Optimizing Wind Farm Maintenance in Northern Morocco through SCADA System Failure Data Analysis

Abstract

The wind industry is actively developing tools for accurately predicting the reliability and availability of newly installed wind turbines. One such tool, the Failure Mode, Effects, and Criticality Analysis (FMECA), is notable for identifying critical sub-systems, as well as the causes and consequences of wind turbine failures. While FMECA has traditionally been used by wind equipment manufacturers to analyze, assess, and prioritize potential or known failure modes, its practical implementation in wind farms presents certain challenges. In response, this article focuses on determining the most critical sub-systems, causes, and consequences of failures in the wind turbines at a park in Northern Morocco over the 2020–2021 period, using the FMECA model. This approach leverages historical failure mode data recorded by SCADA systems to propose tailored solutions and recommendations.