FBG Sensing Technology for SHM of Wind Turbines

Wind turbines are complex machines that require regular maintenance and monitoring to ensure optimal performance and prevent failures. Structural health monitoring (SHM) of wind turbines is a critical aspect of their maintenance and involves the detection and assessment of potential structural defects or damage. Fiber grating sensing technology has emerged as a promising tool for SHM due to its high sensitivity, durability, and ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions. 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 SHM of wind turbines in the new energy 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

Common Structural Health Problems of Wind Turbines:

Wind turbines are subject to various structural health problems, such as blade erosion, lightning strikes, and fatigue. These issues can lead to cracks, delamination, or other damage that may affect the performance and safety of the wind turbine. Early detection and assessment of these problems are critical to prevent catastrophic failures and to optimize the turbine's performance.

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

Why SHM of Wind Turbines is Needed in the New Energy Industry:

Wind energy is a rapidly growing industry, and wind turbines are becoming larger and more complex. The failure of a single turbine can result in significant financial losses, downtime, and negative impacts on the environment. Structural health monitoring of wind turbines can help prevent these failures and optimize their performance, leading to increased reliability and efficiency.

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

Difficulties in SHM of Wind Turbines is Needed in the New Energy Industry:

Wind turbines are located in harsh environments, making monitoring challenging. Traditional monitoring techniques such as strain gauges or accelerometers may not be suitable due to their susceptibility to damage, corrosion, or temperature extremes. Additionally, the complexity of the wind turbine structure and the need for long-term, real-time monitoring present significant challenges.

What Problems can be Solved by FBG Sensing Technology:

Fiber grating sensing technology offers several advantages for SHM of wind turbines. It is highly sensitive, accurate, and can withstand harsh environmental conditions. Fiber grating sensors can be embedded in the wind turbine structure, enabling continuous, long-term monitoring of temperature, strain, and other parameters. This technology can detect early-stage damage, allowing for prompt maintenance and repair, reducing the risk of catastrophic failure and increasing the turbine's lifespan.

Recommended fiber grating strain sensors:

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.

2500με 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.

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 Interrogator - Fiber Optic Grating Demodulator - 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 SHM of Wind Turbines:

With our expertise in fiber grating sensing technology, DCYS can help the new energy industry solve some of the challenges associated with SHM of wind turbines.

大成永盛光纤光栅传感监测系统框图

大成永盛光纤光栅传感监测系统框图

Other Points Need to Be Clarified:

Notice 1: Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) of wind turbines is a multidisciplinary field that requires collaboration between engineers, physicists, and computer scientists. Although fiber optic grating sensing technology has a variety of advantages, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution and may require other monitoring technologies in certain cases. Additionally, while SHM can enhance the safety and efficiency of wind turbines, it cannot replace regular maintenance and repair work.


Notice 2: Fiber optic grating sensing technology is a rapidly evolving field that is continuously being researched and developed. Therefore, we can expect to see further development of this technology in the application of wind turbine SHM in the new energy industry. With the support of innovative companies like DCYS, we can continue to improve the safety and efficiency of wind turbines and support the development of the renewable energy industry.

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