FBG Sensing Technology for the SHM of Offshore Wind Farms

Offshore wind farms have been increasingly popular as a sustainable source of energy. However, they also face a range of challenges such as harsh environmental conditions and high maintenance costs. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure the structural health of offshore wind turbines to avoid accidents and maintain their efficiency. Fiber grating sensing technology has emerged as a powerful solution for structural health monitoring of offshore wind farms. In this article, we will discuss the problems that fiber grating sensing technology can solve, and how Beijing Dacheng Yongsheng Technology Co., Ltd.(short for DCYS ) can support the structural health monitoring of offshore wind farms in the marine industry.

Fiber Bragg Grating Sensing Principle:

Fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) are periodic structures that are inscribed in the core of an optical fiber. These structures reflect a specific wavelength of light that is determined by the periodicity of the grating. When the grating is subjected to mechanical or thermal strain, the reflected wavelength changes in a predictable manner. By monitoring the reflected wavelength, changes in strain, temperature, and other parameters can be detected. FBG sensors can be used to monitor a wide range of parameters, including strain, stress, temperature, and vibration.

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Fiber Bragg Grating Sensing Principle - FBG Principle - FBG Sensor Principle - FBG Temperature Strain Stress Vibration Shape Sensing Principle

Demand Analysis for SHM of Offshore Wind Turbines:

Offshore wind turbines are subjected to harsh environmental conditions such as high wind speeds, saltwater corrosion, and extreme temperatures. These factors can cause damage to the turbines, leading to reduced efficiency, increased maintenance costs, and potential accidents. Therefore, it is essential to monitor the structural health of offshore wind turbines to identify any issues before they become critical.

Physical Diagram of OFSCN® Capillary Seamless Steel Tube Single-ended FBG Strain Sensor/FBG Strain Gauge

Why SHM of Offshore Wind Turbines is Needed:

Structural health monitoring (SHM) of offshore wind turbines is necessary to ensure their long-term structural integrity, reliability, and safety. SHM helps to identify any damage, fatigue, or degradation that may occur over time due to environmental conditions and operational stress. This information can be used to develop maintenance plans and optimize turbine performance.

Difficulties in SHM of Offshore Wind Turbines in the Marine Industry:

The harsh marine environment poses several challenges for structural health monitoring of offshore wind turbines. The cost and logistical challenges associated with installing and maintaining monitoring systems in the offshore environment can be significant. Additionally, the high level of noise and vibration associated with wind turbines can make it challenging to detect small changes in their structural behavior.

Recommended fiber grating strain sensors:

1500με Fiber Bragg Grating Strain Sensor - FBG Strain Gauge - Metal Encapsulation - High Temperature FBG Strain Sensor

The product is a fiber Bragg grating strain sensor (FBG strain gauge) encapsulated in seamless steel tube, used for strain measurement. In most cases, it is a single-point single-ended structure, or it can be produced as a multi-point single-ended structure. In a few cases, it can also be a double-ended structure. The deployment method of the product depends on the supporting fixtures, which can be directly inserted into the test object, or installed by surface welding with corresponding fixtures, bolted with drilled holes for fixation, adhesive surface mounting, tied with straps for fixation, or fixed with clamps, among various installation methods. This product is a basic structural product, which can be calibrated as a FBG displacement sensor, or used as a FBG stress sensor.

Product Summary:

The OFSCN® Capillary Seamless Steel Tube Fiber Bragg Grating Strain Sensor (FBG strain gauge) is composed of fiber optic connectors (FC, SC, LC, ST, etc.), stainless steel seamless tubes, and single-point FBG encapsulation.

It can also be customized as a high-temperature resistant fiber Bragg grating strain sensor.

This product features a small size, lightweight, high tensile and compressive strength, waterproof, moisture-proof, and fully sealed characteristics. By utilizing the strain characteristics of the FBG, this sensor can be inserted, clamped, surface-mounted, glued, or embedded into the measured structure to perform strain detection and monitoring.

