Mobile X-Ray Inspection of Wind Turbine Blades In Service
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large structures like wind turbine blades are difficult to inspect for defects due to their size and operational constraints, with existing technologies only capable of pre-installation defect detection, not post-installation inspection.
Innovation Solution
A defect inspection system utilizing an X-ray generator and detector, moved by transporting means such as drones or rails, with a control unit to control the inspection process, including virtual division of the structure and adjustment of X-ray output based on section thickness, and a method to determine defect depth using multiple X-ray images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual inspection methods are used for large structures like wind turbine blades, then inspection simplicity is maintained, but inspection effectiveness deteriorates due to inability to access high-speed rotating blades during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection with an automated X-ray imaging system. The system uses X-ray generators and detectors mounted on transporting means (drones, rails, or jib cranes) to automatically capture images of the blade during rotation or at stationary positions, eliminating the need for manual access to high-speed rotating components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces X-ray radiation as an intermediary to detect defects indirectly. Instead of direct visual or tactile inspection, the system uses X-rays to penetrate the blade material and capture internal defect information through radiographic imaging, enabling detection without physical contact with rotating parts.
2Measurement precision
If X-ray output is increased to inspect thick sections of the structure, then detection precision improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adjusting X-ray output based on the local thickness of different blade sections. The control unit receives thickness information for each inspection position and dynamically adjusts the X-ray generator output accordingly, applying higher energy only where needed for thick sections and lower energy for thinner sections, optimizing both detection precision and energy efficiency.
3Measurement precision
If multiple X-ray images are captured to determine defect depth, then measurement precision improves, but inspection time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuous useful action by capturing multiple X-ray images during the blade's continuous rotation or during sequential positioning. The transporting means continuously moves the X-ray system to different angles or positions, capturing images in a continuous workflow rather than requiring separate inspection cycles, thereby reducing total inspection time while obtaining multiple depth-information images.
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
Enables effective detection of defects in large structures like wind turbine blades during post-installation operations, allowing for controlled X-ray output and accurate depth determination of defects.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray generator that generates X-ray to be irradiated to a structure
Implementation Method 2
an X-ray detector that detects the X-ray generated by the X-ray generator and transmitted through the structure
Data Source
AI summary
A defect inspection system includes an X-ray generator that generates X-ray to be irradiated to a structure, and an X-ray detector that detects the X-ray generated by the X-ray generator and transmitted through the structure. In particular, the X-ray generator is configured to be moved by a first transporting means, and the X-ray detector is configured to be moved by a second transporting means. The system further includes a control unit configured to control and operate the first transporting means and the second transporting means.