ECN - Load measurement system

Short description

ECN has developed patented sensor technology that enables very accurate and reliable measurement of loads (e.g. on blades or towers). These sensors are very interesting for OEMs working on Individual Pitch Control (IPC) and for wind farm operators to support condition based maintenance operations.

Main technical features

The FOBM measurement system consists of:

  • 12 FOBM sensors
  • Interrogator
  • PC with Wi-Fi
  • Proprietary software

FOBM sensor - Patented sensor assembly, consisting of four strain and four temperature sensors per blade
Interrogator - Reads out the 12 fibre optic sensors and generates measurement data. 
PC with Wi-Fi - Gathers the strain data from the interrogator and PLC data from the wind turbine and translates this into load data.
ECN’s proprietary software - Processes data, which integrates with turbine’s SCADA data to generate load statistics for other components than the blades 

Innovative aspects

Other than conventional strain gages, the FOBM sensor:

  • provides high accuracy measurements
  • is easy to install and replace
  • measures absolute strain
  • is reliable
  • has a long durability (lifetime)
  • can be applied on uneven surfaces
  • does not need periodical calibration
  • is immume for EMC
  • can sense over inhomogenenious strained surface

Applications

Load based control system for on- and off-shore wind turbines

Condition based maintenance of on- and off-shore wind turbines

 

Type of partner sought

Companies,Other

Tasks to be performed by the partner you are looking for.

ECN is looking for a company or start-up that can demonstrate the technology in the field in close collaboration. Commerciallisation is the next step.

Type of transaction: license/joint venture/spin-off.

Contact person details
Details
Showcase ID
JP.EERAJPWIND.2578:ECN - Load measurement system
Joint Programme / IRP / ECRIA
JP Wind
Development stage
Available for demonstration
IPR / IPR Status
Patent (granted)
Exploitation status
-
Technology keyword(s)
detection,monitoring