Wind power, also known as wind energy, is the idea of using wind to produce mechanical power with the help of wind turbines. The turbines turn electric generators to give electricity. In more simple terms, it converts the wind’s kinetic energy into electrical energy.
Wind power is one of the fastest-growing renewable energy technologies today. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) 2016, wind energy contributed 16% to the electricity generated by renewable energy sources. Wind Turbines and wind farms are rising to the forefront, becoming an essential source of renewable energy. They are increasingly employed by many countries to reduce the use of fossil fuels.
The popularity of wind turbines emerges from their ability to provide clean energy, use minimal water, producing no greenhouse gases and no waste products. If we use a one-megawatt turbine instead of one megawatt of energy from fossil fuel, we can save almost 1,500 tons of carbon dioxide.
Wind Turbines are very large structures, reaching over 140 mt all with blades that are 55m long. The wind energy market focuses on the lowest generation cost or Cost of Energy (CoE) which requires highly efficient wind turbines that function smoothly. Structural health monitoring is, therefore, very necessary to reach the efficiency level in the turbines. Moreover, health monitoring also prevents any turbine collapse which can be catastrophic.
The online web-based wind turbine monitoring service provided by Encardio-rite enables critical data at the client’s desk with automatic alerts, to warn the related authorities in case any of the monitored parameters breaches its trigger value. Encardio-rite also has expertise in advanced non-contact technologies used for safety monitoring and risk assessment of structures, such as automatic 3D deformation monitoring using ATS, laser scanning and survey using drones.
Encardio-rite offers several sensors that can be used for monitoring the foundations and towers of the wind turbines such as the vibrating wire embedment strain gages, VW sister bars, soil and concrete interface pressure cells, electronic plumb lines, liquid level settlement system, tiltmeters, multipoint borehole extensometers, etc. It also provides an online web-based monitoring service that allows important data at the client’s desk with automatic alerts and warns the related authorities in case the alert levels cross the trigger value. Apart from the sensors and online monitoring service, Encardio-rite also offers advanced non-contact technologies such as automatic 3D deformation monitoring using ATS, laser scanning and survey using drones.
Why do we need Wind Turbine Monitoring?
It is very critical to ensure the structural integrity of the tower and its components to assure the low cost of energy and safety of the surroundings. Due to the stochastic nature of the load regime faced by a wind turbine, it is essential to have a tailor-made structural health monitoring system. Wind Turbine Monitoring plan should cover monitoring the structural health of the concrete foundations supporting the tower and the tower itself.
Here’s why you need to monitor a wind turbine:
To receive information on the prevailing state of the rock-to foundation interface during the operation of its turbines.
To enhance the turbine performance, improve durability and reduce the loads.
Advance decision making and risk management process.
Confirm the design and long-term performance of foundations.
To collect data to discover the effects of natural calamities such as earthquakes, cyclones, flooding on the wind turbine.
Generating long-term reliable data
Structural Monitoring Solutions – Wind Turbines
Encardio-rite offers a comprehensive range of sensors for the accurate performance and structural monitoring of wind turbines. The geotechnical instruments offered are important for the measurement of parameters like distribution along the pile or raft foundation, the effectiveness of lock-off bolts, tilting of the tower, movement between the foundation and the underlying soil/rock material foundation, etc.
Let’s take a look at some of Encardio-rite’s range of sensors and their application ...[Continue reading]
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