Effective monitoring and inspection after storms

Successful monitoring and targeted inspection

In the vast expanse of 24,000 acres (=9,710 ha), scattered across the landscape, stand 62 wind turbines, each a crucial component of Tucson Electric Power’s (TEP) renewable energy infrastructure. 

 

However, amidst the serenity of their wind-powered operation, a formidable challenge looms: how to effectively monitor and inspect these turbines when nature unleashes its fury in the form of a severe thunderstorm? 

 

This dilemma prompted TEP’s team to seek an innovative solution, leading them to embrace the smart On-Tower listening sensor technology. By harnessing the power of this cutting-edge sensor system, TEP has revolutionized their approach to turbine maintenance, enabling early damage detection, receiving notifications when lightning strikes, optimizing inspections, taking timely action, and saving costs.

 

Optimized monitoring and inspection

In the sprawling landscape of a large wind farm encompassing 62 turbines across 24,000 acres, routine inspection of rotor blades posed a considerable challenge, especially in the face of frequent lightning strikes. Traditional weather services fell short of providing the necessary insights for TEP team. Recognizing the importance of swift action in minimizing costs and downtime, TEP sought an innovative solution to enhance rotor blade monitoring and response efficiency. 

 

The objective was clear: Find a monitoring solution that could deliver timely information and enable rapid intervention. After careful consideration, TEP discovered the On-Tower sensor system, ultimately selecting the EOLOGIX-PING product for its advanced technology and real-time data accessibility. This system not only enabled acoustic detection of blade damage, but also provided immediate alerts in the event of lightning strikes on the turbines.

Being ready on time is critical in addressing rotor blade damage, as delays can be more serious and damages can become more costly the longer you wait. As the picture below shows: The system in the tower detected a change in status. After the repair, the system detected existing anomalies and raised the alarm. Further damage to the rotor blade was detected so that Tucson Electric Power could take action in good time.

 

Watching out for lightning strikes and surface damage – Now and in the future

Looking ahead TEP remains committed to leveraging the On-Tower monitor. One thing is clear to them: Ground-based inspections do not show a whole picture. By integrating drone technology into their monitoring strategy, TEP aims to validate warnings from the EOLOGIX-PING monitor promptly, thereby minimizing repair costs and downtime both presently and in the future. By proactively monitoring for lightning strikes and damage, TEP ensures the resilience and efficiency of their wind turbine operations, setting a standard for effective asset management in the renewable energy sector.