Simplify the complexity of your drive train by certification - saving cost and generate added value

Introduction

Complexity and integration of technical systems like wind turbines have increased over the past three decades. Standards, e.g. GL Guidelines of 1993, 2003, 2010 or IEC 61400-4, follow and support this development since the beginning of the modern wind industry. There are no signs that we have reached the end of the story yet. Moreover, the pace of change seems to increase for both, on- and for offshore applications.

Especially in this context, standardization and certification do not only result delivering a certificate which helps for government agencies, banks and insurers, but also help to break up the complexity. Manufacturer processes from the design, through the manufacturing and the supply chain until commissioning can be optimized effectively. It is our experience from the exchange between certification body and designer that well-executed certification can reduce time and money.

Approach



Main body of abstract

There is a challenge of keeping the pace with these developments. Besides confirming product quality by a certificate, risks can be identified at an early stage, improving the marketability and achieving confidence in long-term performance.

To meet all these challenges on the whole complexity of a drive train, a holistic view is essential. Of course, the main objective of new standards like DNV GL’s standard DNVGL-ST-0361 "Machinery for wind turbines" is to provide principles, technical requirements and guidance for design and manufacturing of machinery components. These shall be applicable for wind turbines onshore and offshore. But that is just the beginning. Moreover this DNV GL standard will cover the technical requirements to be applied for the DNV GL certification schemes and it is also intended to cover the requirements implied when using IEC 61400-22 related certification schemes. The risk based analysis allows reducing requirements for the designer while maintaining the safety level and reliability of the design. In addition, requirements for partial safety factors of gearboxes between former GL Guideline and IEC 61400-4 have been aligned. Thus, it is easy to switch between the two most important worldwide standards for machinery of wind turbines.


Conclusion

This presentation illustrates how standardization according to the recently updated DNV GL standard DNVGL-ST-0361 "Machinery for wind turbines" can influence the development of a complex system such as a drivetrain positively. It will also provide examples of how cost reduction and added value can be generated with some special examples from the field.


Learning objectives