Method for detecting at least one characteristic of or for a component of a wind turbine

Abstract

A method for detecting at least one characteristic of a component (13, 27, 36) of a wind turbine blade (3) or at least one characteristic of said component for said wind turbine blade, the method comprising: inducing (S1) an electric current (24) in a microwire (15) integrated in said component (13, 27, 36) by applying a primary magnetic field (25), measuring (S2) a secondary magnetic field (26) generated by the current (24) induced in the microwire (15), and determining (S3) the at least one characteristic of the component (13, 27, 36) based on the measured secondary magnetic field (26). The method provides efficient non-contact structural health monitoring.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for detecting at least one characteristic of a component of a wind turbine blade, a method for manufacturing a fiber composite component with integrated microfilaments for a wind turbine blade, and a manufacturing or maintenance system for a wind turbine blade. Background Technology

[0002] One way to generate more power from a wind turbine under given wind conditions is to increase the size of the blades. However, as the blade size increases, manufacturing wind turbine blades becomes increasingly difficult.

[0003] As blade size increases, monitoring the structural health of wind turbine blades becomes increasingly important. One of the most critical defects is laminate wrinkling. These wrinkles pose a significant structural risk to the integrity of the entire blade.

[0004] Currently, several methods exist for detecting these wrinkles. One method involves manual inspection of the blade, which requires an operator to physically measure the wrinkles. Another method uses a scanning robot to scan inaccessible areas on the inside of the blade. The robot is configured to detect wrinkles on the internal laminates. Finally, ultrasonic scanning is also known for detecting wrinkles.

[0005] Manual inspection has limitations due to its susceptibility to errors, especially when samples are not extracted from the folded areas. Another challenge with this method is that the operator needs access to the folded locations. Operating a scanning robot can be difficult and complex. Ultrasonic scanning may be inaccurate when the laminate contains pores or air bubbles. Moreover, ultrasonic scanning cannot detect the severity or angle of folds. Furthermore, ultrasonic scanning requires contact and the presence of water on the laminate surface. Scanning the entire surface can also be inefficient. Therefore, typically only critical areas, such as spar caps, bonding lines, etc., are scanned. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide an improved method for detecting wrinkles and other defects in wind turbine blades.

[0007] According to a first aspect, a method is provided for detecting at least one characteristic of a component of a wind turbine blade, the method comprising: A current is induced in the microfilaments integrated into the component by applying a primary magnetic field. The secondary magnetic field generated by the current induced in the microfilament is measured, and The at least one characteristic of the component is determined based on the measured secondary magnetic field.

[0008] Advantageously, this method provides non-contact defect detection in wind turbine blades. This detection can be used during or after blade manufacturing. It can even be used during routine inspections when the wind turbine is operating in the field. In particular, this method can be used for structural health monitoring of wind turbine blades. In other embodiments, the resin flow front in the component and / or the temperature of the component (during manufacturing) can be detected.

[0009] Microfilaments are miniaturized magnetic non-contact sensors for physical quantities such as mechanical strain, temperature, pressure, stress, torsion, etc. The diameter of a microfilament is, for example, less than 100 μm. Typical microfilament diameters range from 3 μm to 70 μm. Microfilaments can have lengths less than 10 cm. Typically, they have lengths between 1 cm and 4 cm. The sensing range can extend from the sensing head (e.g., including an excitation / induction coil and a sensing / measuring coil) to the corresponding microfilament up to 10 cm. Measurements can be obtained through air or other materials (even metallic or magnetic materials).

[0010] Components of a wind turbine blade can be parts of a blade that have been cured and assembled (either immediately after manufacturing or while the blade is in operation on a wind turbine). Components used in wind turbines can be non-buckled fabrics, preforms, upper or lower housings, etc., i.e., components used to manufacture wind turbine blades.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the microfilament comprises a ferromagnetic core and / or a metal core and / or a glass coating.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the at least one characteristic is the mechanical or thermal property of the fiber composite component.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the at least one characteristic is the strain experienced by the component and / or the temperature of the component.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the method further includes: Based on the determined at least one characteristic, it is determined that wrinkles exist in the component.

[0015] Compared to areas where the fiber is stretched (i.e., straight (without wrinkles)), wrinkles cause changes in the measured secondary magnetic field.

[0016] According to another embodiment, the microfilaments are integrated into or attached to the non-crimped fabric of the fiber composite component.

[0017] Non-crimped fabrics have one or more parallel layers of stretched fibers. These fibers are non-woven. The fibers can be made of, for example, glass, carbon, or aramid. The fibers can be secured to each other at their intersections. This securing is achieved, for example, by using sewing yarns. Additionally or alternatively, bonding techniques can be used to secure the fibers to each other. For example, adhesives (binders) are added to bond the fibers together. For example, the following types of fabrics are known: uniaxial fabrics created by securing a set of parallel fibers, biaxial fabrics in which two sets of parallel lines are secured in directions along two axes, and multiaxial fabrics in which several sets of parallel lines are secured in directions along different axes. Non-crimped fabrics have advantageous mechanical properties because the fibers are in a stretched form and the fibers can be specifically oriented for the appropriate application.

[0018] Because the fibers in a non-crimped fabric are straight (when there are no wrinkles), the microfilaments can easily align with them, that is, be arranged parallel to those fibers. When wrinkles occur, the microfilaments also deform, representing the deformed shape of the fibers.

[0019] According to another embodiment, the component is a portion of the airfoil profile of a wind turbine blade.

[0020] Non-contact structural health monitoring is particularly important in airfoil shells.

[0021] According to another embodiment, the microfilaments are integrated into the outermost layer of the airfoil.

[0022] This outermost layer is also known as the "surface felt." The surface felt is made of a specific fibrous material, resulting in a high-quality, finished surface for the airfoil. The wrinkles in this layer are particularly important for inspection.

[0023] According to another embodiment, the microfilaments are oriented parallel to at least one adjacent fiber and / or along the axial direction of the wind turbine blade.

[0024] During wind turbine operation, the flow of force is primarily along the axial direction of the blades. Therefore, it is advantageous to specifically monitor those fibers that extend in the axial direction.

[0025] According to a second aspect, a method is provided for manufacturing a fiber composite component with integrated microfilaments for wind turbine blades, the method comprising: a) Provide a non-crimped fabric with microfilaments b) Impregnating non-crimped fabrics with resin, and c) Curing the resin to obtain a fiber composite component with integrated microfilaments.

[0026] Microfilaments can be integrated into the non-crimped fabric in step a), or they can be attached to the surface of the non-crimped fabric in step a). This results in an efficient process for introducing microfilaments into the fiber composite components of wind turbine blades.

[0027] According to one embodiment, a method for detecting at least one characteristic of a fiber composite component of a wind turbine blade, or for detecting at least one characteristic of a fiber composite component of a wind turbine blade, is applied during, after, and / or before any of steps b) or c) above. Therefore, the method steps performed during, after, and / or before any of steps b) or c) include: Current is induced in the microfilaments integrated into the fiber composite by applying a primary magnetic field. The secondary magnetic field generated by the current induced in the microfilament was measured, and The at least one characteristic of the fiber composite component is determined based on the measured secondary magnetic field.

[0028] Therefore, wrinkles and other defects can be identified early in the manufacturing process of wind turbine blades. The embodiments of the method described above for detecting at least one characteristic of a component are also applicable here.

[0029] According to one embodiment, in step a), a non-crimped fabric is provided by laying rovings using a feeding gage, wherein the microfilaments are laid between or on top of the rovings using the feeding gage.

[0030] Laying rovings and microfilaments in one step is efficient. Microfilaments can be laid separately from the roving (i.e., not integrated into the roving).

[0031] According to another embodiment, in step a), a non-crimped fabric is provided by laying rovings using a feed guide, wherein microfilaments are integrated into at least one roving before feeding at least one roving using the feed guide.

