Performance of Wind Turbines using Fibre Optic Structural Monitoring: Project Profile

Abstract:

<p>The objectives for this project are: <bl> <li>Design, develop and demonstrate a cost effective fibre optic based strain and temperature sensing system that is suitable for long term deployment in an operational wind turbine.</li> <li>Ensure short and long term measurement accuracy of the system through functional and environmental stress testing during the program.</li> <li>Develop a reliable and cost effective deployment technique for embedding fibre optic sensors in composite wind turbine blades during manufacturing.</li> <li>Develop a reliable and cost effective deployment technique for retrofitting fibre optic sensors to existing wind turbine structures.</li> </bl></p> <p>This project is aimed at developing a complete fibre optic structural monitoring system for the wind turbine blades and hub structure.</p> <p>The proposed system will enable active monitoring of operational loads and structural condition of these parts during operation. The proposed system will have significant operational benefits for the developers and users of utility scale wind turbines including; <bl> <li>Improved turbine reliability and lifetime due to reduced fatigue loading</li> <li>Improved maintenance scheduling and reduced operational downtime</li> <li>Improved turbine efficiency using real time load measurement and active blade control</li> <li>Improved turbine safety through active health monitoring</li> <li>Turbine cost reduction through better understanding of the turbine design loads and materials</li> </bl></p> This profile contains information on the project's: <bl> <li>Objectives</li> <li>Summary</li> <li>Contractor</li> <li>Collaborators</li> <li>Cost</li> <li>Duration</li> <li>Contractor</li> </bl>

Author(s):

DTI