ABSTRACT

For the purpose of the demonstration, a case study of a typical wind farm is defined. A detailed model is built that accounts for numerous operational, cost and maintenance parameters. The ApmOptimizer optimization modules are then implemented for optimizing the preventive maintenance, periodical inspections, condition-based maintenance, and spares levels. Starting from a baseline scenario, several optimization steps are investigated, following a typical RAM/LCC analysis assessment procedure: Operational Availability, Operational Downtime, Lifecycle O&M Costs and produced Energy are used as the main metrics. The optimal maintenance strategy is obtained from an exact optimization process and not from Monte Carlo simulations that can provide only an approximate assessment for a user-inputted strategy.