Presentations

Abstract

The wind industry is increasingly challenged by the demand for larger turbines, subsequent components, improved performance, and enhanced reliability, all while minimizing costs and risks. APQP4Wind is an adaptation of the Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) methodology that addresses these challenges by providing a structured approach to quality assurance in wind farm technology. This method enables wind industry stakeholders to anticipate potential failures, optimize manufacturing processes, and enhance the overall reliability of wind farm component parts. APQP4Wind achieves this through comprehensive testing, advanced measurement protocols, and harmonized design principles and gates. By implementing APQP4Wind, the industry can achieve smoother product launches, reduce quality costs, and align requirements across the supply chain to meet the evolving demands of wind farm technology. Building on this strong foundation, the APQP4Wind community is expanding with increased participation from utility companies. This involvement has led to the release of APQP4Wind Manual Version 1.3 in March 2024, setting a new benchmark for quality assurance in wind energy. The new version represents a significant advancement in the wind industry's pursuit of excellence by expanding its scope, refining Customer-Supplier relationships, updating terminology, and strengthening the focus on communication and contingency planning. These updates set a new standard for quality assurance in wind energy, aiming to enhance practices and support continuous improvement across the industry. This presentation will explore the reasons behind APQP4Wind, what it offers, and how it can enhance an organization's success and improve communication between suppliers and customers within the wind industry.