[0032] By integrating microfilaments into at least one roving, microfilaments can be processed and added to non-crimped fabrics in an efficient manner.

[0033] According to another embodiment, in step a), an adhesive is added to the non-crimped fabric, and the adhesive is used to bond the microfilaments to the non-crimped fabric.

[0034] Specifically, the microfilaments are bonded to the surface of the non-crimped fabric. This is efficient because, typically, an adhesive is added to the non-crimped fabric in any case to bond the first non-crimped fabric to the second non-crimped fabric, thereby forming a preform. The preform is used in a later stage to build fiber layers in a mold used to manufacture wind turbine blades.

[0035] According to another embodiment, the method further includes: In step a), at least two non-crimped fabrics are provided, and microfilaments are arranged between the at least two non-crimped fabrics, and The at least two non-buckling fabrics are bonded together using an adhesive.

[0036] As a result, microfilaments can be easily integrated between two layers of a non-flexible fabric.

[0037] According to another embodiment, the method includes: In step a), a fiber layup comprising a non-crimped fabric is created in the mold, and microfilaments are attached to the non-crimped fabric. In step b), the fiber layup is impregnated with resin.

[0038] For example, microfilaments can be attached to non-crimped fabrics using glass tape. This glass tape can be used, for instance, at locations where preforms are adjacent or overlapping, and it covers any resulting gaps or steps.

[0039] According to a third aspect, a system for manufacturing or maintaining wind turbine blades is provided, the system comprising: Components and microfilaments integrated within the components, The sensing unit is used to induce current in the microfilament by applying a primary magnetic field. The measurement unit is used to measure the secondary magnetic field generated by the current induced in the microfilament, and A determining unit is used to determine at least one characteristic of the fiber composite component based on a measured secondary magnetic field.

[0040] The embodiments and features described in the first aspect, with necessary modifications, are applicable to the second and third aspects, and vice versa.

[0041] Further possible embodiments or alternatives to the invention also include combinations of features described above or below with respect to the embodiments that are not expressly mentioned herein. Those skilled in the art can also add individual or isolated aspects and features to the most basic form of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Further embodiments, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and dependent claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 A perspective view of a wind turbine according to an embodiment is shown; Figure 2 A sample with fibers forming wrinkles is shown in an enlarged cross-sectional view; Figure 3A graph showing the relationship between the maximum strain and the number of cycles for fiber composite components with and without pleats; Figure 4 A maintenance or manufacturing system according to an embodiment is illustrated schematically; Figure 5 schematically shown Figure 4 Details of the components used; Figure 6 Explanation Figure 4 and Figure 5 The measurement principle used; Figure 7 The microfilaments are schematically shown in a cross-sectional view; Figure 8 An example of a non-crimped fabric is shown in perspective. Figure 9 A portion of the feed guide according to an embodiment is shown; Figure 10 The image shows a roving that includes microfilaments; Figure 11 A perspective view shows two non-crimped fabrics bonded together with microfilaments in between; Figure 12 A component with multiple microfilaments arranged between layers is shown in a schematic cross-sectional view; Figure 13 Show Figure 12 In one embodiment, the microfilaments are arranged inside the respective layer; Figure 14 Two molds containing preforms are shown side-by-side in a perspective view; Figure 15 Two molds with microfilaments arranged on the respective mold surfaces are shown in perspective view; Figure 16 Showing the use Figure 14 or Figure 15 One of the methods explained in the text is the production of airfoil sections; Figure 17 A method for detecting at least one characteristic of a component of a wind turbine blade, according to an embodiment, is illustrated by a flowchart; and Figure 18 A flowchart illustrates a method for manufacturing fiber composite components with integrated microfilaments for wind turbine blades.

[0043] In the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same reference numerals indicate the same or functionally equivalent elements. Detailed Implementation

[0044] Figure 1A wind turbine 1 according to an embodiment is shown. The wind turbine 1 includes a rotor 2 having two or more blades 3 connected to a hub 4. The hub 4 is connected to a generator (not shown) disposed inside a nacelle 5. During operation of the wind turbine 1, the blades 3 are driven to rotate by the wind, and the kinetic energy of the wind is converted into electrical energy by the generator in the nacelle 5. The nacelle 5 is disposed at the upper end of a tower 6 of the wind turbine 1. The tower may be connected to a monopile or concrete foundation in the ground or seabed.

