Wind turbines operate under continuous mechanical load and are exposed to highly demanding environmental conditions. Gearboxes, main bearings, generators, and other rotating components experience variable speeds, fluctuating loads, and frequent shock events. To maintain reliability and availability, accurate vibration measurement is essential.
Accelerometers play a central role in vibration monitoring for the wind industry, providing the data required to support condition based and predictive maintenance strategies.
Why Accelerometers Are Critical in Wind Turbine Monitoring
Accelerometers measure vibration levels across a wide frequency range, allowing operators to detect early signs of mechanical deterioration. When installed at key locations within the turbine drivetrain, they enable the identification of developing faults such as bearing wear, gear damage, imbalance, and misalignment.
Key benefits of using accelerometers in wind turbine applications include:
- Early fault detection – Identify developing issues before they lead to secondary damage or failure
- Predictive maintenance support – Enable maintenance to be planned around operational schedules rather than unplanned outages
- Reduced downtime – Minimise turbine stoppages by acting on data driven insights
Applications Within Wind Turbines
Accelerometers are typically installed on critical components, including:
- Gearboxes
- Main shaft and rotor bearings
- Generators
- Auxiliary systems such as yaw and pitch drives
Each application places different demands on the sensor, requiring careful selection of sensitivity, frequency range, mounting method, and environmental protection.
Key Considerations When Selecting Accelerometers
Choosing the right accelerometer for wind turbine monitoring depends on several factors:
- Accessibility of the turbine and individual components
- The operational and financial impact of component failure
- Environmental exposure, including temperature extremes, moisture, and vibration shock
- Long term stability and reliability requirements
- Health and safety considerations during installation and replacement
In wind applications, sensors must not only provide accurate measurements but also withstand high shock loads and recover quickly without signal distortion.
Accelerometers Designed for Wind Applications
Monitran designs accelerometers specifically for demanding environments such as onshore and offshore wind. These sensors are engineered for high shock resistance, rapid recovery times, and long term stability, ensuring reliable vibration data throughout the turbine’s operating life.
By using accelerometers built for the realities of wind turbine operation, operators gain the confidence to base maintenance decisions on accurate, dependable data.
To discuss accelerometers for the wind industry or to identify the most suitable sensor for your application, please contact Monitran.