Patent ID: 11002633

Abstract:
A method is provided for testing a reliability of a plurality of driven components (22, 24, 30), such as those to be used as power train elements in one or more wind turbines. The method includes conducting physical success run testing on a test bench (42) of a first subset of test specimens (50) provided for the driven components (22, 24, 30), determining a minimum test duration needed for one of a second subset of test specimens (50) that will be required to confirm reliability of the driven components (22, 24, 30) at a predetermined target confidence level, and conducting physical success run testing of the second subset of the test specimens (50). The planning and evaluation of physical testing according to the methods described herein avoid excessive, unnecessary use of the test bench (42) and other resources. As such, results of desired confidence levels for operators of driven components (22, 24, 30) such as wind turbine operators can be reliably provided.