Wind turbines operate under constant mechanical stress and in some of the harshest environments. Bearings, gearboxes, generators, and blades all experience high loads that can lead to wear if not monitored carefully. Vibration measurement offers a reliable way to assess the condition of these components and forms a crucial part of predictive maintenance strategies used throughout the wind industry.
Why Measure Vibration?
Monitoring vibration provides insight into the earliest signs of mechanical deterioration. By tracking subtle changes, operators can detect issues long before they escalate into serious faults. Key benefits include:
- Early fault detection – Identify bearing wear, gear damage, imbalance, and alignment issues before they cause catastrophic failure.
- Predictive and preventative maintenance – Plan repairs around scheduled downtime rather than reacting to sudden breakdowns.
- Performance optimisation – Ensure components are operating smoothly, helping maximise efficiency and maintain consistent energy output.
- Extended asset life – Well timed maintenance based on vibration data helps extend the lifespan of major components and the entire turbine.
How Vibration Is Measured
A range of sensors are used to gather vibration data from critical points across the turbine.
Accelerometers
The most widely used sensors for wind turbines, installed on components such as the gearbox, main bearings, and generator. They are available in different sensitivities and frequency ranges depending on the application.
When selecting the most suitable vibration sensor for wind applications, considerations typically include:
- Accessibility of the turbine and individual components
- The cost of a failure or breakdown
- Criticality of the machine within the generation process
- Environmental exposure, including temperature, moisture, and shock loading
- Health and safety implications during installation or replacement
Supporting Predictive Maintenance
Wind turbines depend heavily on condition based predictive maintenance to remain efficient and reliable. Vibration measurement plays a major role in this process by:
- Comparing real time readings with historical baselines to highlight abnormal behaviour
- Using frequency analysis to pinpoint the source of mechanical issues
- Helping operators schedule maintenance interventions at the optimal time
- Reducing unplanned downtime and lowering the cost of repairs
By continuously monitoring vibration levels, operators gain a clear picture of component health and can act before problems escalate, ensuring turbines remain productive for as long as possible.
Vibration Sensors Designed for the Wind Environment
Given the demanding conditions in which turbines operate, sensors must be durable, stable, and capable of recovering quickly from shock events.
Monitran’s range has been developed specifically to withstand high shock loading while delivering accurate, reliable data. These sensors offer rapid recovery times and strong resistance to environmental stress, making them ideal for both onshore and offshore wind applications.
To discuss vibration monitoring for your wind turbines or to learn more about our sensor ranges, please contact Monitran today.