Sun, QiaoWood, DavidCai, Hongwei2014-04-092014-06-162014-04-092014Cai, H. (2014). Small Wind Turbine Generator Condition Monitoring: Test Rig and Preliminary Analysis (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca. doi:10.11575/PRISM/27803http://hdl.handle.net/11023/1409In order to simulate small wind turbine generators working at variable speed and develop reliable condition monitoring and fault diagnosis techniques, a test rig based on a 500 W permanent magnet generator was built. A suitable accelerometer was selected and successfully used for vibration signal collection. The best sensor location is at 6 o’clock on the outside rim of bearing housing. Mechanical and electrical imbalances were simulated. Preliminary analyses of both imbalances under constant speed were introduced. Due to the variable speed nature of wind turbine operation, time-frequency analysis tools have been accepted as key signal processing tools for such application. Short time Fourier transform (STFT), continuous wavelet transform (CWT) analysis and order analysis were performed and compared on data acquired from the test rig for preliminary analysis of bearing. Order analysis proved to be a simple, intuitive and reliable technique for vibration analysis under variable speed.engUniversity of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.Engineering--Mechanicalsmall wind turbine generator, condition monitoringtest rig, order analysisbearing, imbalancemaster thesis10.11575/PRISM/27803