As wind turbines age, wear in the yaw system becomes a critical challenge for operators pursuing lifetime extension. Traditionally, extensive damage to yaw ring components has often led to costly replacement projects, major crane operations, and prolonged downtime.
CNC Onsite has developed a comprehensive on-site repair approach that restores key yaw system interfaces directly in the turbine, eliminating many of the logistical and financial barriers associated with component replacement.
Complete on-site yaw system restoration
The solution combines several specialized repair methods for the most critical yaw ring components:
- Yaw ring teeth repair
- Yaw sliding surface refurbishment
- Yaw gear mounting flange repairs
- Precision yaw bushing removal and replacement
Together, these methods allow damaged surfaces and interfaces to be restored directly inside the nacelle without removing the yaw ring.
New bushing removal technology
A key addition to the repair portfolio is CNC Onsite’s newly developed yaw bushing removal machine.
Designed specifically for on-site operations, the machine enables controlled and precise removal of worn bushings directly on the turbine structure. Its modular design allows adaptation to different turbine platforms while maintaining high machining accuracy.
Key advantages include:
- No manual cutting or destructive removal methods
- Reduced downtime during refurbishment projects
- Improved repeatability and precision
- Adaptable setup for multiple turbine platforms
- Faster preparation for subsequent repair operations
The technology supports the growing demand for efficient lifetime extension solutions by simplifying one of the most challenging stages of yaw system refurbishment.
Supporting turbine lifetime extension
Replacing large yaw system components is often expensive and can be difficult to justify for turbines approaching the end of their original design life. By restoring critical surfaces and mounting interfaces on-site, operators can extend asset life while significantly reducing repair costs.
The combined repair methodology helps turbine owners:
- Extend operational lifetime
- Reduce component replacement costs
- Minimize turbine downtime
- Avoid heavy lifting operations
- Improve long-term asset reliability
A sustainable alternative to replacement
As the wind industry increasingly focuses on maximizing the value of existing assets, repair and refurbishment solutions are becoming an important alternative to major component replacement.
By combining advanced on-site machining with purpose-built repair equipment, CNC Onsite continues to expand the possibilities for repairing critical yaw system components and making wind turbine lifetime extension both technically and economically viable.
