Reviewing fastener standards may lead to fewer wind turbine failure-related accidents
The number of wind turbine-related accidents globally reached a record high of 160 in 2011, including 11 fatalities. Turbine failure can also have a serious impact on energy supply security. Studies into wind turbine reliability show that vibration fatigue is the third most common reason for wind turbine failure. When analysing the root causes of failures, the suitability of design methods and component standards has been called into question. Introducing standards such as DIN 25201 may prevent vibration-induced fastener self-loosening, thus cutting turbine failure rates and resulting in reduced accident numbers and fatalities, increased energy security and lower operation and maintenance costs.
