efficient solution.