Design & Install Monitoring System
Design and installation of a foundation monitoring system for real-time continuous data collection
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The Challenge
- Need for foundation monitoring program for existing wind turbines to identify early warning signs and structural integrity
Larger wind turbine rotors introduce greater cyclic loads on gravity spread footer foundations, potentially leading to gradual deterioration of the concrete and reinforcing steel. Regular performance assessments of wind turbine generator foundations are crucial for identifying early warning signs and ensuring structural integrity. To enhance their existing inspection process and minimize the need for extensive future inspections, the client aimed to implement a comprehensive structural and foundation monitoring program.
The Solution
The Geocomp team installed monitoring equipment on multiple repowered wind turbines across various wind farms, implementing both permanent systems for long-term observation and temporary systems for short-term analysis. Each turbine was outfitted with four strain gauges, evenly spaced around the interior wall of the tower’s base section, and a biaxial tilt meter on the foundation’s pedestal concrete. These instruments provided real-time, continuous, high-resolution data used to calculate the overturning moment and assess rotational stiffness. Our automated data management system, iSiteCentral®, streamlined the entire process, from data collection to report generation. We also analyzed sensor statistics to establish seasonal behavior baselines and detect any anomalies, offering a comprehensive approach to structural health monitoring that delivers critical insights into wind turbine performance and long-term structural integrity.
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