ecoPITCH identifies critical pitch bearing faults that are difficult to predict and costly to fix when left undetected
The permanent hardware solution has the potential to significantly reduce unscheduled operations and maintenance costs for wind farm owners and operators
Nottingham: 13th September, 2021 – ONYX Insight, a leading provider of predictive data analytics and engineering expertise to the global wind industry, has launched a ground-breaking hardware solution that predicts where and when costly pitch bearing failures occur in wind turbines.
This type of failure is a significant problem in the wind industry. Pitch bearings connect the rotor hub to the blades, and experience high loading during the life of a turbine. There are many different modes of failure and the costs associated with fixing the faults are high, particularly if the turbine is offshore. In the most extreme cases a pitch bearing failure can lead to the catastrophic loss of a blade – obviously an event that must be avoided.
Based on its proven, pioneering and award-winning condition monitoring system, ecoCMS – already installed in thousands of turbines worldwide – ONYX Insight has developed ecoPITCH, a revolutionary monitoring solution to identify pitch bearing faults before they occur.
ecoPITCH uses robust, innovative sensor hardware that is permanently installed in the hub and, through advanced data analytics, is able to detect early warning signs of impending pitch bearing failure. The system uses multiple data streams and advanced signal processing techniques, enabling operators to understand when faults are going to occur in this critical part of the turbine which is notoriously difficult to monitor.
Dr John Coultate, Head of Product Development, ONYX Insight, said: “This is a really exciting and forward-thinking addition to ONYX Insight’s suite of tools and services, which are all geared towards improving turbine efficiency and reducing maintenance costs.
“Pitch bearings are particularly difficult to monitor in real time, and our customers want absolute confirmation as to which bearings to change and when. We now have a revolutionary offering for assessing and comparing damage on any turbine or wind farm, which has the potential to save operators and owners significant capital in unscheduled maintenance.”
About ONYX Insight:
ONYX Insight provides software, services, advanced sensing and data analytics for gearboxes, drivetrains, bearings and rotating machinery within the wind sector.
The company’s products and services deliver increased production and reduced operations and maintenance costs through smart and unbiased predictive analytics underpinned by real-world engineering expertise for wind energy industry and beyond.
In 2021, ONYX Insight won two Queen’s Awards for Enterprise – the highest official UK awards for British companies – in the categories of Innovation and International Trade. The company also received official certification as a Great Place to Work® UK.
For more information about ONYX Insight, visit: www.onyxinsight.com