After the wind turbine is erected: What operational statuses should be monitored daily?

After the wind turbine is erected: What operational statuses should be monitored daily?

After a residential wind turbine is installed and connected to the grid or put into off-grid operation, it doesn't mean you can relax once and for all. Establishing a daily observation habit and focusing on key operational statuses is crucial to ensuring long-term safe and efficient power generation and to promptly identify potential problems.

I. Daily/Regular "Look and Listen": Basic Status Checks

This doesn't require instruments, just habit.

Observing Operational Status from a Distant Perspective:

Is it rotating?: On windy days (even a light breeze), observe whether the turbine starts normally and rotates smoothly. Prolonged inactivity may indicate a malfunction.

Is the Rotation Smooth?: Observe whether the blade rotation trajectory is smooth and stable, without obvious up-and-down jumping or left-and-right swaying. Abnormal swaying may indicate dynamic imbalance or structural loosening.

Listening to Operating Sounds:

Normal Sounds: A steady wind-shrinking sound and a low hum from the gearbox/motor are normal.

Abnormal Sounds: Be alert for periodic scraping sounds (potentially blades hitting foreign objects), metallic clanging sounds (loose or damaged internal components), sharp friction sounds (bearing failure), and abnormal vibration noise.

Check Controller Data (if equipped):

Check the controller display daily to understand instantaneous power, cumulative power generation, battery voltage/charging status, etc.

Pay attention for fault alarm codes (such as overvoltage, overload, overspeed, etc.).

II. Monthly/Quarterly "Check and Tighten": Key Points of Preventive Maintenance

Check Structural Fasteners: This is the most important and fundamental maintenance. Regularly (especially before and after the windy season) check and tighten:

Connecting bolts between tower sections.

Connecting flange bolts between the turbine head (generator nacelle) and the tower.

Connecting bolts between the blades and the hub.

All guy wire anchor points and tensioners on guyed towers.

Visually inspect key components:

Blades: Check for cracks, damage, corrosion, or surface icing (in winter). Even small cracks can rapidly expand under centrifugal force, leading to blade breakage.

Tower and Foundation: Inspect the tower for rust and the concrete foundation for cracks or settlement.

Tail (for horizontal axis turbines): Check the tail rudder for flexibility and its ability to swing freely with the wind direction.

Surrounding Environment Cleanup: Remove weeds and shrubs around the turbine foundation to prevent them from interfering with guy wires or climbing the tower. Check for bird nests or insects nesting inside the nacelle.

III. Monitor Performance Changes: Data Doesn't Lie

Record and Compare Power Generation: Develop the habit of simple record-keeping, such as weekly or monthly total power generation. A sustained, unreasonable decline in power generation during similar wind seasons (e.g., significantly lower this spring than last spring) may indicate decreased efficiency (e.g., blade fouling, bearing wear) or electrical problems.

Monitor Abnormal Shutdowns: Record the number and circumstances of unexplained automatic turbine shutdowns. Frequent unexplained shutdowns may indicate problems with the control system or sensors.

IV. Special Inspections Before and After Severe Weather

Before Strong Winds/Typhoons: Ensure all fasteners have been checked. Check if your wind turbine has automatic or manual braking/typhoon protection modes and confirm they are functioning correctly.

After the Rainy Season: Check that the lightning protection grounding system connections are still secure and free of lightning strike marks.

After Heavy Snow/Icing: After the weather has warmed and is safe, check that the ice on the blades has completely fallen off. Never attempt to start the turbine if there is ice on the blades.

Summary: Observe frequently, detect problems early, and ensure safety. The core of daily monitoring of residential wind turbines is establishing a "baseline"—knowing what it sounds and looks like when operating smoothly under normal wind conditions. If any deviation from this baseline is detected (such as new unusual noises, new vibrations, or a sharp decrease in power generation), it means it needs to be stopped for a thorough inspection or a professional should be contacted.

Safety is always the top priority. For inspections at heights and of electrical components, if you lack the necessary equipment and skills, please contact the installer or a professional maintenance person. Never attempt to climb or disassemble the turbine yourself. Only through careful daily observation and assessment can your wind turbine truly become a reliable and long-lasting green asset.