Method, device and computer program for simulating or scanning a surrounding field of a conduction network in various states in order to determine test locations

Abstract

Exemplary embodiments comprise methods having the following steps: (a) simulating or scanning a surrounding field of an electrically excited conduction network of an object in an undamaged state in order to obtain a reference result; (b) simulating or scanning a surrounding field of the electrically excited conduction network of the object in at least one damaged state in order to obtain at least one fault result, the fault result comprising; and (c) determining, on the basis of the reference result and the at least one fault result, one or more test locations, outside the object, which can be used to distinguish the undamaged state of the conduction network from the at least one damaged state of the conduction network by means of contactless measurement of a surrounding field of the electrically excited conduction network. Exemplary embodiments further comprise corresponding devices and computer programs.

Description

[0001] Method, device and computer program for simulating or scanning an environmental field of a cable network in different states for determining test points

[0002] Description

[0003] Technical field

[0004] Examples of implementation include methods, devices and computer programs for simulating or scanning an environmental field of a cable network in different states for determining test points.

[0005] Examples of implementation also include systems and methods for the inspection and damage assessment of complex pipeline structures using drone technology and simulation-based reference datasets.

[0006] Background of the invention

[0007] Modern wind turbines often feature large and complex rotor blades equipped with a comprehensive Lightning Protection System (LPS). These systems are essential to ensure the safety and integrity of the turbines during lightning strikes. A typical LPS consists of various structural components, such as solid metal tips (SMT), winglets, receptors, main down conductor(s), conductive mesh, carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites, aluminum plates, and various connectors. These elements can be arranged in various configurations and configurations within the three-dimensional space of the rotor blades. The traditional method for verifying the functionality of such LPSs is based on measuring electrical resistance (Ohm's method).However, this method is not practical in this context because the complex structure and the multitude of possible leakage paths do not offer readily accessible, non-invasive measurement points to fully verify the system's functionality using this method. Traditional inspection methods are generally time-consuming and often not precise enough to detect small defects early on.

[0008] FV - ACr - TOP2404-D-2024313243.DOCX Therefore, there is a need for a concept for the inspection of embedded cable networks that allows for an improved compromise between effort, informative value and time expenditure.

[0009] Such a concept is provided by the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Further developments according to the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

[0010] Summary of the invention

[0011] Exemplary embodiments include methods comprising the following steps: (a) Simulation or sampling of an environmental field, e.g., an electric or electromagnetic environmental field, of an electrically excited, e.g., current-carrying, wiring network of an object in an undamaged state, in order to obtain a reference result (e.g., detailed information about a field profile of the wiring network, e.g., in the form of a reference simulation result), wherein the wiring network may, e.g., be at least partially (or even completely) embedded in the object; (b) Simulation or sampling, e.g., multiple simulations or multiple samplings, of an environmental field (e.g., an electric or electromagnetic environmental field, e.g., of several environmental fields) of the electrically excited wiring network of the object in at least one damaged state, in order to obtain at least one fault result (where the fault result may, e.g., be a reference simulation result).(a detailed information about a field profile of the conductor network, e.g. in the form of a fault simulation result); and (c) Determine, based on the reference result and the at least one fault result, e.g. based on an analysis of the reference result and the at least one fault result, from one or more test points (e.g. in the form of non-invasive measuring points, e.g. in the form of coordinates in a relative or absolute coordinate system, e.g. in the form of GPS coordinates), outside the object, by means of which, by means of a non-contact measurement, i.e., by means of a measurement at the location of the test point or at the locations of the test points, an ambient field of the electrically excited conductor network, the undamaged state of the conductor network can be distinguished from the at least one damaged state of the conductor network.

[0012] Optionally, the conductive network can, for example, have parallel conductive paths, such as parallel conductors. Furthermore, such a conductive network can also consist of a single conductor strand, e.g., with receptors, or a combination of individually conductive conductor sections and conductor sections with parallel paths, such as parallel conductors or lattice structures.

[0013] TOP2404-D-2024313243. DOCX The conductive network, which can be electrically excited, for example, at the transition point to the object's grounding, can thus have simple and / or complex conductive paths. The conductive network can, for example, have grid structures in the form of meshes, e.g., with carbon structures, such as carbon fibers. Corresponding components of the conductive network can be present in various connection combinations, e.g., in parallel and / or series circuits.

[0014] The grounding can be implemented as a single or multiple grounding system (e.g., in buildings). For example, there may be a single ground electrode or multiple ground electrodes.

[0015] According to exemplary embodiments, the at least one damaged state of the wiring network can be, for example, a state in which one of the parallel wiring paths is interrupted and another of the parallel wiring paths is still functional, i.e., conductive.

[0016] The reference result and / or the error result can be obtained, for example, purely through simulation, purely through measurement, or as a combination of simulations and measurements. Multiple test points can be defined, for example, in the form of a test trajectory, such as for an inspection scan using a scanning device like a drone, according to the following examples. This trajectory can be, for example, a series of test points arranged in a predefined sequence, according to which a scanning device scans a corresponding surrounding area.

[0017] Exemplary embodiments therefore optionally include determining, based on the reference result and the at least one fault result from one or more test points and / or one or more test trajectories outside the object, by means of which the undamaged state of the wiring network can be distinguished from the at least one damaged state of the wiring network by means of a non-contact measurement of an ambient field of the electrically excited wiring network.

[0018] It was recognized that by comparing a simulation and / or sampling of a radiation characteristic (the ambient field) of the undamaged conductor with a simulation and / or sampling of a radiation characteristic of the damaged conductor, one or more significant measuring points (the test points) in the vicinity of the conductor can be determined, which can then be used to check whether the conductor is intact or not during a subsequent (e.g., at a later time) non-contact inspection.

[0019] TOP2404-D-2024313243. DOCX This enables a particularly efficient and, above all, non-invasive inspection. Based on the comparison between the reference result and the defect result, the test points can be selected in such a way that, firstly, efficient scanning is possible (e.g., in the sense of path length optimization between the test points in the sense of trajectory optimization), and secondly, a robust and meaningful test result can be obtained, since, for example, particularly large differences in the surrounding field between the damaged and undamaged states are detectable at the selected test points. By selecting the test points accordingly, boundary conditions regarding the required distance of a scanning device from the object can also be relaxed, so that, for example, a greater distance is sufficient due to the significance of the measuring points for the condition of the conductor (so that, for example,Lower signal strengths and / or higher measurement tolerances can be accepted).

[0020] It should be noted that both the reference and the error result can be provided in the form of individual calculated values ​​of the surrounding field, e.g. in the form of a sparsely populated point cloud, or in the form of almost continuous field profiles.

[0021] The scanning of the ambient field can be, for example, a close-meshed point-by-point scan, or a continuous or quasi-continuous scan along a trajectory on the object's surface. Intermediate values ​​of the ambient field between measured values ​​can be interpolated, while other values ​​can be extrapolated from existing measured values.

[0022] According to exemplary embodiments, the resolution of the ambient field (via simulation or measurement) can be increased, particularly at potential weak points in the cable network, since especially meaningful test points could be expected here.

[0023] Thus, exemplary implementations optionally include consideration of a priori information regarding the structure of the line network in order to determine the test points and, for example, in particular to define a granularity or local accuracy of a simulation or sampling of an environmental field, for example, to generate the reference and / or at least an error result.

