Wind Turbine Rotor Blade Deformation Detection via Angular Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in accurately predicting and measuring deformations of wind turbine rotor blades due to various forces, including weight, aerodynamic loads, and tower pre-dam pulsating forces, which complicates fatigue damage prediction and optimization of wind turbine regulation.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising an angle measuring system with a first and second component group, an arm, and a material measure, where the arm is connected to the rotor blade orthogonally to the axis, allowing for precise measurement of relative angular position changes, and using a photosensitive or inductive scanning principle for accurate deformation detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a distance sensor as a linear element is used to detect rotor blade deformations, then the measurement can be performed with a simple sensor setup, but the measurement precision and reliability under complex loading conditions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the linear distance sensor with an angular measurement system that converts linear deformation measurement into angular measurement. The arm connected to the rotor blade at a distance from the measurement point creates a lever arm, transforming the difficult-to-measure linear displacement into an easier-to-measure angular displacement, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining reasonable device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from one-dimensional linear measurement to two-dimensional angular measurement by introducing an arm that extends perpendicular to the rotor blade axis. This dimensional change allows the measurement system to capture deformation more accurately by measuring the angle formed by the arm as the blade deforms
2Measurement precision
If the connection point is arranged at a distance from the attachment point orthogonally to the axis, then the measurement accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the arm and mechanical coupling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The arm serves as an intermediary element between the rotor blade and the angle measuring device. By positioning the connection point at a distance from the attachment point, the arm amplifies the deformation signal into a measurable angular displacement, improving measurement accuracy while the mechanical coupling translates this motion to the measurement system
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes dynamic motion transformation, where the static arm structure becomes dynamically active during blade deformation. As the rotor blade deforms under load, the arm moves accordingly, converting the deformation into angular motion that can be measured by the angle measuring device, thereby improving detection accuracy
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 robust and reliable high-accuracy deformation measurement, facilitating better prediction of fatigue damage and optimization of wind turbine operation by providing precise load information and enabling digital signal processing for control integration.
Implementation Method 1
The angle measuring device has a first and a second component group, the first component group being arranged such that it can pivot about an axis relative to the second component group. The relative angular position between the first and the second component group can be measured by the angle measuring device.
Implementation Method 2
The arm is mechanically coupled to the first component group at a radial distance from the axis, so that when the distance between the connection point and the fastening point changes, a relative pivoting movement can be generated between the first and the second component group.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for detecting deformations of a wind turbine rotor blade and a corresponding rotor blade, comprising an angle measuring device which has a first and a second component group (1.1, 1.2) which are pivotably arranged relative to each other. The second component group (1.2) has a mounting point (1.23) which can be connected to the rotor blade (3). The device also includes an arm (2) which has a connection point (2.1) so that the arm (2) can be connected to the rotor blade (3) at this connection point. The connection point (2.1) is arranged at a distance (X) from the mounting point (1.23). The arm (2) is mechanically coupled to the first component group (1.1) at a radial distance (R) so that a relative pivoting movement between the first and the second component group (1.1, 1.2) can be generated when the distance (X) is changed. Furthermore, the invention relates to a rotor blade equipped with the device.