[0045] The blade 3 is made of one or more fiber composite components. Examples of such components are multiple blade segments joined together or bonded together to form the lower and upper blade shells of the blade. Each composite component comprises fibers (e.g., glass fibers, carbon fibers, or aramid fibers) and resin (also called a resin matrix), with the fibers embedded in the resin. Typically, a fiber layup is formed in a mold. The mold is closed or the fiber layup is covered with a vacuum foil. A vacuum is created, and the fibers are impregnated with resin. Heat and / or pressure are then applied, and the resin is cured to form the fiber composite component.

[0046] Specifically, pressure is applied to dry fibers or fibers already embedded in the still-soft resin matrix when the mold is closed and / or during resin curing. This can lead to... Figure 2 The formation of the fold 7 shown.

[0047] Once blade 3 is cured, it is inspected for defects. When a defect is suspected or during routine inspection, a sample can be taken from the corresponding blade surface by making a cut. Figure 2 This sample (cut-out portion) taken from leaf 3 is shown and magnified under a microscope.

[0048] Figure 2 This shows multiple fibers 8 extending substantially along the axial direction A of the blade 3. Axial direction A is also... Figure 1 As shown, the axial direction A is the direction oriented from the blade root towards the blade tip. Fiber 8 is embedded in resin 14. However, in Figure 2 In the section explained, fibers 8 form wrinkles 7. Here, wrinkles 7 are understood as arched portions of each fiber 8, which extend at right angles relative to the axial direction A. Wrinkles 7 may result in undulations 9 on the outer surface of the blade 3. These undulations 9 are relatively easy for an operator to detect during a visual inspection of the blade 3. However, in other cases, no surface undulations 9 are visible. In such cases, wrinkles 7 are more difficult to find.

[0049] Figure 3A graph showing the relationship between maximum strain and the number of cycles is provided. Solid line 10 indicates the maximum strain experienced by the fiber composite component without wrinkles 7. On the other hand, dashed line 11 indicates the maximum strain experienced by the component with wrinkles 7. Clearly, the component with wrinkles exhibits a significantly lower maximum strain than the component without wrinkles. Therefore, detecting any wrinkles 7 present on the inner side of the fiber composite component of blade 3 is an important objective in structural health monitoring.

[0050] Therefore, according to an embodiment, a maintenance and / or manufacturing system 12 is provided. Figure 4 On the right side, a (fiber composite) component 13 is shown, such as an airfoil. Component 13 has fibers 8. The fibers 8 may or may not be (not yet) embedded in the resin 14. The resin 14 may still be soft or already cured. That is, including, for example... Figure 17 The methods described in steps S1 to S3 can be used at different stages of the manufacturing of blade 3, or even later, including when blade 3 has been installed on a wind turbine 1 operating in the field.

[0051] Back Figure 4 The diagram shows that component 13 includes a plurality of microfilaments 15. The microfilaments 15 are... Figure 4 The microfilament 15 is shown in dashed lines. It is integrated into component 13, for example, by means of bonding... Figures 9 to 16 as well as Figure 18 As explained below.

[0052] Figure 7 An embodiment of the microfilament 15 is illustrated in longitudinal cross-section. The microfilament 15 is configured to function as a sensor to determine at least one characteristic of the component 13. These characteristics may be mechanical, thermal, and other characteristics. For example, a characteristic is the strain experienced by the component 13 or the temperature of the component 13 (e.g., the temperature of the component 13 when it is impregnated with resin 14, which can allow determination of the resin flow front).

