Wind turbines have undergone massive technological developments in recent decades. From simple turbines with a generator to complex power plants driving the global sustainability agenda. The more technology, the more demand for sensors monitoring processes increases.
More than a thousand sensors monitor the newest and most complex offshore wind turbines. And the number of vigilant sensors increases as turbines undergo technological development and generate more and more current – some as much as 15 megawatts.
Sensor data sustains industry development without compromising on safety
The sensors act as the ears and eyes in the complex processes to ensure stable operations and minimize costly downtime. The sensors may be small, but they play a vital role in the operation of wind farms. They detect, monitor, and communicate information about parameters such as temperature, vibrations, and humidity in each wind turbine, non-stop.
Reliable data from sensors allows a fast industry development without compromising on safety.
The data is collected and processed in a command center, where the overall operations and the health of each turbine are monitored and optimized to ensure reliability and optimal performance. Data from sensors makes it possible to dispatch technicians and prioritize maintenance to the turbines.
Monitor with due care to detect malfunctions
Monitoring temperature and humidity is important to predict needed maintenance and detect malfunctions. Other sensor types for wind turbines include monitoring of vibrations, de-icing of turbine blades, lightning strikes, and stress/fatigue.
Temperature sensors
Temperature is one of the critical factors in wind turbines. Wind turbines today distribute massive amounts of current, and monitoring busbars – the metal bars used to distribute current – is one example of critical temperature monitoring. The temperature sensors detect changes in temperature that cannot be naturally explained e.g., by weather.
Senmatic customizes resistance temperature sensors (Pt-100) for monitoring outside temperature, control cabinets, transformers, generators, gearboxes, bearings, brakes, busbars, and hydraulics.
Humidity sensors
Humidity is another crucial consideration. The combination of airborne moisture and salts inside offshore wind turbines creates severe challenges – and risks of breakdowns.
To prevent humidity-related issues with condensation, corrosion, electrical and mechanical issues as well as mould, fungi, and bacterial growth, relative humidity sensors are vital. For this purpose, we provide humidity sensors for monitoring moisture in the nacelle or tower.
Customized sensors to match your exact needs
We deliver temperature, humidity, and vibration sensors for the largest turbines on the market. Our specialty is customizations. We’re here as your partner to design and develop customized sensor technology that matches your exact needs.
Customizable elements include:
- Immersion length
- Sheath diameter and thickness
- Mounting thread
- Cable gland thread
- Connection type
- Cable length
- Tip form
- Junction type
- Cable material
- Temperature range
- Tolerance class/DIN
- Resistance in ohms
- Number of elements
- Number of conductors
Note: Customizable elements depend on the sensor in question.
