Designing Bearing for Offshore Wind Turbine: Report on Mechanical Structure, RBD Analysis, FMEA, and

Learning Outcome to be assessed:

This assignment is structured that students show evidence for partial fulfilment of the following module learning outcomes

1. Design a bearing assembly that minimises friction and wear.
2. Perform qualitative and quantitative analysis on mechanical systems.
3. Design a complete conditioning monitoring system for a machine using ISO standards.
4. Design of complete structural health monitoring system using SAE/ ISO standards.
5. Analyse a design for its reliability and maintainability using ISO standard techniques.

To design and select materials for a reliable shaft/bearing assembly that can be used for the above mechanical structure and minimises friction, wear and maintenance.

To construct a reliability block diagram (RBD) analysis for the simplified wind turbine model and perform failure mode effects analysis (FMEA) for the same model.

To propose a monitoring system (sensory- actuation system) that can be used to monitor system operational condition and prevent system/ sub-systems failure.

ASSIGNMENT BRIEF:

As an engineer in the ‘Green Energy’ company you have been asked to design the bearing for the offshore wind turbine. In addition to the bearing design you are also requested to construct a reliability block diagram, perform FMEA analysis and propose a monitoring system for the above model. The design process should take into consideration the main dimensions of the mechanical structure and materials of the shaft and bearings.

Provide a detailed, professional report that contains the following items mentioned below:

1.Selection of dimensions of the offshore wind turbine. Define the design parameters and state any required assumptions.

The dimensions are not given, you decide. You can make it as small or big as you wish as long as it serves the intent purpose. Use the basic bending and torsion equation formulae for calculating the stresses and loads.

2.Selection of the rolling element bearing diameter. You will need to justify your selection. Selection of bearing (diameter/width), calculation of forces and pressure on the bearing.

The weight of the wind turbine is not given and need to be estimated or assumed by you.

3.Look through different online resources to find the failure data for various components of the offshore wind turbine model. Construct a reliability block diagram (RBD) analysis for the simplified model. List out all the assumptions you have made in the construction of the RBD (e.g. failure criteria, failure/repair interval, maintenance strategy, etc.)

Websites mentioned below could be useful however you should also search for more specific data and put your findings in a table with references cited.

4.Perform the failure mode effects analysis (FMEA) on the offshore wind turbine model. Discuss and compare the salient features of similarities and differences of the quantitative method like RBD over qualitative method like FMEA.

Review the FMEA method and perform the FMEA analysis on the motor.

5.Propose a monitoring system (sensory- actuation system) that can be used to:

-Monitor the operating condition of the wind turbine transmission part.

-Predict the failure transmission elements.

Describe in detail the main elements of the system. Use block diagrams to support your discussion.

You have to think about an actuator to prevent failure.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

The Department’s Principles of Assessment will be used to determine grading levels.

1 Selection of dimensions of the offshore wind turbine. Define the design parameters and state any required assumptions.

2 Selection of bearing diameter. You will need to justify your selection. Selection of bearing (diameter/width), calculation of forces and pressure on the bearing. 20%

3 Look through different online resources to find the failure data for various components of the offshore wind turbine model. Construct a reliability block diagram (RBD) analysis for the simplified model. List out all the assumptions you have made in the construction of the RBD.

4 Perform failure mode effects analysis (FMEA) on the offshore wind turbine model. Discuss and compare the advantages and disadvantages of quantitative method like RBD over qualitative method like FMEA.

5 Propose a condition monitoring system (sensory - actuation system) that can be used to monitor system operational state and prevent system/ sub-systems failure. Describe in detail the main elements of the system. Use block diagrams to support your discussion.