An integrated SHM approach for offshore wind energy plants

Abstract

Global warming, the limitation of combustible resources and lack of public acceptance of nuclear power plants including the problem to find appropriate nuclear waste deposits, has pushed renewable sources of energy towards the top of the power generation agenda. This has helped to promote wind power as one of the most cost effective of the renewable technologies. Since the energy gain from off-shore power plants (OWEP) is higher as onshore, many offshore wind parks worldwide are projected. The other side of the medal is that the costs for inspections and maintenance offshore are much higher than for onshore plants. Especially under harsh condition on the sea, classical inspection methods are not practicable. For this reason it makes sense to develop monitoring systems in order to reduce the number of inspections, to identify damage in an early phase and to forecast the remaining life-time of OWEPs. The first part of the paper gives a short overview on the importance of SHM systems for OWEPs. In the second part some suitable methods for monitoring different parts of OWEPs are mentioned. Finally, methods for online force identification sensor fault identification and damage detection/localization accompanied on field tests of a 5 MW plant will be presented. ©2010 Society for Experimental Mechanics Inc.