Mathematical Optimization of Wind Turbine Maintenance Using Repair Rate Thresholds

Abstract

As reliance on wind energy intensifies globally, optimizing the efficiency and reliability of wind turbines is becoming vital. This paper explores sophisticated maintenance strategies, crucial for enhancing the operational sustainability of wind turbines. It introduces an innovative approach to maintenance scheduling that utilizes a mathematical model incorporating an alternating renewal process for accurately determining repair rate thresholds. These thresholds are important for identifying optimal maintenance timings, thereby averting failures and minimizing downtime. Central to this study are the obtained generalized analytical expressions that can be used to predict the total repair time for an observed entity. Four key lemmas are developed to establish formal proofs for the probability density function (PDF) and cumulative distribution function (CDF) of repair rates, both above and below critical repair rate thresholds. The core innovation of this study lies in the methodological application of PDFs and CDFs to set repair time thresholds that refine maintenance schedules. The model’s effectiveness is illustrated using simulated data based on typical wind turbine components such as gearboxes, generators, and converters, validating its potential for improving system availability and operational readiness. By establishing measurable repair rate thresholds, the model effectively prioritizes maintenance tasks, extending the life of crucial turbine components and ensuring consistent energy output. Beyond enhancing theoretical understanding, this research provides practical insights that could inform broader maintenance strategies across various renewable energy systems, marking a significant advancement in the field of maintenance engineering