[0024] According to exemplary embodiments, steps (a) and (b) involve simulations or scans of the surrounding fields at different distances from the one embedded in the object.

[0025] TOP2404-D-2024313243. DOCX is used to analyze an electrically excited wiring network in order to obtain the reference result and / or at least one error result. For example, simulations or sampling of the ambient fields of the electrically excited wiring network embedded in the object can be performed at different sampling distances.

[0026] This allows for the evaluation of a three-dimensional field pattern of the surrounding field in order to efficiently determine the test points.

[0027] According to exemplary embodiments, step (b) comprises simulations or sampling of ambient fields, e.g., of electrical or electromagnetic ambient fields, of the electrically excited conductor network embedded in the object in a multitude of different damaged states in order to obtain a multitude of fault results, and in step (c) the one or more test points (e.g., in the form of one or more test trajectories) and / or test trajectories can optionally be determined based on the reference result and the multitude of fault results such that, using the one or more test points and / or test trajectories, the undamaged state of the conductor network can be distinguished from the multitude of different damaged states of the conductor network by means of a non-contact measurement of an ambient field of the electrically excited conductor network.

[0028] For example, a separate simulation (or measurement on a correspondingly faulty network) can be performed for each known fault scenario, or for fault scenarios that occur with a certain probability, in order to select the test points in such a way that the undamaged state can be reliably distinguished from the fault scenarios. Thus, exemplary implementations allow for the consideration of a large number of possible damages to the network.

[0029] According to exemplary embodiments, the one or more test points in step (c) are determined such that at least two different damaged states of the conductor network can be distinguished from each other by means of non-contact measurements of an ambient field of the electrically excited conductor network of the object at the one or more test points and / or test trajectories.

[0030] The test points or test trajectories can therefore be determined in such a way that not only can the undamaged state be confirmed or denied, but also that a conclusion can be drawn about the type of fault.

[0031] TOP2404-D-2024313243. DOCX It should be noted that such a selection of test points is made possible by comparing the environmental field simulations or samples for the undamaged and damaged cases. For this purpose, those points outside the object where the field profiles differ significantly can be selected as test points, so that, for example, different test points can serve as indicators for different conditions.

[0032] However, such an evaluation can be based not only on the measured values ​​at the test sites themselves, but also on the ratios of the measured values ​​at the test sites to each other or on certain patterns in the measured values ​​based on the test sites.

[0033] For example, the test points can be used to approximate an ambient field profile and compared to a known field profile (e.g., simulated or measured) using a similarity measure, in order to determine a corresponding state with a certain probability, e.g., based on the similarity measure.

[0034] According to exemplary embodiments, in step (c) several test points and / or test trajectories (e.g., comprising a plurality of test points) are determined, which serve as waypoints of a trajectory or a higher-level trajectory comprising test trajectories (e.g., in the sense of a sequence of segments) for scanning an ambient field, e.g., an electrical or electromagnetic ambient field, or the electrically excited network of the object by means of a scanning device, e.g., a land, water, or air vehicle, e.g., in particular, a drone. The test points can thus be determined in such a way that they are suitable as trajectory waypoints.

[0035] The selection of testing locations can therefore take into account further boundary conditions, such as the scanning device to be used. For an aircraft, for example, the height of the testing locations can be freely chosen, whereas, for example, with regard to crosswinds, boundary conditions regarding minimum distances to the object must be observed, whereas, for example, a watercraft can only move at water level, but could, for example, travel relatively safely to the immediate vicinity of the object.

[0036] According to exemplary embodiments, the multiple test points and / or test trajectories are based on an optimization of the trajectory with respect to a distance to be covered along the trajectory or higher-level trajectory, an energy requirement of the

[0037] TOP2404-D-2024313243. DOCX scanning device for scanning along the trajectory or superior trajectory, and / or a time duration of scanning along the trajectory or superior trajectory is determined, e.g., so that a sequence of waypoints is determined, e.g., in the sense of optimizing optimization criteria, e.g., in the form of a performance function.

[0038] This allows for improved efficiency in subsequent inspections. In general, methods as illustrated in the examples, particularly through simulation-based determination of the test points, enable the consideration of constraints and, optionally, quality criteria.

[0039] To explain further: If a performance network is so complex that a single inspection point (see, for example, Fig. 1) is no longer sufficient, but rather a dedicated inspection trajectory is required, then the corresponding overall flight can consist of a combination of inspection points and trajectories. According to some embodiments, these can optionally form "superordinate" trajectories for the inspection.

[0040] According to exemplary embodiments, in step (c) the one or more test points and / or test trajectories are determined by means of a neural network (e.g. before and / or during scanning).

[0041] It has been recognized that neural networks enable efficient determination of the testing sites and can also be efficiently trained for this purpose.

[0042] As explained above, according to the exemplary embodiments, the wiring network can have parallel wiring paths, and the at least one damaged state of the wiring network can be, for example, a state in which one of the parallel wiring paths is interrupted and another of the parallel wiring paths is still functional, i.e., conductive.

[0043] Thus, exemplary embodiments enable the detection of fault conditions where basic functionality, e.g., conductivity, is still present, but, for example, part of the structure has a break that, in the case of a lightning rod, could no longer lead to sufficient energy dissipation during a lightning strike. Therefore, these exemplary embodiments enable the addressing of fault conditions that are also difficult to detect non-invasively.

[0044] TOP2404-D-2024313243. DOCX According to the exemplary embodiments, in steps (a) and (b) the reference result and the error result are obtained by means of simulations of the surrounding fields, and the simulations include an evaluation of a discrete three-dimensional full-wave simulation. This can, for example, include an evaluation of Maxwell's equations, e.g., in the sense of a complete electromagnetic wave simulation, e.g., so that all Maxwell's equations are taken into account. This enables an effective determination of the test points.

[0045] According to exemplary embodiments, step (c) further comprises a fault analysis of potential test points and / or test trajectories with regard to false-negative or false-positive detection of damage to the wiring network, e.g., by means of a non-contact measurement of an ambient field of the electrically excited wiring network based on the potential test points. In step (c), for example, the one or more test points and / or test trajectories are then determined based on the fault analysis in order to set a desired fault detection characteristic with regard to false-negative or false-positive test results, so that, for example, serious damage is more likely to be falsely positive than less serious damage.

[0046] According to exemplary embodiments, the one or more test points and / or test trajectories are determined based on the fault analysis in order to differentiate the undamaged state of the conductor network from the at least one damaged state of the conductor network by means of a non-contact measurement of an ambient field of the electrically excited conductor network using the one or more test points and to set an upper or lower limit for a false negative rate and / or an upper or lower limit for a false positive rate.

[0047] Thus, implementation examples enable inspection results that exhibit a certain statistical reliability.

[0048] Exemplary embodiments optionally further include obtaining a sampling result from a sampling of an ambient field, e.g., an electric or electromagnetic ambient field, of the electrically excited conductor network of the object, e.g., in an unknown state, based on one or more test points and / or test trajectories; comparing the sampling result with the reference result, or comparing the sampling result with at least one error result, and determining information about the state of the conductor network based on the comparison.

