Wind Turbine Blade Ice Detection via Twisting Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting ice or foreign matter on wind turbine blades are not precise due to material heterogeneity, non-uniform thickness, temperature variations, and sensor inaccuracies, leading to reduced aerodynamic performance and potential hazards.
Innovation Solution
Measuring twisting torque about the longitudinal axis of the blade and comparing it to predetermined values based on normal operating conditions, using strain sensors to derive bending moments and calculate confidence values for accurate detection of ice or damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If strain sensors are arranged pairwise around the blade root to monitor bending moments, then ice detection capability is provided, but measurement precision deteriorates due to material heterogeneity, non-uniform thickness, temperature variations, and sensor mounting inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the measured parameter from bending moment to twisting torque about the longitudinal axis. This parameter change is beneficial because twisting torque is much more sensitive to ice accumulation than bending moment, while being less affected by the material heterogeneity, thickness variations, and temperature gradients that plague bending moment measurements. The twisting torque measurement directly reflects the asymmetric aerodynamic loading caused by ice, providing both higher precision and reliability for ice detection.
2Measurement precision
If twisting torque measurement is implemented, then detection sensitivity improves, but device complexity increases due to additional sensor requirements and measurement infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the strain sensor system multi-functional by configuring it to measure both bending moment and twisting torque using the same sensor array. The strain sensors arranged around the blade root can resolve strain components in multiple directions, allowing simultaneous extraction of both bending and torsional loading information. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated twisting torque sensors, thereby reducing overall device complexity while achieving high detection sensitivity.
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
This method provides a more sensitive and accurate detection of ice or damage on wind turbine blades, improving aerodynamic performance and safety by accounting for material variations and sensor reliability.
Implementation Method 1
measuring twisting torque on the blade about its longitudinal axis to provide a detected torque signal
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a method and system of detecting ice or other foreign matter on a wind turbine blade or damage to a wind turbine blade. The method in one aspect comprises: measuring twisting torque on the blade about its longitudinal axis to provide a detected torque signal;comparing a value based on the detected torque signal with a comparison value, the comparison value derived from one or more measured parameters having a predetermined relationship with the twisting torque about the longitudinal axis of the blade when the blade is operating under normal operating conditions; and determining that ice or other foreign matter is on the blade or that the blade is damaged if the value based on the detected torque signal differs from the comparison value by more than a predetermined amount. Wind turbine blades are designed such that any change in the shape of the blade reduces twisting torque on the blades significantly. Torque about the longitudinal axis of the blade can therefore be used as a sensitive indicator of ice on the blade and of damage to the blade.