This dissertation develops a new methodology and associated solution tools to achieve optimal operations and maintenance strategies for wind turbines, helping reduce operational costs and enhance the marketability of wind generation. The integrated framework proposed includes two optimization models for enabling decision support capability, and one discrete event-based simulation model that characterizes the dynamic operations of wind power systems. The problems in the optimization models are formulated as a partially observed Markov decision process to determine an optimal action based on a wind turbine's health status and the stochastic weather conditions.

The first optimization model uses homogeneous parameters with an assumption of stationary weather characteristics over the decision horizon. We derive a set of closed-form expressions for the optimal policy and explore the policy's monotonicity. The second model allows time-varying weather conditions and other practical aspects. Consequently, the resulting strategy are season-dependent. The model is solved using a backward dynamic programming method. The benefits of the optimal policy are highlighted via a case study that is based upon field data from the literature and industry. We find that the optimal policy provides options for cost-effective actions, because it can be adapted to a variety of operating conditions.

Our discrete event-based simulation model incorporates critical components, such as a wind turbine degradation model, power generation model, wind speed model, and maintenance model. We provide practical insights gained by examining different maintenance strategies. To the best of our knowledge, our simulation model is the first discrete-event simulation model for wind farm operations.

Last, we present the integration framework, which incorporates the optimization results in the simulation model. Preliminary results reveal that the integrated model has the potential to provide practical guidelines that can reduce the operation costs as well as enhance the marketability of wind energy.