[0049] TOP2404-D-2024313243. DOCX A real measurement can therefore be compared with the reference or fault result to draw conclusions about the condition of the cable network. Thus, the real measurement, e.g., a point measurement, can be compared at the test points with the results of full-wave simulations for the reference or fault result, or with corresponding holistic scans of the conductor's surrounding fields in the damaged and undamaged state.

[0050] Exemplary embodiments optionally include obtaining a sample result from a scan of an ambient field, e.g., an electric or electromagnetic ambient field, of the electrically excited wiring network of the object, e.g., in an unknown state, based on one or more test points and / or test trajectories; comparing the sample result with a sample reference (e.g., a time-delayed sample reference, e.g., a sample reference generated at an earlier time before the sample result was generated), wherein the sample reference is a result of a scan of an ambient field, e.g., an electric or electromagnetic ambient field, of the electrically excited wiring network of the object in an undamaged state, based on the specified test points and / or test trajectories; and determining information about the state of the wiring network based on the comparison.

[0051] The inventors recognized that generating a sampling reference where the conductor is undamaged, based on specific test points, makes it possible to mitigate the influence of discrepancies between a simulation model of the conductor network and other inaccuracies. Thus, actual measurements at the same measuring points are compared, for example, instead of comparing a real measurement with a simulation result.

[0052] The sampling reference can, for example, correspond to the reference result (e.g., within a certain tolerance) if this was generated by sampling, or, with sufficient model accuracy, also to the reference result from a simulation, reduced to ambient field values ​​at the test points, or, for example, to waypoints of a trajectory that connect the test points and also serve as measuring points.

[0053] In other words, the reference result can be derived from simulations or measurements that consider far more sampling points than the resulting test locations. The sampling reference can therefore be, for example (taking into account simulation or measurement inaccuracies), a subset of the reference result.

[0054] TOP2404-D-2024313243. DOCX Implementation examples optionally further include obtaining a sample result from a sample of an environmental field, e.g., an electric or electromagnetic environmental field, of the electrically excited conductor network of the object, e.g., in an unknown state, based on one or more test points and / or test trajectories; iteratively fitting a model, e.g., by means of reverse Monte Carlo, e.g., generally by means of reverse engineering, of the electrically excited conductor network in order to iteratively approximate one or more simulations of an environmental field, e.g., an electric or electromagnetic environmental field, of the fitted model of the electrically excited conductor network to the sample result; and determining information about the state of the conductor network, e.g., about a type of damage to the conductor network, based on the fitted model.

[0055] If, for example, a measurement cannot be assigned to any of the known states, especially fault states, the model can be iteratively adjusted to obtain information about the underlying state. In other words, the model can be iteratively adjusted until a simulated field profile approximates the measured field profile (based on the test points) with sufficient accuracy.

[0056] This allows newly occurring errors to be identified non-invasively.

[0057] Optional embodiments further include generating an ambient field, e.g., an electrical or electromagnetic ambient field, of the object's wiring network, i.e., the real, physical object, by means of electrical excitation; scanning the ambient field using one or more test points and / or test trajectories to obtain a scanning result; storing the scanning result as a scanning reference, e.g., if the wiring network is in an undamaged state at the time of scanning; or determining information about the state, e.g., damaged or undamaged state, of the wiring network based on the scanning result, e.g., if the wiring network is in an unknown state at the time of scanning.

[0058] Examples of implementation also optionally include carrying out a corresponding inspection measurement.

[0059] Exemplary embodiments optionally include the generation of an ambient field, e.g., an electric or electromagnetic ambient field, of the cable network of the

[0060] TOP2404-D-2024313243. DOCX object, i.e., the real, physical object, by means of electrical excitation; scanning the surrounding field using one or more test points and / or test trajectories to obtain a scanning result; detecting a deviation of the scanning result from the reference result, the error result, and / or a scanning reference, wherein the scanning reference is a result of scanning an surrounding field, e.g., an electrical or electromagnetic surrounding field, of the electrically excited conductor network of the object in an undamaged state; characterizing the surrounding field associated with the deviating scanning result by means of a measurement of the surrounding field, i.e., e.g., in the form of a detailed scanning of the surrounding field, e.g., also outside the test points, to obtain a measurement result; and determining information about the state, e.g.,damaged or undamaged state of the transmission network based on the measurement result (e.g. by iteratively fitting a model of the electrically excited transmission network to adapt a simulation of an environmental field of the adapted model of the electrically excited transmission network to the result of the measurement of the environmental field), or storing the measurement result as an error result, e.g. if the transmission network is in a damaged state at the time of sampling.

[0061] Thus, for example, a new data set for a new error, e.g. in the form of the ambient field measurements, can be generated, particularly by generating a survey result.

[0062] According to exemplary embodiments, the information about the state of the pipeline network includes at least one piece of information regarding the type of damage to the pipeline network, e.g., in the sense of a classification of the damage, information regarding the area of ​​damage to the pipeline network, e.g., in the sense of a localization of the damage, information regarding the severity of damage to the pipeline network, e.g., with regard to the safe operation of the object, e.g., a wind turbine, and / or information regarding a change in the state of the pipeline network.

[0063] According to exemplary embodiments, the object is a wind turbine or a part, e.g. a rotor blade, e.g. a tower segment, of a wind turbine and wherein the embedded conductor network is designed as a lightning conductor, e.g. as a Lightning Protection System, LPS.

[0064] TOP2404-D-2024313243. DOCX It should be noted, however, that examples of implementation are by no means limited to objects in the form of wind turbines. In general, the object can be, for example, a wind turbine, building, bridge, tower, port facility, oil platform, gas platform, solar power plant, power pylon, industrial plant, or a part thereof, with the embedded network of lines being designed, for example, as a lightning conductor.

[0065] According to exemplary embodiments, in step (c) several test points and / or test trajectories are determined, which serve as waypoints for a trajectory for a non-contact measurement of an ambient field of the electrically excited line network by means of a land, water or air vehicle.

[0066] Further embodiments include a computer program with program code for carrying out the method according to one of the previous embodiments, if the program runs on a computer.

[0067] Exemplary embodiments further include a device with an interface configured to obtain a reference result based on a simulation or sampling of an ambient field, e.g., an electric or electromagnetic ambient field, of an electrically excited, e.g., current-carrying, wiring network embedded in an object in an undamaged state, in order to obtain at least one fault result based on a simulation or sampling, e.g., multiple simulations or samplings, of an ambient field, e.g., an electric or electromagnetic ambient field, e.g., of several ambient fields, of the electrically excited wiring network embedded in the object in at least one damaged state.Furthermore, the device has a processing unit designed to determine, based on the reference result and at least one error result, one or more test points (e.g., non-invasive measuring points, e.g., in the form of test trajectories) and / or test trajectories outside the object (e.g., before and / or during scanning), by means of which the undamaged state of the electrically excited wiring network can be distinguished from the at least one damaged state of the wiring network by means of a non-contact measurement of an ambient field, e.g., an electrical or electromagnetic ambient field.

[0068] Devices according to exemplary embodiments can have the same, corresponding, or similar functionalities, details, and features as corresponding methods according to the invention. Therefore, devices according to the invention can

[0069] TOP2404-D-2024313243. DOCX Functionalities, details and features which are explained in the context of a method according to the invention have the same, corresponding or similar form, both in combination and individually. The same applies accordingly to features which are disclosed in the context of a device with regard to corresponding methods.

