First Lean, then modularization: improving the maintenance of offshore wind turbines
International Journal of Energy Sector Management
ISSN: 1750-6220
Article publication date: 6 June 2016
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore how maintenance tasks can be planned and executed in a smarter way and, consequently, how the operations and maintenance of offshore wind power installations can be improved through modularisation.
Design/methodology/approach
This is a case study of one of Europe’s leading offshore wind power operators with more than 1,000 wind turbine generators in operation. By focusing on this company, in-depth insights into its operations and maintenance processes are investigated.
Findings
Lean is identified to constitute an important first step before the modularisation of maintenance tasks. The modularisation of the maintenance of offshore wind farms is identified to reduce preventive maintenance times.
Practical implications
The paper develops a process to identify the resources needed for maintenance before the modularisation of maintenance tasks and resources can take place. The authors also establish a foundation for the development of a software tool to support the development of the modularisation of maintenance tasks.
Originality/value
The present study contributes to the rather immature field of research on the operations and maintenance of offshore wind power. Furthermore, it adds to the emerging research area of service modularity.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
We would like to thank the technicians, management and all the other employees from Vattenfall Vindkraft A/S where we conducted our research. Thank you for welcoming our presence and the unveiling of data and for answering all of our questions without reserve.
Citation
Petersen, K.R., Madsen, E.S. and Bilberg, A. (2016), "First Lean, then modularization: improving the maintenance of offshore wind turbines", International Journal of Energy Sector Management, Vol. 10 No. 2, pp. 221-244. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJESM-04-2015-0006
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited