Radar Level Meter Ensure Safe Operation in Offshore Wind Power Projects
Measurement Task and Process Conditions Radar Level Meter
- Measuring task: Level measurement
- Measuring point: Inside the wind turbine tower
- Measuring range: 0–30 m (extendable up to 60 m)
- Medium: Seawater
- Process temperature: +5 … +25 °C
- Process pressure: 0 … 0 bar
- Key challenges: High humidity, salt spray, and strong corrosive marine environment
Application Background
With the rapid development of offshore wind power projects along coastal regions, wind turbines are moving toward deeper waters and higher capacities. Operating under high humidity, strong winds, and a saline atmosphere, offshore turbines must withstand constant exposure to seawater spray and chloride-induced corrosion.
At the base of the turbine tower, due to wave impact, condensation, or sealing degradation, seawater ingress is almost unavoidable. If the accumulated water level rises unnoticed, it can lead to severe corrosion of the foundation, cable damage, or short circuits, endangering the entire turbine system. Continuous and reliable level monitoring inside the tower is therefore essential for operational safety and maintenance planning.
Moreover, measuring external seawater levels, tides, and wave heights is crucial for assessing load conditions, optimizing turbine efficiency, and evaluating structural performance. These requirements place high demands on level measurement instruments—high precision, strong anti-interference capability, corrosion resistance, maintenance-free operation, and remote monitoring support.
Jiwei Solution: JWrada® Series Non-Contact Radar Level Meter
To address both internal tower water monitoring and external tidal measurement, Jiwei Automations recommends the JWrada-21® Series radar level meter. Based on high-frequency microwave technology and advanced echo processing algorithms, the JWrada-21® provides stable and reliable level detection even under challenging marine conditions.
Its measuring range covers 0–30 meters (up to 60 meters), meeting the full scope of offshore wind turbine applications.
1. Non-Contact Measurement for Complete Corrosion Protection
The JWrada-21® radar level meter operates without direct contact with seawater, eliminating corrosion and salt deposits. The sensor housing and antenna are made of high-strength anti-corrosive materials with a PTFE radome. With IP68 protection, it guarantees long-term stability in salty, humid, and windy environments.
2. Excellent Anti-Interference and Stable Signal Recognition
Inside the wind turbine tower, steel structures and ladders can cause multiple reflections. The JWrada-21® integrates intelligent echo recognition algorithms to filter out false reflections, ensuring stable readings even during turbulent water surface motion.
3. Wireless Commissioning via Jiwei Smart Control App
Using Jiwei’s Bluetooth-based Smart Control App, technicians can configure, calibrate, and review historical data directly via smartphone or tablet—no laptop or cable required. This greatly simplifies field setup and reduces the risks associated with offshore maintenance.
4. Wide Measuring Range and Fast Response
The high-frequency radar beam provides excellent focus and penetration, ensuring fast signal response and accurate tracking of changing levels. It is unaffected by foam, steam, or condensation, offering reliable continuous measurement under all conditions.
Advantages of the JWrada-21® Series
High Reliability and Corrosion Resistance
Its integrated sealed design, combined with a specialized anti-corrosion coating, passes rigorous salt spray testing. The JWrada-21® maintains stable performance under long-term exposure to humid and saline environments.
Maintenance-Free Operation
With no moving parts and a non-contact principle, it eliminates wear, fouling, and corrosion. It is ideal for unmanned or remotely operated offshore facilities.
Intelligent Signal Recognition
Advanced algorithms automatically distinguish between true liquid levels and interference echoes, ensuring smooth and accurate data output—even during rapid wave changes.
Compact Design and Easy Installation
Lightweight and compact, the JWrada-21® can be easily mounted using standard flanges or threaded connections. It is fully compatible with imported radar meters (such as VEGA and E+H) without structural modification.
High Cost-Performance and Fast Delivery
Developed and manufactured entirely by Jiwei Automations, from radar chips to algorithms, the JWrada® series combines high performance with cost efficiency. For large-scale offshore wind projects, Jiwei offers batch supply, on-site support, and quick turnaround.
Application Results
In a large offshore wind power project, several JWrada-21® radar level meters were installed at the bottom of wind turbine towers for continuous water level monitoring. The collected data is transmitted to the control system and supervisory center for real-time alerts and trend analysis.
When minor leakage occurred, the radar meter detected the rising level early, enabling maintenance teams to respond immediately and prevent corrosion damage or electrical failures.
Externally, JWrada® units were also deployed for tidal height measurement, providing engineers with accurate, high-frequency data on wave dynamics to optimize turbine load assessment and power output strategies.
After deployment, the wind farm reported a 30% reduction in maintenance frequency and a significant drop in corrosion-related incidents, improving overall operational reliability and efficiency.
User Benefits
- Reliable operation: Early leak detection prevents corrosion and ensures turbine safety.
- Low maintenance: Non-contact design requires no cleaning or recalibration.
- Easy commissioning: Compact size with wireless Bluetooth configuration.
- Cost-effective: Matches the performance of imported radar level meters at a lower cost.
- Long-term durability: Resistant to salt, humidity, and corrosion in marine environments.
Conclusion
In the challenging offshore wind environment characterized by humidity, salt spray, and corrosion, Jiwei Automations’ JWrada-21® non-contact radar level meter stands out as a reliable solution. It successfully replaces imported products, providing high-performance, low-maintenance, and cost-effective level measurement for both turbine tower and tidal monitoring applications.
By ensuring stable operation and extending equipment life, Jiwei demonstrates the technical strength and global competitiveness of China’s intelligent instrumentation industry.