Abstract: A power generation and storage system is provided that supplies power to a power grid. The system includes a wind turbine, a doubly-fed induction generator coupled to the wind turbine, and one or more DC energy sources. A controller determines power requirements for the power grid and controls the operation of the wind turbine and the DC energy sources to meet the power requirements of the power grid.

Abstract: A method of retrofitting a pier/mat foundation and assemblies for same. Retrofitting includes attaching fortification brackets around an outside of a pier of a pier/mat foundation of a wind turbine structure. Fortification rod bottom ends are secured to the mat outside of the pier and near a location under an outer portion of each installed fortification bracket. Fortification rod top ends are attached to openings in outer portions of the fortification brackets. A retrofitting foundation fortification assembly includes a top bracket with at least one hole to receive a foundation anchor holding a wind turbine tower to a pier/mat foundation; a vertical portion dependent from the top bracket near a vertical face of the pier when the at least one hole receives foundation anchors; and a fortification rod hole located outside of the pier when the at least one hole receives the foundation anchors.

Abstract: A method for performing uptower maintenance of a wind turbine in order to replace the main bearing on the turbine shaft is disclosed. Embodiments of this method to perform maintenance may include installing a rotor lock to resist rotation of the main shaft during maintenance, providing a lifting device in order to elevate the main shaft, removing the main bearing from its main bearing housing, and installing a replacement split main bearing. A crane may also be installed uptower to assist in the maintenance.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for monitoring wind turbines, generally comprising: measuring sound levels of a plurality of wind turbines; checking the sound levels of each of the plurality of wind turbines against sound levels of others of the plurality of wind turbines; detecting that one of the plurality of wind turbines is an anomalous wind turbine based upon the checking; and generating a corrective action alarm signal identifying the anomalous wind turbine based upon the detecting.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for monitoring wind turbines, generally comprising a microphone for picking up acoustic emissions from a wind turbine and outputting a signal corresponding to the emissions; a filter for splitting the signal into a plurality of signals according to a plurality of frequency bands; and a processor for processing the plurality of signals and generating sound level data corresponding to at least a subset of the frequency bands. The system compares the sound level data with a sound threshold and generates an alarm signal when the sound level data exceeds the sound threshold. Alternatively, the system may include different thresholds corresponding to the different frequency bands, and an alarm can be generated when one or more of the different thresholds are exceeded by the different signals in the different frequency bands.

Abstract: A method of lowering a wind turbine blade after removal from a wind turbine lowers the blade in a vertical position to a point near the ground, and rotates it to a horizontal position for emplacement on a cradle. A winch is situated in the nacelle of the wind turbine. A cable extends downward from the winch to the blade root where it may be secured to a load cell. A tip end shoe is placed around the lower portion of the blade, and includes a crane hook receiving component that is used when the blade orientation is being changed. Tag lines are attached to the root and the tip end shoe, and extend to points on the ground where technicians manipulate them to prevent the blade from being blown into the tower.

Abstract: A method for performing uptower maintenance of a wind turbine in order to replace the main bearing on the turbine shaft is disclosed. Embodiments of this method to perform maintenance may include installing a rotor lock to resist rotation of the main shaft during maintenance, providing a lifting device in order to elevate the main shaft, removing the main bearing from its main bearing housing, and installing a replacement split main bearing. A crane may also be installed uptower to assist in the maintenance.

Abstract: A method of lowering a wind turbine blade after removal from a wind turbine lowers the blade in a vertical position to a point near the ground, and rotates it to a horizontal position for emplacement on a cradle. A winch is situated in the nacelle of the wind turbine. A cable extends downward from the winch to the blade root where it may be secured to a load cell. A tip end shoe is placed around the lower portion of the blade, and includes a crane hook receiving component that is used when the blade orientation is being changed. Tag lines are attached to the root and the tip end shoe, and extend to points on the ground where technicians manipulate them to prevent the blade from being blown into the tower.

Abstract: A self aligning bearing assembly comprising a split inner ring and a split outer ring, and two rows of rolling elements arranged at different contact angles, for supporting a main shaft of a wind turbine.

Abstract: A system and method for heating a purging fluid contained in a portable oil sump or reservoir, and pumping the hot purging fluid through a bearing housing in order to purge the bearing and bearing housing of accumulated hardened grease, sludge, and debris. The heated purging fluid can then be suctioned into the sump or reservoir, screened and filtered, and re-circulated through bearing housing to continue purging the bearing and bearing housing.