SHM of a Small Wind Turbine Unit by Assessment of Vibration Behavior

Abstract

Small wind turbines are generally supplying green energy for individual consumers, in more or less isolated locations. This fact creates the need to combine simplicity and efficiency of design with reliable running and easy exploitation. The paper presents effective and affordable ways meant to avoid or detect dangerous vibrations of the quite complex structure of a wind turbine unit, incorporating the runner, the turning platform and the supporting tower, the last structural element also housing solar panels and water tanks.