Wind Turbine Blade Pressure Deflection Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbine systems face performance reductions due to variations in operating conditions, such as wind direction and angle of attack, which increase fatigue loads and require complex and sensitive pressure detectors that interfere with fluid flow and are prone to external interference.
Innovation Solution
A system with capacitance or resistance-based membrane pressure strips on the blades to measure pressure deflection in real-time, determining the angle of attack using a processing subsystem and transfer functions, allowing for real-time control of blade pitch to optimize performance without the need for complex calibration or fluid flow interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pressure detectors such as pitot static tubes or piezo/strain based pressure sensors are used to measure operating conditions, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and fluid flow interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pressure sensing function from complex traditional pressure detectors and implements it using simple capacitance or resistance-based membrane pressure strips. These strips are thin, flexible membranes with embedded sensors that can be directly applied to the blade surface, eliminating the need for complex ducts, penetrations, and calibration mechanisms while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical pressure detection systems (pitot static tubes, strain gauges) with electrical field-based capacitance or resistance sensors. These electronic sensors detect pressure-induced membrane deformation through electrical property changes, eliminating mechanical complexity and reducing fluid flow interference.
2Measurement precision
If traditional pressure detectors are installed on blades, then pressure measurement is enabled, but fluid flow interference and external parameter sensitivity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses thin, flexible membrane pressure strips that conform to the blade surface. These membranes are sufficiently thin to minimize disruption to the aerodynamic flow while being thick enough to support the embedded capacitance or resistance sensors. The flexible nature allows the sensor to follow the blade's contour without creating significant flow disturbances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive membrane pressure strips that can be easily replaced if needed. These strips are much simpler than traditional pressure detectors, requiring no complex calibration mechanisms or protective housings, thereby reducing both fluid flow interference and sensitivity to external parameters like dust and rain.
3Productivity
If real-time measurement of operating conditions is implemented, then performance optimization is improved, but system complexity and calibration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane pressure strips are self-calibrating and require no external calibration mechanisms. The capacitance or resistance sensors automatically detect pressure changes through membrane deformation, providing real-time measurements without requiring complex calibration procedures. The system is inherently compensated for environmental factors, eliminating the need for external calibration equipment and procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal measurement system where the same membrane pressure strip technology can measure multiple operating conditions (pressure, angle of attack, flow velocity) by strategic placement on the blade surface. This multi-functional approach reduces overall system complexity compared to using separate specialized sensors for each measurement type.
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
Enables real-time measurement and control of the angle of attack, enhancing wind turbine performance by minimizing interference and external sensitivity issues, thus improving aerodynamic efficiency and reducing fatigue loads.
Implementation Method 1
capacitance or resistance-based membrane pressure strips on the blades to measure pressure deflection
Implementation Method 2
capacitance or resistance-based membrane pressure strips on the blades to measure pressure deflection
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
A wind turbine system 100 is presented. The wind turbine 100 includes a blade 104, 106 comprising an airfoil 300 and a sensing device 110, 112, 114, 116, 118 disposed on a surface of the airfoil 300, wherein the sensing device 110, 112, 114, 116, 118 generates signals 122 that are representative of pressure deflection 204 on the surface of the airfoil 300. Furthermore, the wind turbine system 100 further includes a processing subsystem 124 that receives location details 126 of the sensing device 110, 112, 114, 116, 118 and a transfer function corresponding to the airfoil 300, determines a location of a stagnation point 212 on the surface of the airfoil 300 based upon the signals 122 and the location details 126, and determines an angle of attack (AOA) on the surface of the airfoil 300 based upon the location of the stagnation point 212 and the transfer function 130.