[0070] Character description

[0071] Exemplary embodiments according to the present disclosure are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures. With regard to the schematic figures shown, it should be noted that the functional blocks depicted are to be understood both as elements or features of the device according to the disclosure and as corresponding process steps of the disclosed method, and corresponding process steps of the disclosed method can also be derived from them. The figures show:

[0072] Fig. 1 schematic views of objects with embedded, electrically excited wiring networks in a damaged and an undamaged state, according to exemplary embodiments;

[0073] Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of a device according to exemplary embodiments;

[0074] Fig. 3 schematic views of objects with embedded cable networks, firstly in the damaged state from Fig. 1, and secondly in a further damaged state, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0075] Fig. 4 shows a schematic side view and a schematic cross-section of a wind turbine blade with an embedded lightning rod, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0076] Fig. 5 shows another schematic view of a wind turbine blade with an ambient field according to exemplary embodiments;

[0077] Fig. 6 schematic views of a wind turbine blade with lightning rod under electrical excitation with associated ambient field, as well as associated projections according to exemplary embodiments;

[0078] TOP2404-D-2024313243. DOCX Fig. 7 a schematic block diagram of an inspection procedure according to exemplary embodiments; and

[0079] Fig. 8 a)-d) schematic representations of Fig. 6 in enlarged form.

[0080] Detailed description of the embodiments according to the figures

[0081] Before the following exemplary embodiments are explained in detail with reference to the drawings, it should be noted that identical, functionally equivalent or equivalent elements, objects and / or structures in the different figures are provided with the same or similar reference numerals, so that the description of these elements shown in different exemplary embodiments is interchangeable or can be applied to each other.

[0082] Fig. 1 shows schematic views of objects with embedded, electrically excited wiring networks in a damaged and an undamaged state, according to exemplary embodiments. Fig. 1 shows object 110 with the embedded wiring network 120 in an undamaged state (Fig. 1 left) and object 110 with the embedded wiring network 120a in a damaged state (Fig. 1 right), wherein the wiring network 120a exhibits the damage 130a compared to the network 120, here by way of example a break.

[0083] According to exemplary embodiments, the wiring network 120, 120a can be completely embedded or only partially embedded. As shown in Fig. 1, for example, part 125 or 125a can also be not embedded but protrude from the object 110. In general, the wiring network can also be completely unembedded, i.e., arranged entirely on the outside of the object, or only partially on the outside and partially embedded.

[0084] As shown in Fig. 1, a conductor network 120, 120a can have parallel conductor paths, at least in its undamaged state. It should be noted again that exemplary embodiments are not limited to conductor networks with continuously parallel conductor paths, or indeed to any parallel conductor paths at all. Conductor structures with a single conductor are also possible.

[0085] An example of the course of an ambient field 140 in an undamaged cable network is shown on the left in Fig. 1, an example of the course of a

[0086] TOP2404-D-2024313243. The DOCX ambient field 140a in a damaged cable network is shown on the right in Fig. 1. As an example, a field weakening is shown at the location of the damage 130a.

[0087] Exemplary embodiments now include a determination of test points 150a based on the different field profiles 140 and 140a. For this purpose, a method according to the invention comprises a simulation or scanning of the ambient field 140 of the electrically excited conductor network 120 embedded in the object 110 in the undamaged state in order to obtain a reference result, and a simulation or scanning of the ambient field 120a of the electrically excited conductor network 120a embedded in the object 130 in at least one damaged state in order to obtain at least one fault result.Furthermore, the procedure includes determining, based on the reference result and the at least one fault result, one or more test points 150a outside the object 130, by means of which the undamaged state of the wiring network can be distinguished from the at least one damaged state of the wiring network by means of a non-contact measurement of an ambient field of the electrically excited wiring network.

[0088] As an example, test point 150a is shown where the field patterns differ significantly, so that when measuring an object 110 with a wiring network in an unknown state, it can be determined, with appropriate electrical excitation, whether the wiring network has damage 130a or not.

[0089] Reference is made to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of a device 200 according to exemplary embodiments, with an interface 210 configured to obtain information 201 regarding the reference result (corresponding to Fig. 1 left) and information 202 regarding the at least one error result (corresponding to Fig. 1 right), and a processing unit 200 configured to determine, based on information 211 and 212 (e.g. identical to information 201 and 202 or a preprocessed, e.g. decoded version thereof) regarding the reference result and the at least one error result, the one or more test points 150a outside the object 110.

[0090] It should be noted again that the reference result and / or at least one error result may be the result of a purely simulation-based determination of the field profiles or the result of a measurement on a real object.

[0091] TOP2404-D-2024313243. DOCX A corresponding simulation or sampling of the surrounding fields can be carried out and / or evaluated, particularly with regard to different distances from the transmission network, in order to obtain three-dimensional field information.

[0092] Reference is made to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 shows schematic views of objects with embedded wiring networks, firstly in the damaged state from Fig. 1 (see Fig. 3 right), and secondly in another damaged state (see Fig. 3 center), according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0093] The embedded wiring network 120b exhibits a different state of damage than shown in Fig. 1. Regarding the damage 130b of wiring network 120b, test point 150b is shown as an example of a characteristic test point, which can be used, for example, to determine whether a corresponding damage 130b (as shown in wiring network 120b) is present.

[0094] It should be noted that damage is not limited to interruptions. For example, corrosion or oxidation can lead to reduced conductivity despite an existing physical connection (meaning the wiring network is no longer functional or no longer fully functional), which can also be detected by observing the field pattern.

[0095] Firstly, the methods according to the invention optionally include simulations or sampling of ambient fields of the excited conductor network in a multitude of different damaged states in order to obtain a multitude of fault results and a determination of test points 150a, 150b, based on the reference result and the multitude of fault results, so that, based on one or more test points 150a, 150b, the undamaged state of the conductor network can be distinguished from the multitude of different damaged states of the conductor network by means of a non-contact measurement of an ambient field of the electrically excited conductor network.

[0096] On the other hand, the methods according to the invention also include a determination of the test points, so that two different damaged states of the conductor network can be distinguished from each other by means of non-contact measurements of an ambient field of the electrically excited conductor network of the object at one or more test points (corresponding to a distinction of the damages 130a, 130b).

[0097] TOP2404-D-2024313243. DOCX For example, two different types of damage could lead to some identical field anomalies and some differing field anomalies in different areas around the object. By selecting a test point in an area with the same field anomaly, at least the undamaged state could be distinguished. However, exemplary implementations based on the multitude of error results allow for the selection of test points that lie, for example, in field anomaly zones characteristic of a particular error, in order to differentiate between the errors.

[0098] Thus, using test points 150a and 150b, an object with an electrically excited wiring network 120c can be evaluated in an unknown state (see Fig. 3 left) with regard to its state.

[0099] In general, information about the condition of the pipeline network can include at least one piece of information regarding the type of damage to the pipeline network, the area of ​​damage to the pipeline network, the severity of damage to the pipeline network, and / or information regarding a change in the condition of the pipeline network.

[0100] Here, we will again address the case of similar field anomalies with different errors. According to exemplary embodiments, the processing unit 220 can, for example, be configured to evaluate the field profiles of the reference result and at least one error result, and / or the field profiles of different error results with regard to possible test points and a probability of detection.

