Dynamic structural health monitoring of a model wind turbine tower using distributed acoustic sensing (DAS)

Abstract Maintenance of wind turbine towers is currently a manual process that requires visual inspection and bolt tightening yearly. This costly to energy companies its necessity not well-defined. In this study, two Rayleigh-based distributed fiber optic sensing technologies are evaluated compared for their ability monitor the dynamic structural behavior model tower subject free forced vibration. They further tested detect phenomena associated with loose bolts material damage within tower. The examined optical frequency domain reflectometry (OFDR) phase-based time ( $$\phi$$ ϕ -OTDR), which technology used in acoustic (DAS). OFDR proven strain measurement commonly health monitoring but can only make measurements over short distances (10 s meters). was validate made -OTDR measure much longer (several kilometers). Due distance capability, promising many turbines networked together single cable. study presents first-of-its-kind use demonstrate capabilities.