Non-Contact Structural Defect Localization Using Modal Shape Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current inspection methods for offshore wind turbines, such as offline manual inspections and human-based vibration monitoring, are costly, constrained by weather and regulatory factors, and lack precision, necessitating a more efficient and reliable remote diagnostic system for structural degradation.
Innovation Solution
A remote diagnostic system utilizing an acoustic and/or optical sensor to capture shape data non-contactly, coupled with a computing device for modal shape calculation and defect location determination, enabling real-time detection of structural defects without physical contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If offline manual inspections are used, then inspection can be performed, but maintenance costs are high and efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection methods with automated acoustic and optical sensing systems. The acoustic sensors capture vibration signals while optical sensors capture shape data, eliminating the need for manual physical inspection and significantly improving inspection efficiency while reducing maintenance time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-diagnosis of structural components through automated sensing and analysis. The computing device automatically processes sensor data to identify defects and determine their locations, allowing the system to monitor itself without continuous human intervention.
2Measurement precision
If human hearing is used for vibration monitoring, then structural damage can be assessed, but precision is limited and it is constrained by weather and regulations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces human auditory assessment with electronic acoustic sensors and optical sensors that capture vibration and shape data. This substitution provides objective, quantifiable measurements with higher precision and eliminates constraints related to human hearing limitations and environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces acoustic sensors and optical sensors as intermediaries between the structural components and the analysis system. These sensors serve as mediators that convert physical vibrations and shapes into electrical signals that can be processed by the computing device, enabling precise measurement independent of human sensory limitations.
3Reliability
If accelerometers are installed on turbine components for point monitoring, then vibration can be monitored, but the system is complex and requires physical contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces contact-based accelerometer systems with non-contact acoustic and optical sensing. The acoustic sensors capture vibration signals through air transmission while optical sensors capture shape changes remotely, eliminating the need for physical attachment and reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses multi-functional sensing where acoustic sensors capture both vibration characteristics and optical sensors capture shape information. This multi-functionality allows comprehensive monitoring without requiring separate specialized devices for each measurement type, reducing overall system complexity.
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 long-distance, real-time detection and localization of structural defects in wind turbine components, reducing maintenance costs and environmental interference, and improving diagnostic accuracy through beamforming and AI algorithms.
Implementation Method 1
a shape detection module... includes at least one of an acoustic sensor and an optical sensor
Implementation Method 2
a shape detection module... includes at least one of an acoustic sensor and an optical sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A remote diagnostic system for degradation of structural component includes a shape detection module and a computing device. The shape detection module obtains at least one shape data of the structural component remotely in a non-contact manner. The shape detection module includes at least one of an acoustic sensor and an optical sensor. The computing device is communicably connected to the shape detection module. The computing device calculates at least one modal shape of the structural component based on the at least one shape data and determines a defect location of the structural component based on the at least one modal shape.