[0101] For example, test points can be selected in such a way that certain (fault) conditions can be detected with a high degree of certainty, e.g., if such a fault could lead to a structural failure of the object. Thus, for different conditions, with regard to their detection by measurement at the corresponding test points, the test points can be determined in such a way that statistical upper or lower limits for false negative rates and / or upper or lower limits for false positive rates can be achieved.

[0102] As shown in Fig. 3 on the left, the test points 150a, 150b can serve in particular as waypoints of a trajectory 160 for scanning the surrounding field using a scanning device, e.g. a drone. Thus, in addition to distinguishing the states based on an optimization of the trajectory 160, the test points can, for example,

[0103] TOP2404-D-2024313243. DOCX with respect to a distance to be traveled along the trajectory, an energy requirement of the scanning device for scanning along the trajectory, and / or a time duration of scanning along the trajectory are determined, e.g., so that a sequence of waypoints is determined in the sense of an optimization of optimization criteria, e.g., in the form of a performance function.

[0104] To determine the test points, an associated processing unit 220 can, for example, incorporate a neural network. In general, the processing unit 220 can be configured, for example, to determine the test points based on a discrete three-dimensional full-wave simulation of the surrounding fields. This allows for the determination of very precise field profiles, enabling the effective selection of test points.

[0105] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, a damaged state of the transmission network can be, in particular, a state in which one of the parallel transmission paths is interrupted and another of the parallel transmission paths is still conductive. Exemplary embodiments allow such fault cases to be detected by measurements at the test points, even though the transmission structure as a whole is, for example, still conductive (but, for example, no longer conductive enough to withstand a subsequent lightning strike).

[0106] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in general, according to exemplary embodiments, aging effects in particular can also be simulated (e.g. using processing unit 220) in order to select test points in such a way that the areas most affected by degradation over time can be efficiently monitored.

[0107] Reference is made to Fig. 3 on the left: According to exemplary embodiments, a real scan of the real object 110 can optionally be carried out. For this purpose, for example, the state of the cable network 120c may be known or unknown.

[0108] If the state is unknown, for example, the wiring network 120c can be electrically excited to generate a corresponding ambient field. The ambient field can then be scanned using the test points 150a and 150b, as previously explained, for example, using a sequence of test points according to trajectory 160.

[0109] Based on the measurements, at least at test points 150a, 150b and, for example, also along a trajectory 160 between the test points, a sampling result can thus be obtained. This sampling result can then be compared with the previously determined reference result.

[0110] TOP2404-D-2024313243. DOCX or at least an error result can be compared to in order to derive information about the state of the pipeline network.

[0111] If the condition of the line network 120c is known, a corresponding sample can be used as a sampling reference (e.g. if undamaged) or as an error result (e.g. if damaged, for example if a new type of error has been discovered).

[0112] It should therefore be noted again that, according to exemplary embodiments, measurement results from sampling at discrete test points or from sampling at a multitude of measuring points along a trajectory connecting test points can generally be compared with sampling at discrete test points, sampling at a multitude of measuring points along a trajectory connecting test points, or simulation results with discrete spatial field values ​​or with a quasi-continuous field simulation.

[0113] This means, in particular, that a sampling result from a sampling of a cable network 120c in an unknown state (e.g. during an inspection of the object 110 after some time in operation) can be compared with a sampling reference from a sampling of the cable network 120c in an undamaged state (e.g. during the initial commissioning of the object).

[0114] With reference to Fig. 3, we will again discuss embodiments that include an iterative adaptation of an underlying model. For example, if a sampling result is obtained that cannot be assigned to any known fault state (e.g., as shown in Fig. 3, center and left) and also not to the undamaged state (see Fig. 1, left), then a corresponding simulation model of the transmission line network 120c (e.g., additionally including a model of the object to represent, for example, shielding properties) can be iteratively adapted to determine information about the fault.

[0115] For example, the position of a potential defect (as shown in Figures 130a and 130b) could be iterated until the measured field profile in the unknown fault state corresponds to a corresponding simulation within a certain tolerance. For this purpose, a processing unit 220 could, for example, employ reverse engineering approaches such as Monte Carlo simulations. The iterations could be configured, for example, based on a priori knowledge of structural weaknesses, so that faults at potential weak points are simulated first to increase efficiency.

[0116] TOP2404-D-2024313243. DOCX Furthermore, the field profile can also be scanned outside predefined test points in order to determine characteristic locations of field anomalies for the corresponding fault based on the measurement. In other words, exemplary implementations thus include characterizing the surrounding field associated with the deviating (deviating from known states) scan result by means of a measurement of the surrounding field to obtain a measurement result. As explained above, this measurement result can in turn serve as a new fault result or as a basis for the simulation-based adjustment of the model to classify the internal damage.

[0117] Reference is made to Figures 4 and 5, which show schematic views of a wind turbine blade with a lightning rod.

[0118] Fig. 4 shows a schematic side view (Fig. 4 left) and a schematic cross-section (Fig. 4 right) of a wind turbine blade (rotor blade of a wind turbine) with an embedded lightning conductor, according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 4 shows in particular a setup of a modern lightning conductor in a rotor blade. The wind turbine itself, or such a wind turbine blade, represent examples of an object according to the invention, wherein the embedded conductor network is here designed as an example as a lightning conductor, e.g., as a Lightning Protection System (LPS).

[0119] The wind turbine blade 410 has a connecting section 415 (e.g., transition nacelle, e.g., a transition to grounding) for connection to the nacelle or the machine house of the wind turbine, as well as the lightning conductor 420. The lightning conductor 420 comprises, for example, a main conductor 421 (e.g., main down conductor), a three-dimensional grid structure 422 (in Fig. 4, "3D grid") with carbon fibers 423 (e.g., 3D mesh + carbon fiber), receptors 424, and a solid metal tip (SMT) 425.

[0120] In the cross-sectional view in Fig. 4 on the right, another example of the juxtaposition of lattice structure 423 (in Fig. 4, “lattice” e.g. “Mesh”) and carbon 422 is shown in the area of ​​structure 422+423 from Fig. 4 on the left.

[0121] As can be seen particularly in the schematic cross-section, a corresponding wind turbine blade can have complex conductor structures, making the detection of a failure in individual conductor paths challenging using conventional approaches. Individual conductor sections can be arranged side by side or spaced apart from one another.

[0122] TOP2404-D-2024313243. DOCX Additionally, Fig. 4 shows a scanning device 470, for example in the form of a drone with sensors, which can be used to obtain a corresponding scanning result. For example, a corresponding trajectory of test points between 3 and 11 meters, e.g., between 5 and 9 meters, can run from a surface of the object 410 in order to avoid collisions, e.g., due to crosswinds.

[0123] Regarding Fig. 4, it should be noted again that, based on simulations or scans of the surrounding fields at various distances from the electrically excited network embedded in the object, test points at an optimal distance (e.g., taking boundary conditions into account) can be determined. In the position of the drone 470 shown, for example, a fault can be robustly identified based on the field profile at a distance of 7 m, while maintaining a sufficient safety distance from the wing to avoid collisions. In the example of Fig. 4, this primarily concerns the individual main conductor 421. It should be noted that the distance (here, 7 m as an example) can vary depending on the specific application (i.e., which object, which drone, which excitation signal). In summary: 7 m = Example (also varies, for example, over the inspection distance).

