× close
Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain
Deep-sea divers monitoring and maintaining underwater power lines and cables for offshore wind turbines face sub-zero temperatures, poor visibility, and dangers such as jellyfish and sharks.
A new project at the University of Texas at Dallas' Wind Energy Center, known as UTD Wind, aims to make divers' jobs safer through the development of remote monitoring technology for offshore wind farms.
The project, which began in March, expands UTD wind research into new areas focused on safety. Researchers will develop digital twins, or virtual models, to simulate wind turbines and algorithms to extract information about faults from simulation data.
“We focus on something very important: safety. In any industry, you want zero accidents,” said Mario Jonsson, professor of mechanical engineering and principal investigator in the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science. Dr. Lothair said. “We are working to develop technologies that reduce human exposure to hazardous conditions in the marine environment.”
Working with Rotea are co-principal investigators Dr. Todd Griffith, professor of mechanical engineering, and Dr. Jie Zhang, associate professor of mechanical engineering. UTD researchers are collaborating with collaborators at NEC Laboratories America and Texas A&M University.
There are two types of offshore wind turbines: fixed platform and floating platform. Fixed platform turbines are built in shallow waters close to shore, while floating platform turbines are located several miles from shore, with cables and mooring lines connected to the ocean floor more than 100 feet below sea level.
Power lines connect to power transmission centers and transmit power to the power grid. Water depths can reach up to 200 feet. Lothair said fixed and floating wind turbine platforms pose risks to personnel and vessels not seen in onshore wind projects.
“If we can use technology to provide early warning and eliminate the need for divers to inspect underwater cables, that would be great,” said Lothair, who is also director of UTD Wind.
The researchers' goal is to install sensors in accessible locations to detect damage and send early warnings of problems. Lotea said the technology provides situational information and improves safety when offshore wind personnel need to intervene.
According to the state comptroller's office, wind energy will account for nearly 29% of electricity generation in Texas by 2023, and Texas will have more wind turbines (15,300) than any other state in the nation. has been done.
