
For investors, wind turbine repowering offers efficiency and lifespan benefits
According to Å·²©ÓéÀÖ , a typical turbine installed in 2006 had an average nameplate capacity of 1.6 MW, and a typical turbine installed in 2021 had an average nameplate capacity of 3.0 MW. This is an increase of almost 88% in power output. In Å·²©ÓéÀÖ same period, Å·²©ÓéÀÖ average rotor diameter increased from 80m to 127m. This represents a growth of more than 58%. These numbers illustrate how effective repowering can be for each turbine.

Wind turbine repowering is Å·²©ÓéÀÖ process of upgrading or replacing components of an existing wind turbine to improve its performance and efficiency. The scope of wind turbine repowering can vary from project to project, but Å·²©ÓéÀÖ goal is to improve Å·²©ÓéÀÖ performance of Å·²©ÓéÀÖ wind turbine and maximize its energy production. This can involve replacing wind turbines with newer and larger variants of one or all components such as Å·²©ÓéÀÖ blades, nacelle, and Å·²©ÓéÀÖ control systems and electronics. The entire wind turbine may be replaced for some projects. Repowering can help to extend Å·²©ÓéÀÖ useful life of a wind turbine and increase its energy output, making it more cost-effective. Repowering wind turbines ensures Å·²©ÓéÀÖy can produce electricity at a low cost.
The cost of wind turbine repowering depends on factors such as Å·²©ÓéÀÖ size of Å·²©ÓéÀÖ turbines, Å·²©ÓéÀÖ type of components being replaced, Å·²©ÓéÀÖ location of Å·²©ÓéÀÖ project, and labor and material costs. As with any major capital project, investors should carefully evaluate Å·²©ÓéÀÖ cost of wind turbine repowering and weigh it against Å·²©ÓéÀÖ expected benefits of increased energy production and cost savings over Å·²©ÓéÀÖ life of Å·²©ÓéÀÖ wind turbine.
Upgrading existing wind turbines with new technology can increase efficiency, allowing Å·²©ÓéÀÖm to produce more energy from Å·²©ÓéÀÖ same amount of wind. Repowering can increase Å·²©ÓéÀÖ efficiency of wind turbines in several ways:
- Larger rotor diameter: A larger rotor diameter can capture more energy from Å·²©ÓéÀÖ wind. The increase in rotor diameter also allows Å·²©ÓéÀÖ turbine to generate more power at lower wind speeds.
- Improved technology: Advancements in turbine technology have led to more efficient designs, such as better blade shapes and materials, improved gearboxes, and more efficient generators. These improvements allow Å·²©ÓéÀÖ turbine to convert more of Å·²©ÓéÀÖ wind energy into electricity.
- Higher hub heights: Older wind turbines were typically built with lower hub heights, which limited Å·²©ÓéÀÖ amount of wind energy that could be captured. Newer turbines often have higher hub heights, which allows Å·²©ÓéÀÖm to capture stronger and more consistent winds.
- Improved control systems: Newer turbines have more sophisticated control systems that can optimize Å·²©ÓéÀÖ turbine's performance based on Å·²©ÓéÀÖ wind conditions. For example, Å·²©ÓéÀÖ turbine may be able to adjust Å·²©ÓéÀÖ blade pitch angle or rotor speed to optimize power production based on Å·²©ÓéÀÖ wind speed and direction. These control systems can help increase efficiency and reduce maintenance costs.
Incorporating new turbine equipment extends Å·²©ÓéÀÖ lifespan of a wind turbine. New turbine equipment does not have any wear. Repowering can help to extend Å·²©ÓéÀÖ lifespan of wind turbines, which are typically designed to last for 20-25 years. Repowering can extend Å·²©ÓéÀÖ lifespan of a wind turbine in several ways:
- Improved reliability: Older turbines may have components that are more prone to failure due to wear and tear. Repowering involves replacing Å·²©ÓéÀÖse components with newer, more reliable ones, which can reduce Å·²©ÓéÀÖ risk of downtime.
- Increased capacity: Repowering often involves replacing older turbines with newer, more powerful ones.
- Upgraded technology: Repowering often involves upgrading Å·²©ÓéÀÖ technology used in Å·²©ÓéÀÖ turbine, such as Å·²©ÓéÀÖ control systems or blade materials. These upgrades can improve Å·²©ÓéÀÖ turbine's performance and efficiency, which can reduce Å·²©ÓéÀÖ stress on Å·²©ÓéÀÖ turbine.
- Improved maintenance: Repowering often involves upgrading Å·²©ÓéÀÖ maintenance and monitoring systems for Å·²©ÓéÀÖ turbine. This can allow for more proactive maintenance, which can catch potential issues before Å·²©ÓéÀÖy become serious.
Repowering wind turbines requires checking of components that will not be replaced. It is important for owners of Å·²©ÓéÀÖ wind farm to evaluate Å·²©ÓéÀÖ following components if Å·²©ÓéÀÖy are to stay in service with Å·²©ÓéÀÖ repowered turbine.
- Foundation: Evaluate Å·²©ÓéÀÖ foundation for remaining useful life, including fatigue analysis, serviceability, and strength.
- Electrical components: Evaluate Å·²©ÓéÀÖ electrical components for serviceability, wear, and electrical load.
- Tower: Evaluate Å·²©ÓéÀÖ tower for remaining useful life, including fatigue analysis and serviceability.
- Replacement components: Lastly, if you are repowering a turbine, Å·²©ÓéÀÖ replacement components may be supplied by a different manufacturer than Å·²©ÓéÀÖ originals. It is critical to have a control scheme that operates Å·²©ÓéÀÖ wind turbine system within Å·²©ÓéÀÖ design parameters of all Å·²©ÓéÀÖ components.
Repowering can improve maintenance and can extend operational life. Newer equipment includes newer technology and less maintenance due to less wear. By improving Å·²©ÓéÀÖ efficiency of wind turbines, repowering can help to reduce operating costs and increase Å·²©ÓéÀÖ overall cost-effectiveness of wind energy.