Posters
Come meet the poster presenters to ask them questions and discuss their work
We would like to invite you to come and see the posters at our upcoming conference. The posters will showcase a diverse range of research topics, and will give delegates an opportunity to engage with the authors and learn more about their work. Whether you are a seasoned researcher or simply curious about the latest developments in your field, we believe that the posters will offer something of interest to everyone. So please join us at the conference and take advantage of this opportunity to learn and engage with your peers in the academic community. We look forward to seeing you there!
PO299: Field demonstration of fiber-optical Sensors for Wind Turbine Gearboxes to improve Monitoring & Reliability
Georgo Angelis, Chief Executive Officer, Sensing360 B.V.
Abstract
In this paper we discuss and evaluate the applicability and feasibility of a Fiber Optical Sensor (FOS) , array wrapped around the stationary outer ring of a planetary gearbox to measure real-time Torque, Speed and Load sharing. We present the results of extensive measurement campaigns to evaluate this novel fiber optical gearbox sensing solution in both a controlled environment, i.e. on the end of line back-to-back test rigs used for the qualification for planetary gearboxes and we show the results and insights of extensive tests in the field especially on a 2MW turbine with a G97 planetary gearbox. The fiber optical sensor is qualitatively and quantitatively compared in the field with generator torque and main shaft torque signals (strain gauges) and tooth root strain gauge measurements on a test rig. We show the feasibility of a fiber optical sensor solution to cost effectively and in real time measure load sharing, torque and speed and its benefit to more reliably operate an epicyclic gearset within its (torque) capacity. It is shown that by measuring and thereby assuring that the gearbox torque and load sharing safety limits are respected during all operation conditions it is possible to push the limits of sustainable (reliable and economically viable) rotation and to detect early gearbox failures or non-optimal operating conditions. It is also shown that the measurements give insight in the design validation phase of a planetary gearbox and as an end of line qualification sensor. We will give examples of how this fiber optical sensing technology can be applied during design validation and up tower for gearbox condition monitoring and fleet management, its current limitations with an outlook into the near future and how it compares to alternative measurement and monitoring technologies.
