Nabtesco from Japan has developed a condition monitoring system with a fail-safe function (CMFS) that protects the yaw slewing unit against failure with the aim to extend the service life of wind turbines.
The system monitors the yaw slewing unit, detects abnormal conditions and automatically provides for an even load distribution. The CMFS system consists of four components – bolt strain sensor, signal transducer, controller and power supply unit. The strain sensor measures the external forces, which are processed and analysed by the controller. If the values exceed critical parameters, the controller automatically triggers the electromagnetic brake on the respective yaw drive unit to reduce the load. The system automatically saves all data to the cloud. All models, brands and types of wind turbines can be equipped with a CMFS system, and the system is also suitable for retrofitting of existing wind turbines.