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Bul. Inst. Polit. Iaşi, t. LVI (LX), f. 2, 2010 185
4. Conclusions
1. Since the addition of the MSR monitoring system to a group of wind
turbine can negatively affect performance, the number and location of the
sensors is an important problem, which was addressed to a significant extent in
the current literature. The methods to be implemented for wind turbines should
demonstrate that they can perform well despite the small number of
measurement points and under the constraint that these points will be located in
areas prone to damage.
2. The technologies for monitoring and damage detection can be selected to
obtain comprehensive information. Detection methods are based on a network
of sensors adapted for early warning at the onset of damage. The methods can
detect the types of damages of less than 1 micron and the location of the
damage can be accurately determined.
3. Some of the limitations are the number of sensors they call for, as well as
the noise produced during the operation of the turbine. In addition, the
maintenance of a wired and wireless network between rotating parts, blades and
nacelle is still difficult. The most promising methods are the ultrasound and the
thermographic techniques. The X-ray methods, which were discussed here, can
also be applied for non-destructive testing, where in situ results must be fully
verified.
4. Finally, since the environmental benefits are constantly emphasized, the
generation of electric power with the help of wind systems is a necessary
innovation. Therefore, related industries require monitoring systems that can
provide effective maintenance programs, which provide the earliest possible
detection of defects.
5. The most important component of a wind turbine which requires
monitoring is the blade, so we must implement a reliable system of low-cost
sensors. This system should be integrated into the turbine blades in the
manufacturing phase, which will signal any potential failure in the turbine.
Therefore, the wind turbine should be built intelligently.
Acknowledgements. The authors would like to thank HCI Environment SRL for the
support and constructive comments.
Received April 15, 2010 POLITEHNICA University,
Faculty of Energetics
Bucuresti, Romania
e-mail: mihai.manescu@expert-mediu.eu