Tales of Wind #10 - Tower oscillation measurement

Foundations are a significant element of a wind turbine but are typically not covered under the O&M contract. Tower oscillations can lead to foundation issues, loads fatigue and aerodynamic asymmetry; their symptoms can be dust accumulation or crumbling concrete in the cellar.

As a preventive action, tower oscillation measurement campaigns aim to detect the tower vertical movements relative to its foundations.

Methodology :

• Minimal wind speed : 6 m/s
• 3 sensors are installed on the external tower. The first one is set facing the wind, the other two are set at 90° and 180° degree from the 1st one
• A data acquisition software registers the tower’s vertical movement during 2 start/stop cycle. The acquisition frequency is 1 measure per second.
• A report is edited presenting the data measured and comparing the wind parc turbine’s results to detect an anomaly

Written by Technical and Financial Asset Management Team