Uptower yaw ring repair for wind turbines

An up tower yaw ring or yaw gear repair is a cost friendly and flexible solution, that gives wind turbine owners the opportunity to have their turbines up and running much faster and cheaper, compared to a total exchange of the yaw.

A fast and cost effective solution

Most service providers will suggest a total exchange of the yaw ring or yaw gear in case of cracked or broken teeth. A solution that requires the owner of the turbine (or service provider), to book heavy lifting cranes and a total dismantling of the blades and nacelle from the tower, before the exchange can be performed.

At 3WIS we offer a simple repair procedure, that either involves uptower hot work or machining, depending on the size of the nacelle. This procedure is done without need of dismantling the nacelle a usually only takes a few days of repair (from the moment the service technician arrives on site).

Uptower hot work repair or machining

”The flexibility of offering two different type of repair solutions for the yaw, is a direct result of the high demand we experience for a more flexible solution. Especially on turbines that still have many years of operation left. Dismantling of the turbine through heavy lifting equipment should only be a last resort for when other main components need exchange as well."

1. Identifying the extend of the cracks or damage.

2. The specific procedure is designed and planned by our engineering team.

3. All documentation, risk assesment and work instructions in relation to required QHSE standards is prepared for the repair procedure.

4. The welding or machining procedure is performed up tower.

5. Providing a detailed record to validate the quality and integrity of the repair.

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What is Yaw Ring Repair?

Yaw Ring Repair is a repair is a flexible and cost-effective solution for repairing the yaw or pitch gear of the turbine. In comparison to best practices, where the entire yaw ring is replaced, this procedure simply repairs cracked or broken teeth without the need for dismantling the turbine blades and nacelle with heavy lifting equipment.

Is Yaw Ring Repair a cheaper solution compared to changing the entire yaw ring?

By repairing cracked or broken yaw teeth, the wind turbine can be fixed directly up tower without need for dismantling the turbine. A yaw ring repair typically costs less than 20 % of what a total yaw ring replacement costs.

Which repair methods are used to repair the yaw ring?

Depending on the size of the turbine and nacelle and the extent of the damaged teeth, the procedure is either done through welding or machining. In smaller wind turbines with confined spaces, welding repair is the most used solution. In larger turbines where the extent of repair is larger, up-tower machining might be the best solution.

How fast is a yaw ring repair procedure made?

A typical yaw ring repair procedure is performed in about 3-4 days depending on the amount of teeth that needs repair. In comparison to dismantling the turbine that also requires an extended downtime but also additional waiting for heavy lifting equipment, repairing of the yaw ring directly up tower, is a much faster solution.

Uptower yaw ring repair for wind turbines

A fast and cost effective solution

Uptower hot work repair or machining

The repair process

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FAQ: Yaw Ring Repair

What is Yaw Ring Repair?

Is Yaw Ring Repair a cheaper solution compared to changing the entire yaw ring?

Which repair methods are used to repair the yaw ring?

How fast is a yaw ring repair procedure made?

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