Offshore Wind Turbines get Smart Embedded Sensor Systems
A project called Smart Embedded Sensor Systems (SESS) now allow for operators of offshore wind energy facilities to ascertain ‘the health’ of the wind turbines, while the operator is sitting on land. This is made conceivable by incorporating sensors into the wind turbine blades to discover changes and damage in the blade structure at an early stage before the blade breaks.
Remote supervising of equipment casualty to off-shore wind turbines could save revenue, because the separations between reviews can be increased. Furthermore, operation becomes safer and more stable as it possible to check from a distant position whether a blade has been damaged after a heavy storm.
Risø DTU is helping develop the sensor system. Models reporting the reaction of composite materials to various load conditions are tested in the laboratory, and classify the various defects and damages that may occur. Efforts are also made to model the reaction of the blade to the damage condition, and the loads during operation.
The new sensor system is to supervise the “health” of each wind turbine, sending the information to the operator onshore. If the operators think it is required, they can send technicians to carry out repairs before a blockage happens. This will lead to substantial savings in operating expenses through the whole life of the turbine. It will also be easier to decide what to do with a wind turbine once it ages: can it continue to work, does it pay to rebuild it, or should it be taken down and sent to recycling?
This tool allows planning of new types of blades, and to anticipate how damage will develop. The sensors also give the chance to develop prognostics calculating the remaining life of the turbine, based on its current condition. Operators of large wind parks could use the tool to determine how best to maintain the blades during operation.
The models are developed and verified through mechanical tests of materials, structural sub-components and blades at full scale. Smart Embedded Sensors are used in all tests to provide elaborate knowledge of the progress of the test. Regular sensors can include fibre optics, piezoelectric materials, and strain gauges, among other components.
See Related Report: Offshore Wind Power Market Potential
