Camera system monitors wind turbines
Some 2,200 Dutch wind turbines currently produce wind energy for 2.4 million households.
The number of turbines is growing steadily. In 2015 alone, 153 new (high-efficiency) wind turbines were added.
Camera systems are used for the security and operational process monitoring of the wind turbines.
In recent years, Mactwin has equipped several wind farms in the Netherlands with camera systems. Account Manager Erik van Hoogdalem explains that the wind turbines are equipped with cameras that are used for various purposes. “From security cameras near the entrance door of the wind turbines to PTZ speeddome cameras on top of the nacelle of the turbine.”
Versatile use of camera images
The PTZ speeddome cameras on top of the nacelle of the wind turbine are mainly intended to monitor the operational operation of the wind turbine.
Van Hoogdalem: “The PTZ cameras give the turbine operator a full view of the nacelle and rotor blades. Among other things, he uses the cameras for visual inspections, checking for ice build-up on the rotor blades and monitoring moving shadow flicker on residential houses.” “The PTZ cameras are also used to watch remotely during the execution of maintenance work and the spectacular camera images are used for commercial purposes. For example, during presentations and to publish ‘live’ on websites for shareholders of the wind turbines.” In order to be able to monitor the comings and goings of the wind turbine, Mactwin has also placed a camera directly above the entrance. This supervises the door leading to the elevator and the machine room.
Exceptionally strong and robust camera
The PTZ speeddome camera on top of the nacelle of the wind turbines has to function under extreme conditions. There are large temperature differences, (salt) water, dust and wind load (vibrations and shocks). The camera selected by Mactwin is therefore exceptionally strong and robust. It can withstand these extreme conditions and also has the right protection class (IP68). In addition, the camera has an integrated durable silicone eraser that guarantees razor-sharp camera images in all conditions.
Magnet attachment
Especially with existing wind turbines, mounting a camera against the mast of the wind turbine is difficult. Drilling into the steel structure is not allowed and final bonding is often not desirable. Van Hoogdalem: “The magnetic construction we have developed, which we have used successfully before, is an excellent alternative. The cameras are mounted just as securely as with a screwed mount.”
Fully remote management and maintenance
Of course, managing and maintaining cameras mounted at high altitudes or other hard-to-reach locations is not practical. That is why the wind turbine cameras are connected to the Mactwin Operation Center. This allows the management and maintenance of the cameras to take place completely remotely without interrupting the operational process of the turbine. Van Hoogdalem: “From the Mactwin Operation Center, we monitor the operation of the installed camera systems on a daily basis. Among other things, we assess the complete operation of the cameras, the image quality and the recording capacity. If necessary, we will make adjustments remotely.”
