The sensor is an essential component for structure monitoring (structural health monitoring (SH-M)) on rotor blades of wind turbine generators. SH-M can be used to continuously monitor the structural integrity of rotor blades. In a teach-in phase, the system learns independently how the rotor blades behave in the normal condition. This means that any problems can be detected at an early stage during operation of the system and investigated more closely in order to avoid major repairs and consequential damage. The sensor is mounted on the inside of the rotor blade. IO-Link is used for communication to the higher-level controller. One sensor is required for each rotor blade. The sensor is part of the Blade Intelligence rotor blade monitoring system product portfolio for wind turbine generators. The system essentially consists of sensors for ice detection, load monitoring, lightning current measurement, and structural health monitoring, which were specially developed for use on the rotor blade. The sensors can be combined individually. The sensor data is transmitted to a common evaluation unit via the IO-Link communication module. The evaluation unit is available as a ready-to-use switchgear and controlgear assembly (see accessories). For alternatives to the ready-to-use switchgear and controlgear assembly solution, please contact your Phoenix Contact subsidiary. The Blade Intelligence rotor blade monitoring system can also be reliably integrated into existing systems.
