A device that uses acoustic analysis, machine learning and the Internet of Things (IoT) to detect wind turbine blade damage, has been launched in Australia.

The key piece of technology is the algorithm that can rate the health of the turbine based on its acoustic signature and monitor changes over time.

Currently there are investigations underway to develop applications for the mining industry, such as adapting the technology to listen for faults in mining machinery. Potential applications could include detecting conveyor belt bearing damage and wheel bearing damage on freight rail wagons.

The technology was developed by Ping Services, which has partnered with fellow South Australian space start-up Myriota, a satellite communications company, to allow it to transmit data in remote areas without Internet or mobile phone coverage.

The company notes that mechanical breakdowns and unplanned downtime can lead to excessive costs, loss of production and reduced safety in the mining industry and that the detection of minor faults, such as a noisy bearing, could prevent more serious future damage.

The company closed a $650 000 seed fund round in July after securing an additional $200 000 in government funding earlier this year and was part of the University of South Australia’s space incubator programme Venture Catalyst Space.

The Adelaide-based company is installing 55 of its listening devices on turbines at a wind farm in the state of Victoria, as part of a three-month pilot programme.

The patented device, known as the 2.0, features direct-to-orbit satellite connectivity and is powered by its own small solar panel.

About 40 additional second generation monitors will also be trialled at wind farms in the US, most likely in Texas and West Virginia.

The company hopes that the large-scale trials will translate into commercial agreements and it has set a target of 20 000 units in five years.

The device magnetically attaches to wind turbine towers and actively listens to the blades’ acoustic signature while rotating to detect blade faults such as pitting or cracks caused by lightning strikes or hail.

Its conical shape protects its microphone from rain, debris such as bird droppings and ground level noise.

The company’s acquisition system has its own custom communication board that conducts acoustic measurements that are processed and transmitted via  satellite and then accessed by wind farms on a cloud platform.  

The two companies began collaborating last year with a number of wind farm trials near Snowtown in South Australia’s Mid North. The partnership enables the listening devices to have satellite connectivity, facilitating predictive maintenance monitoring in remote areas.

(Adapted from The Lead South Australia)