[0124] Fig. 5 shows another schematic view of a wind turbine blade with an ambient field according to exemplary embodiments. Fig. 5 shows the blade elements 410 explained in connection with Fig. 4, with an example of the ambient field 440 under electrical excitation by means of a signal generator 510. A corresponding scan result can be visualized, for example, on a computer 520. The manual control of the scanning device indicated here is optional. Scanning devices can also, in particular, partially or fully automatically fly a corresponding test trajectory comprising test points.

[0125] As shown in Fig. 5, different elements or sections (e.g. 421 , 422, 423, 424, 425) of the conductor network 420 can have different radiation characteristics, so that damage to the element can be detected by means of appropriately selected test points on sections of the field which are attributable to a particular element of the lightning conductor.

[0126] As shown in Fig. 5, electrical excitation can be achieved, for example, by means of a signal injection at a root of the rotor blade 410. The signal can be selected such that a sufficiently strong standing wave can be generated in the conductor to robustly detect the ambient field 440.

[0127] TOP2404-D-2024313243. DOCX Fig. 5 shows in particular an example where the determination of the test points according to the invention is also advantageous for conductor networks without parallel structures. If a conductor structure is designed, for example, as in the section of the wing on which the receptors 424 are arranged, damage to a receptor (e.g., a tear in the receptor) can lead to a change in the surrounding field, even though a single, conductive path, e.g., 421, is undamaged.

[0128] Fig. 6 shows schematic views of a wind turbine blade with a lightning conductor under electrical excitation, including the associated ambient field, as well as corresponding plots according to exemplary embodiments. The figure shows a wind turbine with wind turbine blades 410 and a lightning conductor 420. In the upper views, a current (e.g., a corresponding excitation signal) is drawn and plotted along the rotor blade (see the plot on the right showing the surface current in amperes per meter versus the distance from the root of the rotor blade in meters), both with and without SMT, from the root of the rotor blade to the tip of the rotor blade. The views in the lower half of Fig. 6 show the associated electric fields in volts per meter.

[0129] As can be seen, the ambient fields can be formed particularly in the form of standing waves, so that the test points can be selected depending on the signal to be used for the electrical excitation of the transmission network. This means, for example, that test points can be located in areas of high field strength to reliably measure a corresponding signal. In the left-hand figures, low values ​​are marked in blue and high values ​​in red.

[0130] In summary, according to exemplary embodiments, specific test points on the wing structures can be identified using simulation to maximize inspection efficiency and detect damage at an early stage. Such a method according to the invention aims, for example, to offer technical advantages in damage assessment and flight trajectory determination through the use of simulations and drone technology. Exemplary embodiments include a system and a method for creating and using a reference data set ("fingerprint," for example, a scan reference or a reference result) of wind turbine blades, which is created by an installation / commissioning inspection before or during assembly, i.e., a scan reference or a reference result. This reference enables the precise detection and evaluation of changes such as damage.

[0131] TOP2404-D-2024313243. The DOCX method can further integrate a comprehensive database structure for storing detailed information about wing and lightning protection systems, e.g., using drone technology for inspections and simulating optimal flight paths to increase inspection efficiency and generate precise maintenance suggestions.

[0132] Figures 8a)-d) show schematic representations of Figure 6 in enlarged form. Figures 8a)-d) clearly illustrate the sometimes complex field patterns, which can be significantly altered, for example, due to damage. Exemplary implementations enable trajectory planning based on possible field patterns (e.g., depending on expected (e.g., simulated) or known (e.g., actually measured) faults and the associated fields), so that different states (e.g., undamaged, damaged, damaged according to fault 1, damaged according to fault 2, etc.) can be detected with a high degree of certainty by means of an inspection along a correspondingly planned trajectory.

[0133] Regarding a possible implementation of a method according to the invention using a set of databases, reference is made to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 shows a schematic block diagram of an inspection method according to exemplary embodiments. Fig. 7 shows, for example, in particular a high-level flowchart of a method according to the invention with a wing database.

[0134] The components of an associated system according to the invention, or in particular a device according to the invention, such as device 200, are, for example:

[0135] 1. WTG database (WTG DB, optional): Stores, for example, wind turbine generator, WTG data.

[0136] 2. Blade database (e.g. (rotor) “blade DB” (DB: database), e.g. “Blade DB”, optional): Contains, for example, detailed blade information such as manufacturer, type, material, length, additional components, production ID and / or color.

[0137] 3. Tower database (“Tower DB, e.g. “Tower DB”, optional): Stores, for example, tower-specific data.

[0138] 4. LPS database (Lightning Protection System, LPS, database, “LPS DB”, optional): Managing lightning protection system data, e.g. including (e.g. complex) configurations and material specifications.

[0139] 5. Reference database (optional): Stores, for example, the reference inspections of the wings created by installation / commissioning inspection (i.e., the scanning reference).

[0140] 6. Analysis module (cloud, on-edge, optional): Compares, for example, current inspection data (e.g., a scan result) with reference data, e.g., comprehensive reference images, and creates

[0141] TOP2404-D-2024313243. DOCX reports on detected changes (e.g., comprehensive error origins) and / or maintenance suggestions.

[0142] 7. 3D model and simulation system (optional): Generates 3D models in a cloud environment (e.g. AWS) and optionally performs full-wave simulations (e.g., taking all Maxwell equations into account) of the electromagnetic field.

[0143] An example procedure, in the sense of a solution according to exemplary implementations, is explained with reference to Fig. 7:

[0144] 1. Creation of a 3D model, 750: A three-dimensional model of the LPS is created together with the rotor blade. This model forms the basis for further analysis and simulation. For this purpose, data from a WTG database 710, blade database 720, tower database 730 and LPS database 740 can be used, for example, to generate a 3D model of the object and the duct network, see 750.

[0145] 2. Simulation of the system, 760: The 3D model is subjected to a complete electromagnetic wave simulation (e.g., all Maxwell equations are taken into account), which replicates in detail the electromagnetic fields inside and outside the system (e.g., the object) in the area of ​​the immediate vicinity of the rotor blade.

[0146] 3. Identification and simulation of typical faults, 760: Characteristics of the electromagnetic field as well as typical and possible faults are identified and simulated. This enables a deep understanding of the system dynamics and possible fault scenarios, and the evaluation of false negatives.

[0147] 4. Artificial Intelligence for Evaluation, 760, 770: An artificial intelligence (AI) is optionally used to evaluate the simulation results. Based on the simulation results, the AI ​​supports, for example, route planning and optimization to enable a complete characterization of the system through an inspection (sequence of the respective identified unique measurement points (e.g., test points) / measurement routes (e.g., test trajectories)) using an automated vehicle. This allows, for example, the calculation of a trajectory that is optimal with respect to a specific criterion.

[0148] 5. Fingerprint Creation and Database: Optionally, a fingerprint is created for each new wind turbine, blade type, or LPS type. This fingerprint encompasses the steps of 3D model creation, simulation, and inspection, and serves as a reference. The results are stored, for example, in a database (such as the reference database mentioned above), along with typical and / or potential defects, optionally including geometric points and defect patterns, as well as optionally recommended measurement points / routes.

