If you’ve just purchased a new wind turbine for your business, you’ll likely be excited about all the potential benefits it will bring – both in terms of reducing your energy costs and pushing your company forward as a sustainable organization. That said, there’s a lot to learn. A wind turbine is no ordinary piece of kit, and learning how to optimise your unit’s operational efficiency and keep it running for as long as possible will take some time. Today, you’ll learn 3 key tips for getting you off to the best start with harnessing wind power.
By Team Savant
Image: Sander Weeteling
Maintenance is Key
Any large and complex piece of machinery has to be properly maintained over time, but this is especially the case with something as big as a wind turbine. With equipment of this size, you often can’t directly see if something is wrong, let alone adequately diagnose the problem.
Regular inspections are essential, as the professionals are the only ones with the skill and equipment to scale the turbine and check everything is in working order.
While these routine callouts are critical, it still pays to gain a more thorough understanding of proper maintenance practices so that you can make a call immediately if something goes wrong; Windy Productions has a great article titled ‘Wind Turbine Condition Monitoring - The Beginners Guide’ that you could read, for example.
Optimising Efficiency
Reaping the benefits of a wind turbine is more complex than simply placing it in the direction of the wind and hoping for the best.
Location is perhaps the most important aspect. Your turbine should be installed in an area where there are consistent wind speeds at rates in accordance with manufacturer guidelines, with open fields or generally elevated areas being ideal.
It’s also important to choose the right size turbine for you. The manufacturer/installer should match the model to the amount of power you need to generate as closely as possible.
Ensuring a Long Lifespan
A wind turbine should last on average around 20 to 25 years provided they’re looked after and maintained properly.
Repairs are inevitable, and one of the most important elements ensuring your unit lasts is to have those repairs completed with high-quality parts; a reputable repair team should guarantee this, but be sure to familiarise yourself with the manufacturer recommendations so you can verify things yourself.
There are also numerous weatherproofing techniques the maintenance team can apply to the exterior of your turbine, but these won’t necessarily be utilized by default – ask for more details to see if this is an option for you, especially if your business is situated in an area that regularly experiences volatile weather.
Wrapping Up
So there you have it – a quick rundown of how you can get the most out of your new turbine. There’s a lot more to learn, of course, so you’ll want to do some of your own research and read up on best practices as they pertain to your particular model. Good luck!