An industrial interior featuring large pipes and machinery affixed to a wall, illuminated by a light source in the background.
RWE Innovation Centre – Composite analysis

Condition monitoring systems

Requirement: System integrity – GFRP*

The challenge

Because of the particular structure of GFRP, damage often occurs without prior warning. Currently, there are only limited opportunities to monitor the structural condition of these components.

A large orange cylinder with numerous wires and valves, placed on a concrete floor in a storage area.

Method

R&D project to develop a structural health monitoring-system for GFRP components in conventional power stations and wind turbines.

Objectives

  • Non-destructive testing in operation
  • Early detection of damage
  • Assessment of remaining service life
  • Monitoring using guided waves
  • Applied technology: Example of noise emission measurement on rotor blades

Development of a monitoring system with continuous measurement to avoid personal injury and unplanned downtimes.

* Glass fibre-reinforced plastic (fibreglass)

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