Outwardly plain and inconspicuous, but packed with high-tech: Wind turbine systems use significantly more digital innovations and advanced technology than one might think at first sight, from smart network integration and highly efficient control systems to digital remote monitoring and AI-supported failure prediction. Especially AI and big data analytics are gaining in importance in the green energy business. Maintenance cycles are planned proactively, performance data evaluated with high precision, and operating strategies optimised progressively. A dedicated area in Hall A3 at WindEnergy Hamburg will feature exhibitors specialising in digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence solutions. “This is where companies will showcase software applications and smart technologies that enable manufacturers to tap new potential to maximise power generating performance,” says Andreas Arnheim, Director WindEnergy Hamburg and WindEnergy Asia-Pacific powered by RECHARGE.
Smart tools for more efficient operations
Wind forecasts play a critical role in this. More accurate predictions allow operators to plan the output of their turbines more precisely to enhance grid stability. Japanese exhibitor BlueWX will demonstrate an especially innovative solution. “Leveraging our patented wind prediction technology proven in aviation weather applications, we develop deep learning-based, site-specific, high accuracy wind prediction tools,” says Chief Executive Officer Kaz Watanabe. “We are very excited to demonstrate our technology and product in this exhibition and look forward to dialogues with those interested in improving forecasting.”
Increasing wind turbine yield with the help of AI is the purpose of the RegViento Controller offered by the Stuttgart-based company MesH Engineering, which aims to optimise wind farm performance through smart, coordinated turbine control. “At WindEnergy Hamburg, operators can directly use our tool RegViento Explorer to understand the capabilities of our controller and see the improved yield of a wind farm as it benefits from optimised central control,” says Dr.-Ing. Matthias Kretschmer, RegViento Project Head at MesH Engineering. “For example, it might make sense to slightly reduce the output of the front-line units or optimise their heading in a precisely controlled manner to minimise performance losses in the downwind portion of the wind farm. This can enhance the overall efficiency of the entire site.”
Another smart solution tailored to the industry’s complex requirements will be demonstrated by AI specialist Octonomy. The platform stores all documentation related to a wind farm (including manuals, schematics, wiring diagrams etc.), answering queries with 96 per cent accuracy within seconds. Based in Cologne, the software company serves customers such as Prokon, one of Germany’s biggest energy companies. Prokon operates and services wind farms across Germany. The software helps service teams diagnose system issues with greater accuracy, and plan interventions more efficiently. "Octonomy helps us reduce our service trips by 50 per cent. Their system gives us the level of security our critical infrastructure needs,” says Dr. Yousef Farschtschi, Head of IT at Prokon.
Sophisticated algorithms for troubleshooting
Today’s wind turbine systems are equipped with plenty of advanced technology. Various sensors constantly capture monitoring data during operation and transmit them to the centralised control stations and monitoring systems. Smart panoramic cameras avoid collisions with protected birds of prey such as red kites and white-tailed eagles. Advanced software companies provide the means to perform smart evaluations based on operating data. The Turkish exhibitor Kavaken has developed an AI-based platform that identifies anomalies (deviations) in equipment behaviour, such as an unusual temperature increase in a critical component or a sudden loss of wind turbine performance. Inventions like these enable operators to avoid major damage by making minor adjustments, thereby extending the equipment lifespan.
Early detection of hidden damage is the aim of the British startup company Werover and its product “Windrover”. The system uses a sensor magnetically attached to the wind turbine tower to record acoustic signals emitted by the rotor blades. It detects sonic anomalies, for example when a blade has been hit by lightening. Balca Yilmaz, CEO and co-founder of Werover, explains: “With Windrover, operators don’t need to physically inspect blades regularly, so this reduces downtime and costs."
Integrated Process Data Management (IPM) is the name of a well-established industry solution offered by CSP Intelligence. The Bavarian software firm’s platform likewise uses Artificial Intelligence to evaluate process and quality information, detect inconsistencies early, and improve quality assurance in production. “Our Curve Anomaly AI automatically reports on safety-critical bolted connections, using camera-based computer vision technology to verify correct execution of an assembly step,” explains Philipp Glässler, Product Manager at CSP. This holds great benefits for wind turbine manufacturers: Monitoring high-stress bolted connections at the tower, the rotor blades and nacelle are checked during assembly avoids execution errors that could have severe consequences at a later time.
The solutions presented by these and other exhibitors demonstrate how data-driven innovations are changing the industry. “Whether it is manufacturers and suppliers or wind farm operators and software specialists, whether they are well-established companies or innovative startups, we can see that direct interaction between industry stakeholders is a key prerequisite for a successful digital transformation,” says Claus Ulrich Selbach, Vice President Exhibitions Maritime & Energy at Hamburg Messe und Congress. “WindEnergy Hamburg provides a unique opportunity to establish new business ties in face-to-face conversations, maintain networks, and pick up some fresh ideas for one’s own business.”
