Wind Turbine Blade Torsion Measurement via Dual Camera System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbine blade measurement systems face challenges in accurately measuring torsion, particularly in the tip region, and are difficult to calibrate due to limitations in spanwise coverage and internal measurement methods.
Innovation Solution
A wind turbine blade measurement system utilizing a first camera mounted on the blade and an auxiliary camera positioned externally to measure markers and support structures, allowing for accurate calibration by comparing zero-load twist angles and operational measurements, enabling precise calculation of torsion angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If internal measurement systems are used to estimate torsion, then the system can be implemented within the blade structure, but the spanwise coverage of the tip region is limited and calibration becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an auxiliary camera as an intermediary device positioned outside the blade to capture images of markers along the entire span of the blade. This external camera system serves as a mediator that enables accurate torsion measurement without requiring complex internal sensors throughout the blade structure, thereby improving measurement precision while simplifying calibration procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a first camera mounted on the blade to capture images of markers, creating optical copies of the blade's structural features. By comparing these optical copies with reference images taken by the auxiliary camera, the system can determine torsion angles without physical contact or complex internal instrumentation, thus improving measurement accuracy while reducing calibration complexity.
2Area of stationary object
If a first camera is mounted on the blade to measure torsion, then spanwise coverage is improved, but the system requires external auxiliary equipment for accurate calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement system into two functional segments: a first camera mounted on the blade for capturing operational images of markers, and an auxiliary camera positioned externally for capturing reference images. This segmentation allows each camera to perform its specific function optimally, improving overall measurement coverage while maintaining manageable system configuration through clear functional separation.
3Measurement precision
If zero-load condition measurements are taken for calibration, then accurate baseline twist angles can be established, but the system requires specific operational conditions to be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs calibration measurements under zero-load conditions as a preliminary action before normal operational measurements. By capturing reference images of marker positions when the blade is not subjected to aerodynamic loads, the system establishes accurate baseline twist angles that serve as a reference for subsequent operational measurements, thereby improving calibration accuracy while providing a systematic approach to the calibration procedure.
Data Source
AI summary
A wind turbine blade measurement system for optically determining a torsion of a wind turbine blade is disclosed. The wind turbine blade measurement system comprises: a wind turbine blade, which is configured to be mounted to a hub of a wind turbine, a first camera, and an auxiliary camera. The first camera is mounted in a fixed position on a support structure on an exterior surface of the root section of the wind turbine blade and arranged so as to measure along the spanwise direction of the wind turbine blade. The auxiliary camera is arranged at a position outside of the wind turbine blade, the auxiliary camera being arranged so as to being able to carry out measurements of a plurality of sets of markers arranged on the surface of the wind turbine blade and an orientation of at least one of the support structure and the first camera.