6000με Fiber Bragg Grating Strain Sensor - FBG Strain Gauge - polymer material packaging - metal protection strain sensor - range 6000με/8000με

This product is a high-range fiber bragg grating strain sensor (FBG strain gauge) used for strain measurement. It can be used in a single-ended structure, where it is inserted into the object to be measured for strain measurement. It can also be used in a double-ended structure, where it is fixed with a fixture or bonded directly to the surface for strain measurement, enabling multi-point strain measurement when connected in series. The structure of this product is the same as that of fiber bragg grating stress sensors.

Product Overview:

The OFSCN® high-range fiber bragg grating strain sensor (FBG strain gauge) consists of fiber connectors (FC, SC, LC, ST, etc.), high elastic materials, and single-point FBG encapsulation. Depending on the materials used, it can work at room temperature or a maximum high temperature of 120 degrees Celsius (customizable upon request).

This product is characterized by its small size, light weight, high tensile and compressive strength, waterproof and moisture-proof properties, and full sealing. By utilizing the strain characteristics of FBG, this sensor can be inserted, welded, bonded, or adhered to the internal or surface of the test structure for strain detection and monitoring.

What Problems can be Solved by FBG Sensing Technology:

Fiber grating sensing technology offers several advantages for structural health monitoring of offshore wind turbines. It is highly sensitive, accurate, and reliable, allowing for early detection of damage and degradation. It can monitor a wide range of physical parameters, including strain, temperature, and vibration, providing a comprehensive view of turbine behavior. Additionally, fiber grating sensors are small, lightweight, and can be easily installed in difficult-to-reach locations, making them ideal for use in offshore wind farms.

Physical Diagram of OFSCN® High-Range Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) Strain Sensor (Strain Gauge) - Single-ended, Length 1m

Beijing Dacheng Yongsheng Technology Co., Ltd.:

Beijing Dacheng Yongsheng Technology Co., Ltd.(short for DCYS) is a professional manufacturer of fiber grating sensors, fiber grating demodulators and system software. Specializing in the production of various fiber grating sensors, including temperature, strain, stress, displacement, vibration, shape sensors, etc. DCYS also produces fiber grating demodulators, and can customize and develop related application software.

Recommended fiber grating demodulator:

Fiber Bragg Grating Demodulator - Fiber Optic Grating Interrogator - High-Speed/Frequency FBG Analyzer

This product is produced by DCYS, and it is a high-speed high-frequency fiber Bragg grating demodulator(Interrogator). The fiber grating demodulator is compatible with various specifications and models of OFSCN® fiber bragg grating sensors (temperature, strain, stress FBG sensors, etc.). It features adjustable port density (4, 8, 12, 16 channels) and high-speed high-refresh rate capabilities.

DCYS Helps to do the SHM of Offshore Wind Farms in Marine Industry:

With our expertise in fiber grating sensing technology, DCYS is an ideal partner for the structural health monitoring of offshore wind turbines in the marine industry.

大成永盛光纤光栅传感监测系统框图

Other Points Need to Be Clarified:

In conclusion, the use of fiber grating sensing technology in the marine industry for structural health monitoring of offshore wind farms offers a reliable and efficient solution to the challenges encountered in the maintenance of wind turbines. With its ability to measure multiple parameters such as temperature, strain, stress, displacement, and vibration, fiber grating sensors are ideal for detecting potential problems and facilitating timely interventions to ensure the safety and longevity of wind turbines. Beijing Dacheng Yongsheng Technology Co., Ltd.(short for DCYS) is a trusted and experienced manufacturer of fiber grating sensors and solutions, providing customized and innovative applications to meet the specific needs of the marine industry. With our expertise, DCYS can help address the challenges of offshore wind farm maintenance and enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of structural health monitoring. The integration of fiber grating sensing technology into offshore wind farm maintenance strategies will undoubtedly play a critical role in optimizing the performance of wind turbines, minimizing downtime, and reducing maintenance costs.

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