Wind Turbine Lightning Conductor Inspection Path Planning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for inspecting wind turbines, particularly the continuity of lightning rods, are inefficient due to reliance on visual control of drones, which makes it difficult to maintain distance, align cameras precisely, and define trigger points for photography, leading to challenges in measuring errors and capturing detailed images of defects.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that determine a path along a wind turbine using absolute and relative coordinates, allowing a movable recording unit to automatically inspect the turbine by converting relative coordinates to absolute, enabling precise positioning and image capture while adapting to the turbine's movement, and performing non-contact continuity tests of lightning rods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual visual control of drone is used, then pilot can control camera, but positioning precision and image capture accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The drone is equipped with GPS receiver and controller that automatically process position data and control flight without manual intervention. The system self-determines its position using absolute coordinates and automatically adjusts flight path to maintain constant distance from wind turbine, eliminating the need for manual visual control while achieving precise positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical control by pilot is replaced with electronic automated control system. The controller receives position data from GPS receiver, processes it through coordinate system conversion, and automatically generates control signals for drone flight and camera operation, substituting human visual-mechanical control with electronic automated systems.
2Ease of operation
If manual visual control is used, then pilot can follow camera, but maintaining constant distance and precise alignment becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously receives position data from GPS receiver, converts absolute coordinates to relative coordinates, and uses this feedback to automatically adjust drone position and camera orientation. The controller monitors the distance from wind turbine and adjusts flight parameters to maintain constant distance, ensuring precise alignment without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The coordinate system conversion process acts as an intermediary between absolute GPS position data and relative position control. The controller converts absolute coordinates to relative coordinates, which then guide the camera orientation and drone positioning, mediating between raw position data and precise alignment control.
3Device complexity
If manual control without automated positioning is used, then operation is simple, but defining exact trigger points and measuring defects becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-determines trigger points for image capture based on processed position data before the drone reaches them. The controller calculates where defects should be captured based on absolute coordinates and relative position, preparing capture commands in advance, which enables precise defect measurement without complex real-time manual control.
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 approach enables automated, cost-efficient, and precise inspection of wind turbines by ensuring accurate positioning and image capture, reducing the number of images required and compensating for imaging errors, thus improving defect detection and measurement accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
the movable recording unit is configured to detect a field strength of a field radiated by a conductor in the object to be inspected
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for determining a path along an object is shown. The method comprises a "Determine a reference point on the object in absolute coordinates" step, an "Ascertain a set of points on the object in absolute coordinates based on further points on the object in a relative coordinate system, the conversion of the further points on the object into the absolute coordinate system being effected based on the reference point on the object" step and a "Determine the path along the object based on the set of points on the object, so that the path runs at a distance from the object" step.