Wind Turbine Blade Deflection Monitoring Using Radio Absorbing Material
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbine blade deflection monitoring systems are vulnerable to operational factors such as signal reflections, multipath effects, and signal attenuation, which reduce their precision and effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A wind turbine blade system with internally mounted tip communication devices and radio wave absorbing material in the communication path between the tip and root devices, using Ultra Wide Band radio signals and radio wave absorbing materials to suppress multipath components and improve signal quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If wireless monitoring systems are used to monitor blade deflection, then blade deflection monitoring capability is provided, but precision and effectiveness are reduced due to signal reflections, multipath effects, and signal attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
A radio wave absorbing material is introduced as an intermediary component within the blade structure, positioned between the tip communication device and root communication device. This absorber material selectively absorbs reflected and multipath radio waves, preventing them from interfering with the direct communication signal. The intermediary absorbs harmful signal components while allowing the direct line-of-sight signal to pass through, thereby improving measurement precision and signal reliability simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The radio wave absorbing material is strategically positioned in specific locations within the blade structure where signal reflections and multipath effects occur. By placing the absorber material locally at critical reflection points and communication paths, the system addresses signal interference problems at their sources without requiring complete system redesign. This localized approach improves communication reliability precisely where needed while minimizing overall system complexity.
2Ease of operation
If communication devices are mounted on the blade to monitor deflection, then monitoring function is achieved, but signal quality deteriorates due to operational factors
Solution Approach 1:
The radio wave absorbing material serves as a mediator that improves distance measurement precision by eliminating signal interference. By absorbing reflected and multipath signals within the blade structure, the absorber ensures that only direct line-of-sight signals are received, enabling more accurate time-of-flight measurements and thus improving distance measurement precision between tip and root communication devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the electromagnetic parameter characteristics of the blade interior by introducing radio wave absorbing material. This material modifies the signal propagation environment by increasing signal absorption coefficients for reflected and multipath components, thereby improving the quality of received signals and enabling more precise distance measurements despite the presence of communication devices on the blade.
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 provides improved precision in blade deflection detection, reduced susceptibility to operational interference, and enhanced signal fidelity, enabling effective blade deflection monitoring and control to prevent tower strikes.
Implementation Method 1
at least one radio wave absorbing material is arranged internally in the airfoil profile body and in said wireless communication path
Implementation Method 2
A UWB pulse signal is transmitted from the at least one tip communication device and received by the at least one root communication device
Implementation Method 3
The distance between the tip- and root devices may then be determined by comparing the rising edges of a transmitted pulse and a corresponding received first pulse, based on the time-of-flight of the pulse
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A wind turbine blade comprising a system for monitoring the deflection of a wind turbine blade is described. The system comprises a wireless range-measurement system, having at least one wireless communication device located towards the root end of the blade and at least one wireless communication device located towards the tip end of the blade and internally within the blade body. Radio absorbing material is arranged internally in the blade body in the wireless communication path between the root-and tip devices.