Documents published in Scipedia

• Integration of embedded sensor systems for structural health monitoring of components in wind energy

  L. Blanco Salgado, O. Sanchez Sobrado, E. Senín

  Materiales Compuestos (2026). Vol. 09 - Comunicaciones MatComp25 (2025), (Núm. 5 - Reciclaje y Sostenibilidad - Aplicaciones), 40

  
  

  Abstract

  Among the current challenges faced by the wind energy sector, the increase in turbine capacity (including repowering) and the development of new technologies to optimize installation, operation, and maintenance are key factors in progressively reducing costs. In this context, the implementation of advanced sensor systems for Process Health Monitoring (PHM) and Structural Health Monitoring (SHM), as well as the use of predictive models for potential failure detection, is crucial to developing more efficient maintenance strategies. These strategies aim to prevent damage, reduce downtime, and extend the service life of critical components, thereby lowering operation and maintenance (O&M) costs and optimizing asset performance. The present study is part of the 2022 SENECA Public-Private Partnership Project, which aims to improve the O&M of wind energy structures by generating and leveraging data obtained through a novel monitoring system. This system is based on the combination of Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) optical fiber sensors and piezoresistive fibers based on Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs), which have been coated via an automated extrusion process using thermoplastic matrix materials. This process results in a new single-wire sensor (SWS) technology, designed to be embedded within the structure of wind turbine blades to monitor their structural behavior. Additionally, the sensors enable the collection of data during the manufacturing process. The objective of this work is to enhance knowledge regarding the design, manufacturing, and operation of advanced wind structures by generating data throughout their life cycle. This is achieved through the integration of two types of minimally invasive, single-wire advanced sensors into dry carbon fibers during the resin infusion manufacturing process.

  Abstract
  Among the current challenges faced by the wind energy sector, the increase in turbine capacity (including repowering) and the development of new technologies to optimize installation, [...]

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• REPAIRING OF STEEL STRUCTURES BY COMPOSITE PATCHES ACTING AS A CRACK ARRESTORS

  L. Blanco Salgado, L. Carral, R. Mano, T. González, E. Senín

  Memorias del Congreso Internacional de Ingeniería Mecánica y Mecatrónica Aplicada (2022). 1

  
  

  Abstract

  Today’s merchant and passenger vessels are complex structures that operate in harsh environments with respect to static and cyclic loads and corrosion. Depleting funds for fleet renewal and increasing through-life cost of maintenance and repair are the principal factors that lead to the need to implement new solutions that are easy to apply and low cost. All this added to the growing need for lightening in the transport sector turn the FRP materials into the main candidates as drivers for this change. This present study within RAMSSES is focused on the compare a damage steel structures to repair composite patches. A representative structural detail of a cruise vessel was selected and designed as a demo case. The best patch solution was selected by FEM calculations, which have been fed from the mechanical test results of the composite material combinations, steel, surface treatments and adhesion joint of the one-shot dissimilar joints without adhesive. Fatigue tests have been carried out and monitoring by strain gauges and FBGs positioning and distribution in the high stress areas along the demonstrator. Fatigue tests have been carried out in the six demos to compare crack evolution in cracked Patched and Un-Patched demonstrators. As conclusion after the fatigue tests, composite patch works as crack arrested. Therefore, this behaviour represents an improvement of the 2.6 times of the fatigue life comparing UnPatched and Patched damaged steel.

  Abstract
  Today’s merchant and passenger vessels are complex structures that operate in harsh environments with respect to static and cyclic loads and corrosion. Depleting funds [...]

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