A review of failure mechanisms in wind turbine generator systems

Reliability is a critical consideration for wind turbine generator systems as failures contribute directly to operation and maintenance costs and hence the cost of energy. Improving reliability hinges on an understanding of the mechanisms of failures that occur. This paper discusses the major failure mechanisms in the WT generator system, particularly the converter and the generator, from the point of view of their use in wind turbines. It also looks at the opportunities for improving reliability.