Wind turbines' rolling element bearings fault detection enhancement using minimum entropy deconvolution

Source: Diagnostyka, Volume 3(59) / 2011, Pages 53-59
Author: Tomasz Barszcz (EC Systems)

Summary:

Minimum Entropy Deconvolution (MED) has been recently introduced to the machine condition monitoring field to enhance fault detection in rolling element bearings and gears. MED proved to be an excellent aid to the extraction of these impulses and diagnosing their origin, i.e. the defective component of the bearing. In this paper, MED was applied for fault detection and diagnosis in rolling element bearings in wind turbines. MED parameter selection as well as its combination with pre-whitening is discussed. Two main cases are presented to illustrate the benefits of the MED technique. The first was taken from a fan bladed test rig. The second case was taken from a wind turbine with an inner race fault. The usage of the MED technique has shown a strong enhancement for both fault detection and diagnosis. The paper contributes to the knowledge of fault detection of rolling elements bearings through providing an insight into the usage of MED in rolling element bearings diagnostic by providing a guide for the user to select optimum parameters for the MED filter and illustrating these on new interesting cases both from a lab environment and an actual case.

Keywords: enhancing fault detection, rolling element bearings, minimum entropy deconvoulation, MED technique.

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