Abstract: A method for detecting damage in a bearing of a wind turbine includes collecting vibration data relating to the bearing. Another step includes storing the vibration data in a memory device. The method also includes identifying a plurality of harmonics in the vibration data that are indicative of bearing damage. Further, the method includes eliminating harmonics within a specified frequency proximity to areas of high energy content representative of normal gearbox operation. Moreover, the method includes determining at least one of increases in energy or a variance of the energy within each of the remaining harmonics and calculating a damage factor of the bearing as a function of a least one of the increases in energy or the variance of the energy within each of the remaining harmonics. Accordingly, the method includes comparing the damage factor to a predetermined damage threshold, wherein a damage factor exceeding the predetermined damage threshold may be indicative of a damaged bearing.

Abstract: A method for detecting damage in a component of a rotary machine includes collecting, via one or more sensors, vibration data relating to the component. The method also includes identifying energy of at least one harmonic or sideband series within the at least one region indicative of a damaged component and identifying energy within the at least one region excluding the at least one harmonic or sideband series. Further, the method includes determining at least one damage ratio based on the energy of at least one harmonic or sideband series within the at least one region indicative of a damaged component and the energy within the at least one region excluding the at least one harmonic or sideband series. Moreover, the method includes calculating a damage factor of the component as a function of, at least, the at least one damage ratio.

Abstract: A method for detecting damage in a component of a rotary machine includes collecting, via one or more sensors, vibration data relating to the component. The method also includes identifying energy of at least one harmonic or sideband series within the at least one region indicative of a damaged component and identifying energy within the at least one region excluding the at least one harmonic or sideband series. Further, the method includes determining at least one damage ratio based on the energy of at least one harmonic or sideband series within the at least one region indicative of a damaged component and the energy within the at least one region excluding the at least one harmonic or sideband series. Moreover, the method includes calculating a damage factor of the component as a function of, at least, the at least one damage ratio.

Abstract: A method for detecting damage in a bearing of a wind turbine includes collecting vibration data relating to the bearing. Another step includes storing the vibration data in a memory device. The method also includes identifying a plurality of harmonics in the vibration data that are indicative of bearing damage. Further, the method includes eliminating harmonics within a specified frequency proximity to areas of high energy content representative of normal gearbox operation. Moreover, the method includes determining at least one of increases in energy or a variance of the energy within each of the remaining harmonics and calculating a damage factor of the bearing as a function of a least one of the increases in energy or the variance of the energy within each of the remaining harmonics. Accordingly, the method includes comparing the damage factor to a predetermined damage threshold, wherein a damage factor exceeding the predetermined damage threshold may be indicative of a damaged bearing.