Siemens Gamesa RE

Technical evaluation of early localization of oil leaks through non-destructive testing

Description of the company

It takes the brightest minds to be a technology leader. It takes imagination to create green energy for generations to come. At Siemens Gamesa we make real what matters.
Siemens Gamesa has a vision for renewable energy: we believe in the power of nature and technology. Help us to be ready to face the energy challenges of tomorrow and make a green footprint – join us in creating a better future for our planet. With a worldwide installed capacity of more than 75 GW, Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy has a presence in more than 90 countries and a team of 27,000 employees worldwide. Its end-to-end value chain presence encompasses onshore and offshore wind turbine design, manufacturing, installation, as well as cutting-edge service solutions.

Situation

Additionally to their 30 plus years experience as OEM for offshore wind turbines, Siemens Gamesa holds roughly 18GW of services capaicty in their portfolio. Offshore wind farms are known for their challenging environment, even minor oil changes or fill ups come with an increase of cost, due to logistics setup and transfer into the windpark, consequentually followed by extra material, component and resources needed. Yearly maintenance schemes ensure that all operating systems function, and any potential disruption of energy generation processes are detected early onwards.

Problem

As in any machine system that operates with fluids, gearboxes or hydraulics in wind turbines, as well as hydraulic tools & equipment can be affected by oil leakages and general fluid droplet formation. While minor leakages are not critical as such, a deterioration of the situation due to higher output of leaking fluids can lead to heavy efforts and complex investigations of where the fluid leak has its origin. Early detection methods are not yet tested within the system of the wind turbine and need further assessment to ensure usability, but also the perceived benefit.

Aims of the project

Overall, we aim to get an evaluation of the proposed solution with non-destructive testing method, which we consider as the best way forward. This evaluation should entail the following:

1. Identification of used fluids and their technical compatibility with proposed solution
2. Small test rig design and development to execute testing of the substances
3. Business case calculation of cost benefits and scalability
4. Consideration of additional factors, inter alia ease of use / applicability, environmental friendliness, and potential health impact.

Scopes

We are looking for students who are keen on experiencing work in an environment that focuses on making our world a little better and supporting us with their specific skill sets. The following tasks shall guide the students through this project.

Process Technology and/or chemical engineering

• Analysis of oil and other additional fluids in their compatibility
• Potential simulation of defect or impact mechanisms in machine system during usage
• Interpretation of results of testing rows

Manufacturing, development, and/or mechanical engineering

• Flow analysis within machine system
• Development and design of test rig
• Material knowledge and non-destructive testing methods

Project Management and/or environmental studies

• Establish milestone based working method and project management approach
• Calculation of Business Case incl. Above mentioned factors, inter alia health, environmental and scalability

Target group (students)

The interdisciplinary team of students acts as an integral part of the project from the very beginning. Hence, they will learn how to approach a complexly scoped project step by step, being guided by employees with a broad spectrum of knowledge in different disciplines. We offer the possibility to extend their knowledge gained as students by applying it to a practical case. Together we will contribute to make this world a little better by creating a solution that improves offshore operations and common failure modes:
Process Technology ((Bio)-Verfahrenstechnik)
Chemical Engineering
Mechanical engineering
Manufacturing and development engineering
Technology and Management

Dates
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Registration
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