Integrated monitoring of wind plant systems

Matthew J. Whelan, Kerop D. Janoyan, Qiu Tong

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Wind power is a renewable source of energy that is quickly gaining acceptance by many. Advanced sensor technologies have currently focused solely on improving wind turbine rotor aerodynamics and increasing of the efficiency of the blade design and concentration. Alternatively, potential improvements in wind plant efficiency may be realized through reduction of reactionary losses of kinetic energy to the structural and substructural systems supporting the turbine mechanics. Investigation of the complete dynamic structural response of the wind plant is proposed using a large-scale, high-rate wireless sensor network. The wireless network enables sensors to be placed across the sizable structure, including the rotating blades, without consideration of cabling issues and the economic burden associated with large spools of measurement cables. A large array of multi-axis accelerometers is utilized to evaluate the modal properties of the system as well as individual members and would enable long-term structural condition monitoring of the wind turbine as well. Additionally, environmental parameters, including wind speed, temperature, and humidity, are wirelessly collected for correlation. Such a wireless system could be integrated with electrical monitoring sensors and actuators and incorporated into a remote multi-turbine centralized plant monitoring and control system.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationSmart Sensor Phenomena, Technology, Networks, and Systems 2008
DOIs
StatePublished - 2008
EventSmart Sensor Phenomena, Technology, Networks, and Systems 2008 - San Diego, CA, United States
Duration: Mar 10 2008Mar 12 2008

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume6933
ISSN (Print)0277-786X

Other

OtherSmart Sensor Phenomena, Technology, Networks, and Systems 2008
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego, CA
Period3/10/083/12/08

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Integrated monitoring of wind plant systems'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this