Assessment of Structural Monitoring Techniques for a Small Wind Turbine Test Stand

Abstract

This paper presents the research activities performed on a Small Wind Turbine (SWT) test stand. A commercially available turbine was modified towards incorporation of sensors for condition monitoring to measure angular shaft position, applied torque, rotational speed and vibration acceleration. Wind data are also acquired through an anemometer. A dedicated interface was initially developed to allow automatic and remote control of the Data Acquisition System. After each session, all acquired signals are stored in a database from where can be accessed for further processing. Once the reference response of the system is characterized, typical faults or dangerous operating conditions are simulated to obtain more information on the effects of these events on the response.. In particular, order tracking is used to identify anomalous vibration level at different RPMs.