[0053] For this purpose, the microfilaments 15 include, for example, ferromagnetic cores and / or metal cores 16. Multiple cores 16 can be arranged coaxially with each other, forming gaps 17 between adjacent cores 16. The cores 16 are covered by a glass coating 18. The glass coating 18 also fills the gaps 17. The glass coating 18 electrically isolates the cores 16 from the surrounding environment and also protects the cores 16 from corrosion. Advantageously, when mounted in the component 13, the glass coating 18 is structurally integrated with other fibrous materials such as surrounding glass fibers (not shown). Furthermore, the glass coating 18 can be effectively embedded in the resin 14, for example, forming a bond with such resin 14 during the curing of the component 13.

[0054] The microfilament 15 may have a length L, for example, between 1 cm and 4 cm. Furthermore, the microfilament 15 may have a diameter D, for example, between 3 μm and 70 μm. A preferred circular cross-section of the microfilament 15 is not shown. The core 16 may have a diameter d, for example, between 1 μm and 50 μm, such that the thickness of the glass coating 18 ranges from 2 μm to 20 μm, preferably.

[0055] Now back Figure 4 The upper right corner shows an enlarged view illustrating fiber 8 and microfilaments 15 arranged parallel to fiber 8. When pressure P is applied to component 13, for example during the manufacture of component 13, this may cause wrinkles 7 to form in fiber 8 and the microfilaments 15 laid parallel to fiber 8. The wrinkles 7 extend substantially perpendicular to the direction of pressure P. The perpendicular direction is indicated by reference numeral K.

[0056] The microfilament 15 with such folds 7 can be detected using a sensor head 19, as will be further explained below. The sensor head 19 can be held by a robotic arm 20 such that the distance R between the sensor head 19 and the microfilament 15 does not exceed 10 cm when the sensor head 19 moves above the component 13.

[0057] like Figure 5 As schematically illustrated, sensor head 19 may include a sensing unit 21, such as an induction coil. Furthermore, sensor head 19 may include a measurement unit 22, such as a sensing coil 22. Sensor head 19 may be connected via wires or wirelessly to determining unit 23, such as a microprocessor including a computer program.

[0058] Figure 6 The measurement principle used by the measuring head 19 with respect to one or more microfilaments 15 is explained. The sensing unit 21 induces a current 24, such as eddy current, in the microfilament 15 (i.e., in its core 16). This is specifically a result of the primary magnetic field 25 applied by the sensing unit 21 when the current flows through its coil. For example, alternating current at frequencies up to 20,000 Hz can be used. The induction of the current 24 corresponds to... Figure 17 Step S1 in the process.

[0059] Then, in step S2, the measuring unit 22 measures the secondary magnetic field 26 generated by the current 24 induced in the microfilament 15. The secondary magnetic field 26 causes current to flow in the measuring unit 22, particularly in its coils, such as... Figure 5 As explained in the text.

[0060] In step S3, the determining unit 23 determines at least one characteristic of the component 13 based on the measured secondary magnetic field 26 (i.e., based on the current flowing through the coil of the measuring unit 22). In particular, the folded shape of the microfilament 15 alters the magnetic field 26 in such a way as to allow the folds 7 to be detected definitively, compared to the other straight portions of the microfilament 15.

[0061] Advantageously, the detection is non-contact. For example... Figure 5 As explained, the measuring distance R can be filled with air volume, but it can also include solid materials such as resin, fiber, metal, or other materials. This allows the measurement principle described above to be applied even when measuring a depth of 10 cm in the blade 3.

[0062] Figure 8 A non-crimped fabric 27 is shown in perspective. The non-crimped fabric 27 comprises one or more layers 28 of fibers 8. The fibers 8 in each layer are parallel, stretched fibers. Typically, the fibers 8 are bundled together, i.e., so-called rovings 29. The layers 28 are sewn together using stitching yarn 30. Corresponding stitches 31 are used to sew the layers 28 together. Alternatively, or in addition to using stitching yarn 30, the fibers 8, rovings 29, and / or layers 28 may be held together using an adhesive (not shown) added to the fibers 8. The fibers 8 or rovings 29 may be arranged at angles of 0°, +45°, -45°, and 90° in different layers 28.

