Posted to News on 30th Sep 2025, 16:00
Condition Monitoring with Fail-Safe (CMFS) for wind turbines
CMFS (Condition Monitoring with Fail-Safe) is a new technology from the Nabtesco for monitoring the yaw drive system of wind turbines, thus strengthening the company's position as a supplier of pioneering mechatronic concepts and data-based services.
Nabtesco Precision Europe is one of the world's leading international manufacturers of precision gears and has earned a reputation for its high level of innovation and continuous advancement. The company, with headquarters in Dusseldorf, has always been dedicated to expanding the product portfolio and developing innovative applications. A special focus is on mechatronic systems and data-based services.
"The combination of mechatronics, electronics, control technology and information technology is the key to pioneering innovations, smoothing the way for new functionality and advanced applications. Our goal is to support our customers in achieving their goals faster, which is why we are committed to continuous advancement," explains Marcus Low, of Nabtesco Precision Europe, adding: "It is a logical step for us to take over the sales and marketing activities for CMFS, a product of the Nabtesco Group, to further strengthen our position in this area."
Protecting wind turbines against failure
Condition Monitoring with Fail-Safe (CMFS) is a real game changer for the wind energy sector. It consists of four components - bolt strain sensor, signal transducer, controller and power supply unit - and enables constant and continuous monitoring of the yaw drive system in wind turbines. Overload situations are reliably detected to automatically ensure the even distribution of loads. Regular comprehensive data backups to the cloud allow the user to access real-time information on the load conditions via a PC, smart phone or tablet.
The high-precision strain sensor measures the external forces, which are processed and analysed by the controller. If the levels exceed critical parameters, the controller automatically reduces the load. The special feature of CMFS is that it operates not only during normal operation, but also in phases where the yaw drives are not active. This unique added value ensures crucial added safety. The result is a longer life for the wind turbines, maximum reliability, and substantially reduced costs. Retrofitting in existing and new systems is fully unproblematic.
