Executive Summary: Restoring a Decommissioned 600kW Turbine
A US-based wind turbine rebuilder and reseller needed a dependable control solution for an NM48 turbine destined for a new renewable-energy-powered production facility. The end customer required a durable, low-maintenance wind solution that could operate reliably without dedicated on-site specialists.
Emerson provided a complete retrofit package - including a new Ovation™ WP100 controller, Ovation™ Green Wind Condition Monitoring Solution, and Ovation Green SCADA. This upgrade restored operational reliability, enabled predictive maintenance, and ensured long-term spare parts availability.
Results: Predictive Maintenance and 24/7 Remote Monitoring
Metric / Feature |
Emerson Retrofit Outcome |
Turbine Model |
NEG Micon NM48 (Refurbished 600kW) |
Control System |
Ovation™ WP100 controller (Replaced legacy TAC I) |
Monitoring |
24/7 Remote Cloud-based SCADA |
Maintenance |
Predictive Condition Monitoring (Vibration/Temp) |
Support |
Full documentation and guaranteed spare parts |
Application
Wind turbine retrofit of a refurbished 600kW NEG Micon NM48 turbine.
The NEG Micon NM48 is a 600 kW legacy wind turbine commonly deployed in early-generation U.S. wind farms, many of which now face end‑of‑life control system failures.
Customer
US-based wind turbine rebuilder and reseller
The Challenge: Modernizing Legacy Wind Assets for Remote Operation
The customer of a US-based wind turbine refurbishment company was building a new production facility powered by solar and wind energy. The end customer needed a durable, low-maintenance wind energy solution that could be easily monitored and maintained without requiring full-time on-site staff.
The Solution: Ovation WP100 Controller and Ovation Green SCADA Retrofit Package
The wind turbine refurbishment company partnered with Emerson to implement a full control system retrofit. The solution included:
- Replacement of the existing TAC I control system with a new Ovation WP100 Controller. This reliable automation platform is designed for retrofit applications, offering robust performance, remote access, and compatibility with legacy turbine hardware.
- Ovation Green Wind Condition Monitoring Solution: Enables real-time vibration and temperature monitoring of key components such as gearbox, generator, and main bearing, allowing for predictive maintenance and early fault detection.
- Ovation Green SCADA: Provides a cloud-based interface for 24/7 remote monitoring, performance analytics, and alarm management.
Why It Matters: Ensuring Long-Term Reliability and Parts Availability
Retrofitting older wind turbines with modern control systems is essential to reduce risk and ensure long-term viability. The NM48 wind turbine retrofit not only brought the turbine back to life but also safeguarded the asset for years to come.
The retrofit solution ensures:
- Long-term availability of spare parts
- Scalable monitoring and maintenance capabilities
- Reduced operational risk and downtime
- Enhanced energy performance and sustainability
Customer Quote
“Our customers manage only one or two wind turbines – they are not turbine specialists. They need expert support, durability and excellent up-time without full-time staff on site. The new Internet based controllers and wind condition monitoring solution from Emerson fit the bill perfectly.”
- President, US-based wind turbine refurbishment company
Learn More About Emerson Wind Turbine Retrofit Solutions
Strengthen turbine reliability and extend asset life with Emerson’s portfolio of retrofit and monitoring technologies:
- Ovation Wind Turbine Controls Retrofits
Modern, retrofit-ready turbine control platform designed for mixed‑OEM fleets. - Ovation Wind Turbine Controller
Drop‑in replacement controller ideal for legacy turbine modernization projects, offering long-term support and remote-access capability. - Ovation Green Wind Turbine Condition Monitoring Solution
Real-time vibration and temperature monitoring for predictive maintenance and early fault detection. - Ovation Green SCADA
Enterprise and cloud-based SCADA delivering 24/7 remote visibility, performance analytics, and alarm management from any device.
Related Case Studies
Explore additional examples of how Emerson helps owners and operators modernize legacy wind turbines:
- Emerson Revitalizes Fuhrländer MD70 with Wind Turbine Retrofit Solution
- Wind Farm Operator Reaps Results and ROI with Vestas V44 Retrofit Solution
- Emerson Retrofit Boosts Nordex N60 Wind Turbine Performance to 99% Availability, Reduces O&M Costs.
Considering a Retrofit?
Learn how Emerson helps operators improve performance, extend turbine life, and simplify O&M for aging wind assets. Contact our wind retrofit experts to start the conversation.