Non-standard temperature detected by Delfos prevents critical shutdown

Context

During the operation of the Nordex-Acciona turbine in question, a critical problem went unnoticed by the O&M team: an abnormal increase in temperature in the rear bearing of the rotor. This type of failure can lead to component breakage, long periods of downtime, and significant financial loss.

Implemented Solution

Using the Delfos Prediction module, the system detected that the temperature threshold had been exceeded on February 20. In addition, the Delfos platform:

• It generated a predictive alert highlighting the difference of more than 5°C compared to the average of neighboring turbines in the sub-park.
• It facilitated the investigation of the machine's behavior, showing that only the rear bearing was abnormal—the front bearing remained stable.
• Continued to monitor thermal behavior even with the machine limited, recording a change in level on April 4 and monitoring the case until the temperature normalized after the component was replaced in September.
  

Achieved Results

• Failure detected before any alarm from the O&M team.
• Accurate identification of the affected component.
• Early identification 6 months in advance.
• Continuous monitoring throughout the machine limitation period (March to August).
• After replacing the bearing on August 19, the machine returned to normal operation on September 2, with the temperature stabilized and aligned with the rest of the park.

‍Conclusion

Delfos' actions enabled the partner to make decisions based on predictive data, identify a serious fault before any damage occurred, and mitigate operational risks.

• Energy lost during limitation: 1,761.26 MWh
• Estimated financial loss: USD 60,000
• Monitored limitation period: ~6 months
• Thermal difference identified: +5°C compared to the sub-park average
• Customer response time: Immediately after alert from Delfos