Composite Sensor Rod and Receptacle for Wind Turbine Blades
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbine blade-mounted sensors are fixedly mounted, making them difficult to remove without damage, and are often made of metallic materials that increase weight and induce vibrations, reducing the accuracy of aerodynamic testing data.
Innovation Solution
A sensor assembly with a composite material rod and a receptacle system that allows easy installation and removal from the turbine blade leading edge, minimizing vibration and weight, using a pneumatic-type pressure measurement instrument supported by a carbon-fiber composite rod.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensors are fixedly mounted within the blade airfoil, then sensor stability and measurement reliability are improved, but sensor removal and replacement become difficult without damaging the sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly is divided into separate components: a sensor body, a rod portion, and a receptacle. The receptacle is fixedly mounted in the blade while the sensor assembly can be easily inserted and removed from the receptacle, allowing reliable measurements during operation while enabling easy removal for replacement or testing.
2Strength
If metallic-based materials are used for sensor fabrication, then sensor structural strength is improved, but sensor weight increases and vibration is induced during testing
Solution Approach 1:
The rod portion is fabricated from a composite material that provides sufficient structural strength while significantly reducing weight compared to metallic materials. This composite construction maintains the sensor's ability to withstand aerodynamic loads while minimizing vibration during testing and improving measurement accuracy.
3Strength
If metallic-based materials are used for sensor fabrication, then sensor structural strength is improved, but vibration during testing increases, decreasing measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The composite material used for the rod portion provides high strength-to-weight ratio, reducing the sensor's overall weight and minimizing vibration during aerodynamic testing. This reduces the harmful vibrations that would otherwise interfere with measurement accuracy while maintaining the structural integrity needed to withstand aerodynamic loads.
4Weight of moving object
If composite material rod is used, then sensor weight is reduced and vibration is minimized, but rod strength must be sufficient to withstand aerodynamic loads
Solution Approach 1:
The rod portion is constructed from composite material that provides high strength-to-weight ratio, achieving both weight reduction and sufficient strength to withstand aerodynamic loads. The composite construction allows the rod to be lightweight while maintaining the mechanical properties needed for reliable operation in wind turbine applications.
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor assembly for use with a wind turbine rotor blade is provided. The sensor assembly includes an air data probe including a base shaft, a tip, and a rod portion extending therebetween, wherein the rod portion is fabricated from a composite material. The sensor assembly includes a receptacle configured to couple within the leading edge of the rotor blade for receiving the base shaft therein such that the tip extends a distance from the leading edge when the base shaft is received within the receptacle.