How to Optimise Your CMS for Better Operational Decisions

Wind turbines are complex installations that require close monitoring to prevent failures. Effectively managing these failures requires a powerful Condition Monitoring System (CMS), with TCM^® being a best-in-class choice. When paired with sound practices, you can enhance your wind farm's performance and ensure its long-term cost-effectiveness.

Below, we explore three essential practices for setting up your CMS to improve operational decisions and reduce operating expenses.

Step 1: Implement a resilient security infrastructure
To maximise the effectiveness of your condition monitoring system, a robust cybersecurity infrastructure is necessary to protect both information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) environments. Vulnerabilities in these areas can lead to cyber-attacks, jeopardising critical information and causing significant damage to condition monitoring hardware, which could make turbines inoperable.

It is essential to choose a condition monitoring system provider offering comprehensive cybersecurity for IT and OT, employing a hardened system and a zero-trust model for secure communication. A resilient cybersecurity infrastructure enhances protection with measures like network segmentation, continuous monitoring, multi-factor authentication, and regular software updates. Lastly, implementing a strict user management policy and proactive phishing prevention is vital to mitigating risks and ensuring your condition monitoring system operates optimally.

Step 2: Update the CMS measurement setup
When replacing faulty or worn-down components in a wind turbine, new vibration characteristics may emerge due to design or material alterations. It is crucial to update your condition monitoring system measurement setup after such replacements. This step is not just routine maintenance but a long-term strategy to ensure accurate vibration data, keeping you informed and prepared for necessary maintenance tasks.

Include the measurement setup in your operations and maintenance workflow to ensure all components have updated configurations when replaced. This practice guarantees that your condition monitoring system solution provides accurate readings immediately after part replacement, thus keeping your operations and maintenance planning unaffected.

Step 3: Continuous training for employees
Effective operations and maintenance programs rely on the right condition monitoring system solution and continuous employee training. Technological advancements in condition monitoring, data analysis, and machine learning necessitate regular training to fully utilise your condition monitoring system. The more proficient your employees are with the condition monitoring system, the easier it becomes to operate and benefit from its advanced functions, empowering them with the knowledge and skills to make the most of the system.

Ensure regular specialised training for different team members. For instance, Field Technicians should be trained in hardware installation and maintenance, while Site Managers should be trained in daily monitoring tasks. If your business is not equipped for an in-house monitoring setup, choose a provider with a condition monitoring service. This lets your maintenance team get a comprehensive overview of the turbine fleet’s health and receive recommended actions for better operations and maintenance planning.


Fast track

• Choose a condition monitoring provider with end-to-end IT and OT solutions and adopt and maintain cybersecurity measures such as network segmentation, continuous monitoring, and industry-standard practices to safeguard operations.

• Ensure accurate vibration data by updating the measurement and alarm setups after replacing wind turbine components and incorporating these updates into maintenance planning to maintain synchronised operations.

• Invest in continuous, specialised training for all employees who work with your condition monitoring system to leverage advancements and ensure effective system utilisation.

Take advantage of your CMS solution
Whether you have inherited a pre-installed condition monitoring system or are seeking a new one with advanced diagnostics, setting your solution up based on these three practices will help you minimise downtime and reduce operations and maintenance expenses, paving the way for a more efficient and cost-effective wind farm operation.

At KK Wind Solutions, we leverage over 25 years of expertise in developing condition monitoring solutions specifically for the wind industry. Our flagship product, Turbine Condition Monitoring (TCM^®), empowers wind farm owners and operators to predict turbine health and accurately inform operational decisions.