Advanced wireless system for predictive monitoring of structural wind turbine components

Project Information

eolACC

Grant agreement ID: 836540

DOI

10.3030/836540

Project closed

EC signature date 30 November 2018

Start date 1 November 2018

End date 28 February 2019

Funded under

• INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Innovation In SMEs

Total cost

€ 71 429,00

EU contribution

€ 50 000,00

Coordinated by

EOLOGIX SENSOR TECHNOLOGY FLEXCO
Austria

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - eolACC (Advanced wireless system for predictive monitoring of structural wind turbine components)

Reporting period: 2018-11-01 to 2019-02-28

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

We applied to the H2020 SME instrument to develop eolACC, an innovative sensor to detect wind turbine blade conditions (e.g. crack, pitch angle error, vibrations, etc.). Our product will be the first wind turbine surface-mounted sensor for automatic condition-based monitoring. Our system is composed of a set of wireless and self-sufficient sensors, a base station connected to turbine control systems via SCADA and our proprietary, AI-driven algorithms.
We currently have an innovative ice detection sensor with over 250 systems sold so far. Discussions with our customers revealed the need for a new product that can also detect blade cracks and continuously reveal pitch angle misalignments over the lifetime of the turbine. As such, we have carried out a Feasibility Study split into technical, commercial and financial parts.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

Our technical development plan is composed of 3 Work Packages, aimed at upgrading our hardware, software and validate/certify eolACC. For these, we will hire 5 additional staff members.
We studied the target market and competitors. Forecasts predict the wind power O&M market will grow to €22 bn by 2025. eolACC has full Freedom to Operate in our target markets of Europe, North America and Asia. Our strategy will be to sell our product first to turbine owners directly, and then to large OEMs. We will use our current clients, our connection with Phoenix Contact and local sales partners to assist our dissemination efforts.
The project is highly profitable, bringing a 3.75 ROI up to 2024 for the €1.3M required to bring our innovation to market. This will translate into a payback period of 2 years and total revenues of almost €9M per year to 2024.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

eolACC is well placed to become the go-to-tool for condition-based monitoring of wind turbine blades. Our solution will enable constant assessment of wind turbine status in real-time, allowing owners to detect blade breakages or energy inefficiencies. This will bring in increased revenues to turbine owners and make wind power effectively cheaper. This will trickle down to the general public, as their consumed electric energy becomes cheaper. Finally, wind will help current decarbonisation efforts aimed at reducing the effects of climate change from burning fossil fuels.
The fact that this tool will be developed by a European SME will ensure that our continent continues to lead the way in the wind market, as currently most turbines are produced and commercialised by European companies.

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