Optical Rotor Blade Inspection via Ground-Based Camera
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing wind turbine rotor blades are time-consuming, costly, and pose risks to service personnel due to the need for physical inspections at heights, and existing solutions do not offer a cost-effective alternative that minimizes these risks.
Innovation Solution
A method using a high-resolution digital camera with telescopic optics for optical examination of rotor blades from the ground, allowing for photo documentation and evaluation of damage, such as crack formation, without the need for physical access to the blades, aided by a projection device for precise alignment and automated data processing for efficient documentation and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If physical inspection methods using aerial work platforms or rope access systems are used, then inspection accuracy can be maintained, but inspection costs increase and occupational risks arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy (photograph) of the rotor blade surface for inspection purposes. Instead of physically accessing the blade with inspectors on platforms or ropes, a camera captures images that serve as replicas for detailed examination. This copying approach maintains inspection accuracy while eliminating the need for complex access equipment and reducing occupational risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical inspection system (aerial work platforms, rope access systems) with an optical system (camera). The mechanical systems that physically position inspectors near the rotor blade are substituted by a camera-based optical inspection method, thereby eliminating the complexity and risks associated with mechanical access equipment while preserving inspection capability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If remote inspection methods using cameras are used, then occupational risks are reduced, but inspection precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The camera creates a detailed visual copy of the rotor blade surface, allowing inspectors to examine the ground-based images with the same precision as if they were physically present. The digital photograph serves as a faithful reproduction that preserves all necessary inspection details while eliminating occupational hazards associated with working at height.
3Measurement precision
If detailed geometric measurement and test probe methods are used, then damage detection accuracy is improved, but inspection time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera rapidly captures a complete visual copy of the rotor blade surface, replacing time-consuming manual test probe measurements. The photograph provides immediate documentation of the entire inspected area, allowing for quick assessment without the sequential point-by-point measurement process, thereby reducing inspection time while maintaining damage detection capability.
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 reduces costs and risks associated with on-site inspections, enables more frequent and efficient diagnosis, and allows for condition-based maintenance, thereby improving safety and reducing wind turbine downtime.
Implementation Method 1
A camera (32) is used to take a photograph of the area (60)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for optically assessing a wind power plant (1) or a part thereof, in particular a rotor blade (6), comprising the following steps: directing a camera (32) towards a region to be assessed, taking a photo of the region to be assessed by means of the camera (32), detecting the position of the photographed region, and associating the determined position with the photographed region, for example such that a position detection device is designed as a projection device having a projection surface and comprises a luminous means, for example a laser pointer, which is connected to the camera (32).