Aquaterra Energy and Proeon Systems have developed a cost-saving, integrated structural monitoring system to improve the integrity of offshore wind structures.
With global offshore wind expenditure forecast to reach £210 billion over the next ten years, the offshore wind energy monitoring system will improve inspection and repair planning, and lower the frequency of offshore failures. It will also greatly reduce the need, risk and cost associated with inspection crews travelling to wind farm sites offshore.
The collaboration is an amalgamation of Proeon’s sensor technology and Aquaterra’s capability in structural mechanics and analysis that will provide operators with accurate, informed, and real-time condition analysis data to enhance maintenance, commissioning and decommissioning programmes.
A variety of sensors can be deployed and placed on all aspects of the installed turbine support structure, including the nacelle and foundation pile, to monitor strain, movement, temperature, scour and meteorological data. The results can then be compared against initial data collected in normal conditions and show the potential of degradation occurring.
