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MADV-DAQ: Multi-channel Arduino-based differential voltage data acquisition system for remote strain measurement
Hendrik Louw1, André Broekman1, Elsabé Kearsley1
1Department of Civil Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.
Hardwarex
|October 3, 2022
Summary
A new low-cost data acquisition system (MADV-DAQ) effectively measures wind turbine tower strains, quantifying loads on foundations. This system offers a cost-effective solution for structural health monitoring in wind energy.
Area of Science:
- Engineering
- Renewable Energy
- Structural Health Monitoring
Background:
- Wind turbine foundation design is complex due to wind loading and soil-structure interaction.
- Commercial structural health monitoring systems are often prohibitively expensive for widespread use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a low-cost, multi-channel data acquisition system for monitoring wind turbine structural loads.
- To quantify the loads transferred to wind turbine foundations using a novel monitoring system.
Main Methods:
- Development and fabrication of an Arduino-based differential voltage data acquisition system (MADV-DAQ).
- Installation and validation of the MADV-DAQ system on a 120m, 3.45MW onshore wind turbine in South Africa.
- Utilizing Wheatstone bridge-based sensors for strain measurement.
Main Results:
- The MADV-DAQ system successfully measured strains on the wind turbine tower.
- The system accurately quantified the magnitude of loads transferred to the foundation.
- Real-time data was relayed to cloud platforms for analysis and visualization.
Conclusions:
- The developed MADV-DAQ system provides a valuable, cost-effective solution for structural health monitoring of wind turbines.
- The system's universal design ensures compatibility with various Wheatstone bridge-based sensors.
- This technology can aid in optimizing wind turbine foundation design and maintenance.
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