Fault diagnostics for electrically operated pitch systems in offshore wind turbines

In this chapter, the main objective is to determine the feasibility and applicability of current signature analysis for pitch motors in typical operating profiles. In order to determine pitch system operation profiles, the 5 MW reference wind turbine is simulated in FAST analysis tools developed by National Renewable Energy Laboratory [10]. The pitch systems however pose significant challenge in terms of intermittent, start-stop operating profiles and low speed operations. The main contribution of this chapter is therefore twofold: (1) to develop a detailed physical modelling of various motor faults and study their effect on motor currents in pitch system operating profiles and (2) to determine the feasibility of current signature analysis in such operating profiles. The rest of this chapter is organised as follows: In Section 8.2, determination of the typical pitch profiles from FAST analysis tool is described. Further, a detailed modelling of induction motor with implementation of various fault conditions is described in Section 8.3. In Section 8.4, the motor current signature analysis (MCSA) is tested for pitch motor diagnostics in various wind turbine operating profiles. Finally, accuracy of the fault detection algorithms and steps towards implementation in wind farms are discussed.