Digital Fluid Condition Monitoring

Challenge
Fluid management – handling of working fluids – is a major cause of failures in wind turbines and the rest of the electricity supply. This effort is associated with large annual costs due to sampling and laboratory analysis of working fluids.

Knowledge and data about the relationship between operating conditions and the degradation of working fluids are limited, making it difficult to extend the lifespan of working fluids through operational and design measures.

Solution
The project develops and demonstrates a digital fluid management system that continuously monitors the condition and functionality of working fluids. The so-called DFMC technology can reduce the consumption of lubricants and coolants in the electricity supply, reduce unforeseen breakdowns, and lower service and maintenance costs related to working fluids.

Impact
The project will contribute to a cost reduction of 50-65% related to working fluids for wind turbines and the rest of the electricity supply.