Structural health monitoring concept to predict the remaining lifetime of the wind turbine structure

Abstract

Wind turbines are typically designed for a lifetime of at least 20 years. After almost reaching their targeted lifetime they could be bought at a reasonable price and used by private owners for domestic use. As more turbines reach their design lifetimes the need for the evaluation and assessment on their continued operation is growing. Many older turbines are often not monitored, creating a lack of information on the loads history of a wind turbine. The application of condition monitoring systems for the observation of machines has been state of the art in many industries like the automobile industry, power plant technology, etc. Although components of wind turbines such as the gearbox, generator and main bearings have also been long since monitored, the use of Structural Health Monitoring for the observation on turbine structures however has taken a back seat. Hence, data regarding damage and positions susceptible to fatigue on turbine structures hardly exists. This complicates the effort in assessing the continued operation of a wind turbine. This project intends to determine the remaining useful life and to develop a structural monitoring concept that is economical not only to major stakeholders but also for private owners and small businesses as we transition into sustainable energy.