Fraunhofer Institute for Wind Energy Systems| Funding: | BMWi |
| Partners: | Wölfel Engineering GmbH + Co. KG, BALTIC Taucherei- und Bergungsbetrieb Rostock GmbH, WindMW GmbH, Fraunhofer IKTS-MD, u.a. |
| Duration: | 11/2014 - 04/2017 |
In conjunction with the operators of offshore wind farms EnBW and RWE Innogy, the project aims to develop a practical solution for monitoring grouted joints. Methods and measurement options are to be developed and tested for
- quality assurance of a grouted joint directly after creation in the form of a baseline measurement and its assessment in relation to a standardized model; “QA Grout”
- ongoing monitoring of grouted joints over the life of 20 to 25 years in the form of a self-learning autonomous SHM system with automatic alarm function; SHM Grout/SHM Grout global and SHM; “Grout local”
- the specific checking of grouted joints for prescribed regular inspections or after the ongoing monitoring system sounded an alarm; “Grout Check”
- measurements of grouted joints are to be compiled and evaluated for the farm as a whole; “Farm Monitoring.Grout”
In the project, two large-scale tests and measurements were carried out on actual structures:
- Monopile test: Performance of measurements in the IWES soil mechanics test basin on a 1:10 scale monopile with undamaged (condition 1) and damaged (condition 2) grouted joint for SHM development.
- Fresh grout test: Creation of a 1:3 to 1:1 scale faulty grouted joint in the port basin with subsequent quality assurance using bar wave tomography.
- Offshore tests: The large-scale tests are complemented by measurements on two EnBW offshore wind turbines and one WindMW offshore wind farm.