[0149] TOP2404-D-2024313243. DOCX 6. Comparative Inspections 790: Subsequent inspections of the wind turbines (in the field, i.e., actual measurements on the turbine) are carried out by comparison with the reference data stored in the database. This enables efficient and accurate verification of the system. For example, the expected sampling results and / or simulated reference results can be displayed before such an inspection, 780, to facilitate a subsequent comparison, e.g., for personnel on site.

[0150] 7. Iterative Failure Analysis 800: If the inspection result does not match the reference data, an iterative simulation of further faults can be performed to narrow down and more precisely identify the fault (reverse engineering). This allows for a detailed description and location in report 810, including recommendations for evaluation and subsequent repair and / or maintenance. Furthermore, if a condition is detected that corresponds to the scan result, step 800 can also simply output the corresponding defect or information indicating that no defect is present in report 810. Providing maintenance recommendations is also optional.

[0151] Regarding the object "wind turbine" and in particular the wind turbine tower, information about the associated materials can be provided, for example, in the form of information (e.g., for the tower database) that the tower is a hybrid steel tower. Such information can be used, for example, to take shielding effects for the embedded cable structure into account.

[0152] It should be noted again at this point that simulations and AI can be used in particular to solve the problem according to the invention: The system can include the generation of a 3D model of the LPS and the wind turbine blades, the execution of full-wave simulations for the analysis of electromagnetic fields, and the use of AI for the evaluation and optimization of the inspection routes. This allows typical and potential defects to be identified and simulated in order to maximize inspection efficiency.

[0153] In methods according to the exemplary embodiments, simulations of the surrounding field, e.g., the electric or electromagnetic surrounding field, of the electrically excited transmission network embedded in the object can be carried out based on a model of the object with the embedded transmission network.

[0154] Optionally, a method according to exemplary embodiments may include generating the model, e.g., using CAD model data, e.g., using databases, as shown in Fig. 7 (750).

[0155] TOP2404-D-2024313243. DOCX Regarding fingerprints and databases, it should be noted that creating a "fingerprint" for new wind turbines and storing this reference data in a comprehensive database can significantly improve the accuracy of subsequent inspections by comparing them with this reference data. In case of deviations, iterative simulations can be performed to precisely identify the fault.

[0156] It should be noted again that the wiring network can be embedded within the object or, for example, located on an exterior surface of the object. In particular, the wiring network can be partially embedded and partially exposed. Thus, the wiring network can, for example, include at least some external conductors, i.e., free or exposed conductors.

[0157] In addition to the case of exposed wiring networks, exemplary embodiments also include methods with the following steps: (a) simulation or scanning of an ambient field (140, 440) of an electrically excited wiring network (120, 420) embedded in an object (110, 410) in an undamaged state to obtain a reference result, (b) simulation or scanning of an ambient field (140a, b, 440) of the electrically excited wiring network (120a, b, 420) embedded in the object (110, 410) in at least one damaged state to obtain at least one fault result, and (c) determining, based on the reference result and the at least one fault result, one or more test points (150a, b) outside the object,based on which, by means of a non-contact measurement of an ambient field of the electrically excited transmission network, the undamaged state of the transmission network can be distinguished from the at least one damaged state of the transmission network.

[0158] All the materials, environmental influences, electrical properties and optical properties listed herein are to be regarded as examples and not as exhaustive.

[0159] Although some aspects have been described in connection with a device, it is understood that these aspects also constitute a description of the corresponding process, so that a block or component of a device is also to be understood as a corresponding process step or as a feature of a process step. Similarly, aspects described in connection with or as a process step also constitute a description of a corresponding block, detail, or feature of a corresponding device. Some or all of the

[0160] TOP2404-D-2024313243. DOCX process steps can be performed by (or using) a hardware apparatus, such as a microprocessor, a programmable computer, or an electronic circuit. In some embodiments, some or more of the main process steps can be performed by such an apparatus.

[0161] Depending on specific implementation requirements, embodiments of the invention can be implemented in hardware or in software. The implementation can be carried out using a digital storage medium, for example, a floppy disk, DVD, Blu-ray disc, CD, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, FLASH memory, hard disk, or other magnetic or optical storage medium, on which electronically readable control signals are stored. These control signals can interact with a programmable computer system in such a way that the respective method is carried out. Therefore, the digital storage medium can be computer-readable.

[0162] Some embodiments according to the invention therefore include a data carrier which has electronically readable control signals which are able to interact with a programmable computer system in such a way that one of the methods described herein is carried out.

[0163] In general, embodiments of the present invention can be implemented as a computer program product with a program code, wherein the program code is effective in carrying out one of the methods when the computer program product runs on a computer.

[0164] The program code can also be stored on a machine-readable medium, for example.

[0165] Other embodiments include the computer program for carrying out one of the methods described herein, wherein the computer program is stored on a machine-readable medium.

[0166] In other words, an embodiment of the method according to the invention is thus a computer program that includes program code for carrying out one of the methods described herein when the computer program runs on a computer.

[0167] TOP2404-D-2024313243. DOCX Another embodiment of the methods according to the invention is thus a data carrier (or a digital storage medium or a computer-readable medium) on which the computer program for carrying out one of the methods described herein is recorded. The data carrier, the digital storage medium, or the computer-readable medium is typically tangible and / or non-perishable or non-temporary.

[0168] Another embodiment of the method according to the invention is thus a data stream or a sequence of signals that represents the computer program for carrying out one of the methods described herein. The data stream or sequence of signals can, for example, be configured to be transferred via a data communication connection, such as the Internet.

[0169] Another embodiment comprises a processing device, for example a computer or a programmable logic device, configured or adapted to perform one of the methods described herein.

[0170] Another embodiment comprises a computer on which the computer program for performing one of the procedures described herein is installed.

[0171] Another embodiment of the invention comprises a device or system designed to transmit a computer program for carrying out at least one of the methods described herein to a receiver. The transmission can be, for example, electronic or optical. The receiver can be, for example, a computer, a mobile device, a storage device, or a similar device. The device or system can, for example, include a file server for transmitting the computer program to the receiver.

[0172] In some embodiments, a programmable logic device (for example, a field-programmable gate array, an FPGA) can be used to perform some or all of the functionalities of the methods described herein. In some embodiments, a field-programmable gate array can interact with a microprocessor to perform one of the methods described herein. Generally, in some embodiments, the methods are performed by any hardware device. This can be a general-purpose device.

[0173] TOP2404-D-2024313243. DOCX hardware can be a computer processor (CPU) or hardware specific to the procedure, such as an ASIC.

[0174] The devices described herein can be implemented, for example, using a hardware apparatus, or using a computer, or using a combination of a hardware apparatus and a computer.

[0175] The devices described herein, or any components of the devices described herein, may be implemented at least partially in hardware and / or in software (computer program).

[0176] The methods described herein can be implemented, for example, using a hardware apparatus, or using a computer, or using a combination of a hardware apparatus and a computer.

[0177] The methods described herein, or any components thereof, may be executed at least partially by hardware and / or by software.

[0178] The embodiments described above merely illustrate the principles of the present invention. It is understood that modifications and variations of the arrangements and details described herein will be obvious to other people skilled in the art. Therefore, it is intended that the invention be limited only by the scope of protection set forth in the following claims and not by the specific details presented herein by way of description and explanation of the embodiments.