[0063] The non-crimped fabric 27 in its dry state (before resin is added) may include one or more microfilaments 15. The microfilaments 15 may be arranged on top of the outermost layer 28 of the non-crimped fabric 27. In another embodiment, the microfilaments 15 may be arranged within one or more layers 28 of the non-crimped fabric 27. According to yet another embodiment, the microfilaments may be arranged between the layers 28 of the non-crimped fabric 27.

[0064] Figure 9 The feed guide 32 is illustrated in perspective. Multiple rovings 29 are fed into the feed guide 32 and laid out on the table 33 by the feed guide 32. As the rovings 29 are laid out, the sewing equipment (in...) Figure 9 (Not shown in the image) can be achieved using a suture needle 31 ( Figure 8 The roving 29 is sewn together with the roving of the previously laid layer. As illustrated for a single roving 29, this roving can be fed from the bobbin 34. The feed guide 32 can be configured to feed microfilaments 15 (e.g., separately from the roving 29) onto the stage 33 in addition to the roving 29 and lay the microfilaments 15 in a layer 28. Figure 8 The roving 29 is placed between or on top of the roving. The microfilament 15 can be fed into the feed guide 32 using a spool 35.

[0065] Figure 10Another embodiment is illustrated, in which microfilaments 15 are integrated into roving 29. This roving 29 is fed into feed guide 32. For example, the roving 29 with integrated microfilaments 15 is fed from bobbin 34. Therefore, with... Figure 9 In contrast, the microfilament 15 is not fed as a separate entity, but rather as an integrated part of the roving 29.

[0066] Figure 11 An embodiment is illustrated using an adhesive (not shown) to bond two non-crimped fabrics 27, 27' together to form a preform 36. Microfilaments 15 are introduced between the non-crimped fabrics 27, 27', each of which is supplied, for example, by a roller 37. Figure 11 As shown, after the adhesive has been applied to at least one of the non-crimped fabrics 27, 27' and before the non-crimped fabrics 27, 27' reach the roller 38 for compaction together and are heated to thereby activate the adhesive and thus form the preform 36, the microfilament 15 is introduced between the two non-crimped fabrics 27, 27'.

[0067] Figure 12 The cross-sections through component 13, non-crimped fabric 27, preform 36, or layup 43 are illustrated. Microfilaments 15 are arranged between layers 39. Layers 39 may correspond to, for example... Figure 8 Layer 28 is shown. In other embodiments, layers 39 may each correspond to non-crimped fabrics 27, 27'. In yet another embodiment, each layer 39 may correspond to a preform 36.

[0068] Figure 13 The embodiments shown Figure 12 In this embodiment, however, the microfilament 15 is integrated into the corresponding layer 39.

[0069] Figure 14 A mold 40 is shown, which, according to this example, is formed by two mold portions 41 and 42. Mold portion 41 may correspond to a lower mold, and mold portion 42 may correspond to an upper mold. Mold portion 42 is arranged on top of mold portion 41 to form a closed mold.

[0070] For example, preform 36 can be arranged in each mold portion 41, 42 to form fiber layup 43. Mold 40 is closed, and resin is impregnated into preform 36 and cured to form blade 3.

[0071] Figure 15 Show Figure 14In a variation of the embodiment, microfilaments 15 are laid on the inner surface 44 of each mold 41, 42, and a preform (not shown) is arranged on top of the microfilaments 15, thus integrating the microfilaments into the outer surface of the blade 3 thus manufactured. In another embodiment, the microfilaments 15 are attached to the fiber layup 43 or to the preform 36 using a glass tape.

[0072] In another embodiment, a surface felt (not shown) is laid on... Figure 15 The microfilament 15 is thus integrated into the outer (finished) surface of the blade 3 when impregnated and cured with resin.

[0073] Figure 16 A cross-section of a blade 3 having an upper housing 45 and a lower housing 46 forming an airfoil profile 47 is shown. A microfilament 15 extends along the axial direction A of the blade 3.

