Sentient Science tests and calculates the remaining useful life of turbine components, such as bearings, within an existing gearbox under actual loading and operating conditions.
Sentient Science, a trusted third party representing the needs of wind operators, has released its new product DigitalClone Live for Suppliers this week at the American Wind Energy Association WINDPOWER conference in New Orleans.
DigitalClone software, which is accessible to operators through an online portal, uses materials science-based computational models of the gearbox to predict life. Today, large operators use DigitalClone Live’s small data approach to build multi-year budgets and coordinate maintenance schedules to minimize levelized cost of energy.
DigitalClone Live for Suppliers network aggregates the demand for parts and services needed by operators. The amount that operators are willing to pay for products and services is directly tied to operating performance that can be gained through life extension.
“Our new supplier offering is a tool that can be used by both operators and suppliers to shorten the sales cycle, manage inventory and reduce asset downtime,” said Ward Thomas, Sentient Science CEO. “Historically, suppliers did not know how their parts and services were performing in the field, because the OEM didn’t disclose that information. Now that Sentient is providing the failure rates for the operators and giving them the ability to Buy on Life through side by side supplier comparisons, sellers want that information to target and build strategies.”
Sentient’s new product lets suppliers to see where Sentient has recommended uptower replacements, which can be ordered and prioritized. The dashboard describes overall opportunities, their urgency and uses material science prognostics to predict how much life is gained by the repair.
By employing the DigitalClone, operators and suppliers can see optimal timing windows for repairs so the supply chain can better support the key performance metrics of the operators. The operator chooses when and whether or not to share their information with the supplier. At very least, suppliers receive overall network and long-term vision into regional demand for O&M products. Most will receive a detailed and immediately actionable demand reports and the ability to communicate directly with their prospective and current customers.
“For the first time, we’re equipping operators and suppliers with the data needed to transact on life and life extension. We believe that uptower component replacements will change the wind industry,” Thomas said.
Filed Under: News, O&M
