Objective
Damage in composite wind turbine blades generates high-frequency acoustic emission (AE) signals as it forms—the earliest warning of incipient failure, often manifesting months before other signatures appear. Yet AE monitoring has seen limited adoption: current systems are expensive, power-hungry, fragile, and require dense sensor networks. I propose a zero-power, battery-free MEMS sensor that passively recognizes and remembers AE events using a mechanical neural network. Fabricated at ultra-low cost (cents per unit in mass production) and resilient to harsh offshore environments, these “sticker-like” sensors can be distributed across blades to provide continuous monitoring, with sensor readout achieved via low-cost RFID technology.
The Proof of Concept zerowhisper builds directly on the ERC Starting Grant INFOPASS, where we have demonstrated MEMS devices that passively implement machine-learning acoustic classifiers. We will adapt this technology to detect AE from composite damage, integrate it into a packaged RFID sensor, and validate performance in realistic tests with industrial partners. Our project has the potential to revolutionize infrastructure monitoring by allowing zero-power, cheap ‘everywhere’ sensors that turn any asset into a self-monitoring smart structure. Zerowhisper will strengthen the European leadership in MEMS and renewable energy technology while reducing the cost and risk of wind power worldwide.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering sensors smart sensors
- engineering and technology environmental engineering energy and fuels renewable energy wind energy
- natural sciences computer and information sciences artificial intelligence computational intelligence
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC-POC - HORIZON ERC Proof of Concept Grants
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2025-POC
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
3526 KV Utrecht
Netherlands
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.