Hub-Mounted LIDAR Sensor Assembly With Passive High-Speed Scanning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbine sensor assemblies are costly and less accurate due to the need for active scanning systems and multiple beam laser devices, which increase assembly and operation costs while reducing reliability.
Innovation Solution
A sensor assembly mounted to the hub of a wind turbine, featuring a non-motorized mechanism that rotates an optical element at a higher speed than the hub, allowing for increased scanning capabilities without active scanning systems or multiple beam laser devices, using a single or dual laser beam configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If active scanning systems and multiple beam laser devices are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the scanning function into two parts: the hub provides the primary rotation at first speed, while the optical element provides secondary rotation at second speed. This segmentation allows each component to contribute to the scanning capability without requiring complex active scanning systems or multiple laser beams, thereby maintaining measurement precision while reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the rotation of the hub with the rotation of the optical element to achieve the scanning function. By merging these two rotational motions, the system achieves effective wind characteristic detection without needing separate active scanning systems or multiple beam laser devices, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision
2Measurement precision
If active scanning systems and multiple beam laser devices are used, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing and operation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the scanning function between the hub rotation and optical element rotation, allowing the use of simpler, less expensive components. This segmentation eliminates the need for costly active scanning systems and multiple beam laser devices while maintaining measurement precision, thereby improving ease of manufacture and reducing operation costs
Solution Approach 2:
The hub's rotation automatically contributes to the scanning function, eliminating the need for separate active scanning systems. The optical element's rotation further enhances scanning capability without requiring multiple laser beams. This self-service approach reduces manufacturing and operation costs while maintaining measurement precision
3Speed
If active scanning systems are used, then scanning speed is improved, but reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the scanning function into two rotational components: the hub rotation at first speed and the optical element rotation at second speed. This segmentation achieves the required scanning speed without relying on complex active scanning systems, thereby improving reliability by reducing the number of moving parts and potential failure points
Solution Approach 2:
The hub's rotation automatically provides scanning motion, eliminating the need for separate active scanning systems that reduce reliability. The optical element's additional rotation enhances scanning capability without introducing complex motorized components, thus maintaining high reliability while achieving adequate scanning speed
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 solution provides increased accuracy and reduced costs for wind turbine assembly and operation by enabling effective detection of wind characteristics, optimizing power performance and controlling mechanical loads without motorized components, thus enhancing reliability and reducing downtime.
Implementation Method 1
a laser device configured to emit a laser beam... receiving, using the sensor assembly, the laser beam after the laser beam interacts with an object and determining, using the sensor assembly, at least one characteristic of wind
Implementation Method 2
at least one optical element configured to direct the laser beam... a non-motorized mechanism configured to rotate the at least one optical element at a second rotation speed
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A wind turbine 100 includes a hub 110 configured to rotate about an axis 116 at a first rotation speed and at least one blade 112 coupled to the hub. The wind turbine also includes a sensor assembly 128 configured to detect at least one characteristic of wind 114 flowing through the wind turbine. The sensor assembly is mounted to the hub. The sensor assembly includes a laser device 134 configured to emit a laser beam 136 and at least one optical element 138 configured to direct the laser beam. The sensor assembly also includes a non-motorized mechanism 140 configured to rotate the at least one optical element at a second rotation speed when the hub rotates at the first rotation speed. The second rotation speed is greater than the first rotation speed.