[0074] Figure 18 The process for manufacturing a fiber composite component 13 for a wind turbine 1 with integrated microfilaments 15 is explained in general.

[0075] In step S10, the non-flexible fabric 27 is provided with microfilaments 15. At this time, for example, the non-flexible fabric may still consist only of one or more layers 28 of dried fibers 8, or the non-flexible fabric 27 may already be in the shape of a preform 27.

[0076] In step S20, the non-crimped fabric 27 is impregnated with resin 14.

[0077] In step S30, resin 14 is cured to obtain fiber composite component 13.

[0078] Steps S1 to S3 ( Figure 17 It can be applied during, before, or after step S20 or S30 to detect wrinkles during or after the manufacturing process.

[0079] Although the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications are possible in all embodiments.

Claims

1. A method for detecting at least one characteristic of a component (13, 27, 36) of a wind turbine blade (3) or for detecting at least one characteristic of a component of a wind turbine blade, the method comprising: By applying a primary magnetic field (25), a current (S1) (24) is induced (S1) in the microfilament (15) integrated in the components (13, 27, 36). Measurement (S2) of the secondary magnetic field (26) generated by the current (24) induced in the microfilament (15), and The at least one characteristic of the components (13, 27, 36) is determined (S3) based on the measured secondary magnetic field (26).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The microfilament (15) includes a ferromagnetic core and / or a metal core (16) and / or a glass coating (18).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The at least one characteristic is the strain experienced by the component (13, 27, 36) and / or the temperature of the component (13, 27, 36).

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: Based on the determined at least one characteristic, it is determined that wrinkles (7) exist in the fibers (8) of the components (13, 27, 36).

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The microfilaments (15) are integrated into or attached to the non-crimped fabric (27).

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The components (13, 27, 36) are part of the airfoil profile (47) of the wind turbine blade (3).

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein, The microfilament (15) is integrated into the outermost layer (39) of the airfoil profile (47).

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The microfilaments (15) are oriented parallel to at least one adjacent fiber (8) of the components (13, 27, 36) and / or oriented in the axial direction (A) of the wind turbine blade (3).

9. A method for manufacturing a fiber composite component (13) with integrated microfilaments (15) for a wind turbine blade (3), the method comprising: a) Provide (S10) a non-crimped fabric (27) having microfilaments (15). b) Impregnate (S20) the non-crimped fabric (27) with resin (14), and c) Curing (S30) the resin (14) to obtain the fiber composite component (13) having the integrated microfilaments (15).

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8 is performed during, after, and / or before step b) or c).

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein, In step a), the non-crimped fabric (27) is provided by laying the roving (29) using a feed guide (32), wherein: The microfilaments (15) are laid between or on top of the rovings (29) using the feed guide (32), and / or Before feeding the at least one roving (29) using the feed guide (32), the microfilament (15) is integrated into at least one of the rovings (29).

12. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein, In step a), an adhesive is added to the non-crimped fabric (27), and the microfilaments (15) are bonded to the non-crimped fabric (27) using the adhesive.

13. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, the method comprising: In step a), at least two non-crimped fabrics (27, 27') are provided, and the microfilament (15) is arranged between the at least two non-crimped fabrics (27, 27'), and The at least two non-buckling fabrics (27, 27') are bonded together using an adhesive.

14. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 13, the method comprising: In step a), a fiber layup (43) including the non-crimped fabric (27) is created in the mold (40), and the microfilaments (15) are attached to the non-crimped fabric (27). In step b), the fiber layup (43) is impregnated with resin (14).

15. A manufacturing or maintenance system (12) for wind turbine blades (3), said system comprising: Components (13, 27, 36) and microfilaments (15) integrated in said components (13, 27, 36). A sensing unit (21) is used to induce a current (24) in the microfilament (15) by applying a primary magnetic field (25). Measurement unit (22), the measurement unit being used to measure the secondary magnetic field (26) generated by the current (24) induced in the microfilament (15), and Determining unit (23) is used to determine at least one characteristic of the components (13, 27, 36) based on the measured secondary magnetic field (26).

Images