Derrick Tan, Robbie Sanderson, Shawn Shea, Marianne Rodgers | Andrea Williamson, Detecting Wind Turbine Blade Pitch Issues & A Noisy Bearing Field Insights from Drivetrain Vibration Data, proceedings of 2026 CanREA Operators Summit, Toronto, Canada.

Abstract

Machinery health is reflected in its vibrations. Vibration Condition Monitoring Systems (VCMS) are designed to detect operational issues at an early stage, allowing operators to schedule repairs with regular service to minimise downtime. Descriptor data (summarized sensor data) alerts operators of upcoming issues; waveform data (raw sensor data) identifies the source. This poster presents the operational findings from a VCMS installed in the drivetrain of a research wind farm in North Cape, PE. The key takeaways are: (1) shaft speed vibrations from the Main Bearing & Nacelle sensors correlated with blade pitch issues, and (2) vibration data identified a Stage 3 defect in the generator bearing.