[0179] TOP2404-D-2024313243. DOCX

Claims

Patent claims 1. The procedure comprises the following steps: (a) Simulation or sampling of an ambient field (140, 440) of an electrically excited conductor network (120, 420) of an object (110, 410) in an undamaged state to obtain a reference result, (b) Simulation or sampling of an ambient field (140a, b, 440) of the electrically excited conductor network (120a, b, 420) of the object (110, 410) in at least one damaged state in order to obtain at least one fault result, and (c) Determine, based on the reference result and the at least one fault result, one or more test points (150a,b) outside the object, by means of which the undamaged state of the wiring network can be distinguished from the at least one damaged state of the wiring network by means of a non-contact measurement of an ambient field of the electrically excited wiring network.

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the electrically excited conductor network (120, 420) is embedded in the object.

3. Method according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the transmission network (120, 120a,b, 420) has parallel transmission paths.

4. Method according to claim 3, wherein the at least one damaged state of the transmission network is a state in which one of the transmission paths is interrupted and at least one parallel transmission path is still functional.

5. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, TOP2404-D-2024313243. DOCX wherein steps (a) and (b) involve simulations or sampling of the ambient fields (140, 140a, b, 440) at different distances from the electrically excited transmission network (120, 120a,b, 420) in order to obtain the reference result and / or at least one error result.

6. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein step (b) comprises simulations or sampling of ambient fields (140a, b, 440) of the electrically excited conductor network in a plurality of different damaged states to obtain a plurality of fault results, and wherein in step (c) the one or more test points (150a, b) are determined based on the reference result and the plurality of fault results such that, by means of the one or more test points, the undamaged state of the conductor network can be distinguished from the plurality of different damaged states of the conductor network by means of a non-contact measurement of an ambient field (140, 140a-c) of the electrically excited conductor network (120, 120a-c).

7. Method according to claim 6, wherein the one or more test points (150a, b) in step (c) are determined such that at least two different damaged states of the conductor network (120b, c) can be distinguished from each other by means of non-contact measurements of an ambient field (120a-c) of the electrically excited conductor network (120a-c) of the object (110, 410) at the one or more test points (150a,b).

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in step (c) several test points (150a, b) are determined which serve as waypoints of a trajectory (160) for scanning an ambient field of the electrically excited conducting network (120, 120a-c) of the object (110, 410) by means of a scanning device (470).

9. Method according to claim 8, TOP2404-D-2024313243. DOCX wherein the multiple test points (150a,b) are determined based on an optimization of the trajectory (160) with respect to a distance to be traveled along the trajectory, an energy requirement of the scanning device (470) for scanning along the trajectory, and / or a time period of scanning along the trajectory.

10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in step (c) the one or more test sites (150a, b) are determined by means of a neural network.

11. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in steps (a) and (b) the reference result and the error result are obtained by means of simulations of the surrounding fields (140, 140a,b), and wherein the simulations comprise an evaluation of a discrete three-dimensional full-wave simulation.

12. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein step (c) further comprises a fault analysis of potential test points with regard to a false-negative or false-positive detection of damage to the line network (120a,b), and wherein in step (c) the one or more test points (150a,b) are determined based on the fault analysis.

13. Method according to claim 12, wherein the one or more test points (150a, b) are determined based on the fault analysis in order to distinguish the undamaged state of the line network (120) from the at least one damaged state of the TOP2404-D-2024313243. DOCX to set an upper or lower limit for a false negative rate and / or a false positive rate by means of a non-contact measurement of an ambient field of the electrically excited wiring network (120, 120a-c) using one or more test points.

14. A method according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising: Obtaining a sampling result from a sampling of an ambient field (140c) of the electrically excited conduction network (120c) of the object (110, 410) using one or more test points (150a,b); Comparing the sample result with the reference result, or Comparing the sampling result with at least one error result, and Determining information about the state of the pipeline network based on comparison.

15. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: Obtaining a sampling result of a sampling of an ambient field of the electrically excited conducting network (120c) of the object (110, 410) using one or more test points (150a,b); Comparing the sampling result with a sampling reference, wherein the sampling reference is a result of a sampling of an ambient field (140) of the electrically excited conduction network (120) of the object (110, 410) in an undamaged state, using the specified test points (150a, b); and Determining information about the state of the pipeline network (120c) based on comparison.

16. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: TOP2404-D-2024313243. DOCX Obtaining a sampling result from a sampling of an ambient field of the electrically excited conductor network (120c) of the object (110, 410) using one or more test points (150a,b), Iterative fitting of a model of the electrically excited transmission network (120c) to iteratively approximate one or more simulations of an environment field of the fitted model of the electrically excited transmission network to the sampling result, and Determining information about the state of the pipeline network (120c) based on the adapted model.

17. A method according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising: Generating an ambient field (140, 140a-c) of the conductor network (120) of the object (110, 410) by means of an electrical excitation, Scanning the ambient field (140, 140a-c) using one or more test points (150a, b) to obtain a scanning result, Saving the sample result as a sample reference, or Determining information about the state of the transmission network (120a-c) based on the sampling result.

18. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: Generating an ambient field (140c) of the conductor network (120c) of the object (110, 410) by means of an electrical excitation; Scanning the surrounding field using one or more test points (150a, b) to obtain a scanning result; Detecting a deviation of the sampling result from the reference result, the error result, and / or from a sampling reference, wherein the sampling reference is a result of a sampling of an ambient field (140) of the electrically excited conduction network (120) of the object in an undamaged state; TOP2404-D-2024313243. DOCX Characterization of the surrounding field (140c), associated with the divergent sampling result, by means of a survey of the surrounding field in order to obtain a survey result; and Determining information about the condition of the pipeline network (120c) based on the survey result, or Saving the survey result as an error result.

19. Method according to any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein the information about the state of the line network (120, 120a-c) comprises at least one of the following: information regarding a type of damage (150a,b) to the line network, information regarding an area of ​​damage (150a, b) to the line network, information regarding a severity of damage (150a, b) to the line network, and / or information regarding a change in the state of the line network.

20. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the object (110, 410) is a wind turbine or part of a wind turbine and wherein the embedded conductor network is designed as a lightning rod.

21. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in step (c) several test points (150a, b) are determined which serve as waypoints for a trajectory (160) for a non-contact measurement of an ambient field of the electrically excited line network by means of a land, water or air vehicle.

22. Computer program comprising program code for carrying out the method according to one of the preceding claims, when the program runs on a computer. TOP2404-D-2024313243. DOCX 23. Device (200) comprising an interface (210) configured to obtain a reference result (201) based on a simulation or sampling of an ambient field (140) of an electrically excited conductor network (120) of an object (110, 410) in an undamaged state, and at least one fault result (202) based on a simulation or sampling of an ambient field (140a-c) of the electrically excited conductor network (120a-c) of the object in at least one damaged state, and a processing unit (220) configured to determine one or more test points (150a,b) outside the object based on the reference result and the at least one fault result.based on which, by means of a non-contact measurement of an ambient field of the electrically excited transmission network, the undamaged state of the transmission network can be distinguished from the at least one damaged state of the transmission network. TOP2404-D-2024313243. DOCX

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