Electric Arc Detection in Wind Turbine Rotor Blades

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Wind turbine rotor blades are susceptible to damage from lightning strikes, particularly when the strike occurs on non-conductive surfaces, leading to punctures and the formation of electric arcs that can cause further damage and increase the risk of subsequent strikes.

Innovation Solution

An electric arc detection system comprising radio frequency antennas located inside the rotor blades to receive electromagnetic radiation generated by electric arcs within the internal cavity, coupled with a processing subsystem to determine the existence and nature of these arcs, allowing for timely intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If metal lightning receptors are installed on rotor blades to protect from lightning strikes, then protection capability is improved, but the system fails to detect electric arcs formed inside non-conductive blade surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelightning protection capabilityVSAvoidelectric arc detection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces electromagnetic field sensors as intermediary devices that detect the electromagnetic fields generated by electric arcs inside the rotor blade. These sensors act as mediators between the hidden electric arc phenomenon and the external monitoring system, enabling detection without direct contact with the arc itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct mechanical or electrical contact-based detection methods with electromagnetic field-based sensing. Instead of trying to physically access or electrically connect to the electric arc inside the non-conductive blade, the system uses electromagnetic field sensors to detect the arc's presence through the blade material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Strength

If non-conductive composite materials are used for rotor blade surfaces, then aerodynamic performance and durability are improved, but lightning strikes can puncture the surface and create paths for electric arcs inside the blade

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblade durability and aerodynamic performanceVSAvoidsusceptibility to lightning strike damage

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of lightning strikes and electric arcs into a detectable signal. By sensing the electromagnetic fields generated by electric arcs, the system transforms the harmful phenomenon into useful information that enables early warning and protective actions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where electromagnetic field sensors continuously monitor for electric arcs, and when detected, the system can trigger warnings or protective measures. This closed-loop feedback enables real-time monitoring and response to lightning-related threats.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Temperature

If electric arcs form inside the rotor blade internal cavity, then temperature increases causing damage, but the non-conductive material prevents external detection of these arcs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinternal temperature controlVSAvoidelectric arc detectability

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses electromagnetic field sensing instead of physical or thermal contact methods to detect electric arcs. This substitution allows detection through the non-conductive blade material without requiring direct contact with the high-temperature arc environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent detects electric arcs by monitoring changes in electromagnetic field parameters rather than directly measuring temperature. This parameter change approach allows indirect detection of the arc's presence and characteristics without being exposed to the extreme thermal conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system effectively detects electric arcs and lightning strikes within non-conductive rotor blades, reducing damage and extending the lifespan of the blades by providing early warning and potential protective measures.

Implementation Method 1

a receiving antenna that receives electromagnetic radiation generated by an electric arc formed in an internal cavity of a non-conductive hollow structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The ionization of the air may result in formation of electric arcs or partial discharges in the form of streamers inside the internal cavity between a surface of the rotor blade and the down-conductor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIonization: Ionisation

Data Source

PatentUS9882368B2Systems and methods to detect an electric arc and a lightning strike

Publication Date: 2018.01.30 GE INFRASTRUCTURE TECH LLC

AI summary

An electric arc detection system is presented. The electric arc detection system comprises a receiving antenna that receives electromagnetic radiation generated by an electric arc formed in an internal cavity of a non-conductive hollow structure, and a processing subsystem for determining an existence of the electric arc in the internal cavity based upon signals representative of the electromagnetic radiation.