Vibration analysis solves problem on wind turbine centre test bed

​Westin Drives provides OEM standard maintenance for two 3.6MW electric motors on a state-of-the-art test bed at a wind turbine gearbox service centre.

Our engineers were called in by the Huddersfield-based firm when a vibration, thought to be coming from the bearings, was detected. Not wishing to risk damage, the engineers halted the test.

Westin's lead reliability-trained engineer, Steve Ormondroyd, was equipped with a SKF Microlog vibration analyser and SKF TLGB20 battery-driven grease gun. It has an integrated grease meter which is crucial in applications like this, as the bearings can easily be over- or under-greased, causing premature failure.

Grease was applied to various points, while running the motors at a monitored low speed, to ensure the correct distribution around the bearings. The vibration subsided, allowing test production to continue. Westin Drives has now been acclaimed as a crucial service provider for the firm’s equipment.

Subsequently, a separate fault occurred at the same firm with a VSD hydraulic oil-circulation pump. A Westin technician went to the site with a 5.5kW pump motor from stock as an emergency backup. The customer was delighted that the unit was back in action within two hours of the call.

Our company has now been requested to supply a service agreement for all the hydraulic motors.

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