Detection system for pathologies in wind turbines using digital twin and artificial intelligence techniques 

Details

Acronym: AERO-TWIN
Reference: CPP2021-008519
Partners: Universidad Politécnica de Valencia (UPV) and Instituto Tecnológico y de Energías Renovables, S.A (ITER).
Duration: 2022-2025
Budget: 482.239,66 €
Co-Financing: Public-Private Collaboration 2021. State Plan for Scientific, Technical Research and Innovation 2021-2023. Ministry of Science and Innovation. Project CPP2021-008519 is financed by the MCIN/AEI (10.13039/501100011033) and by the European Union NextGenerationEU/ PRTR.

Overview of the project

The AERO-TWIN project aims to develop a comprehensive monitoring system for wind turbines that allows for the identification and diagnosis of existing defects in all major components of a wind turbine (drivetrain, generator, tower, and foundation), as well as the subsequent prediction of their evolution for predictive maintenance.

The system to be developed in the project will be based on the use of non-intrusive sensors located in different parts of the wind turbine. Its main innovations lie in the use of artificial neural networks for the control of the various mechanical elements of the turbine through the electrical values of the generator, and for monitoring the state of the tower and foundation using sensors that do not affect the operation or structure, allowing for the detection of possible anomalies.

Once developed, the system is expected to be commercialized as a service for companies responsible for the operation and maintenance of wind farms. Among its main impacts, it is expected to positively influence decision-making and minimize downtime by detecting failures at an early stage, as well as performing planned and optimized maintenance to save costs. This becomes particularly relevant as turbine capacity increases, leading to higher costs associated with downtime and repairs

The project AERO-TWIN (CPP2021-008519), coordinated by ITER’s Wind Energy department, will have a duration of 36 months and is financed by the MCIN/AEI (10.13039/501100011033) and by the European Union NextGenerationEU/ PRTR.