Source: DNV GLDNV GL, the world’s largest independent energy advisory and certification body, has launched WindGEMINI, its first online digital twin online tool giving wind farm owners and operators advanced insights into turbine condition and performance, enabling better informed wind operation decisions.

The WindGEMINI framework is based on digital twin technology, equipping users with digital copies of their wind turbines which are continuously updated in real-time. The system makes use of the stream of information received from turbines and wind farm sensors to reflect the real conditions experienced by the turbines on site.

The program gives owners and operators 24/7 access to key metrics and advanced analysis to understand the performance, condition and remaining life of a turbine and its components. This knowledge can be used to optimize servicing and inspections and plan repairs or replacements, thus minimizing downtime and lost revenue.

WindGEMINI is built on DNV GL’s 25 years of wind turbine design experience and on the analysis of more than 50 GW of global onshore and offshore wind plants. The program is compatible with any turbine model.

A turbine life estimator uses aeroelastic modelling to estimate the effect of site conditions on the fatigue accumulation of the main structural components. It provides an estimate of the remaining life of a turbine which can be used to identify opportunities to extend life or upgrade turbines.

Predictive analysis of the turbine drivetrain identifies patterns indicative of incipient failure modes and raises alerts with varying confidence levels. This information can be used by owners and operators to avoid failures.

A power curve performance watchdog identifies shifts in the turbine power curves and sub-optimal control modes, so that they can be corrected to regain any potential energy losses.

Structural integrity monitoring uses high-frequency data to identify issues, such as rotor imbalance and foundation degradation, which can have adverse effects on energy capture and turbine life.