Wind Turbine Rotor Blade Detection Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring the geometry and alignment of wind turbine rotor blades are imprecise, leading to vibration imbalances and reduced service life, especially when trying to attach additional elements like turbulence inducers, and lack accurate recording of the rotor blades' shape in both assembled and dismantled states.
Innovation Solution
A detection device with a support structure and distance measuring devices on both sides of the rotor blade allows for simultaneous measurement of the upper and lower sides, creating a three-dimensional data structure that records the rotor blade's profile, enabling precise alignment and shape analysis, and can be used with a movement system like an unmanned aerial vehicle or a nacelle hoisting system for efficient data collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a laser device is used to measure the rotor geometry of a running wind turbine, then the measurement can be performed on mounted rotor blades, but the measurement accuracy is comparatively imprecise and complete geometry cannot be captured
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement process is segmented into multiple discrete measurement points along the rotor blade span. Multiple distance measuring devices are positioned at different locations to capture geometry data at various sections, allowing comprehensive measurement of mounted blades while maintaining precision through systematic point-by-point measurement
Solution Approach 2:
Reflectors are introduced as intermediary elements attached to the rotor blade surfaces. These reflectors serve as mediators between the laser distance measuring devices and the blade geometry, enabling accurate distance measurements to be taken from a safe distance while the turbine is operating, thus resolving the contradiction between accessibility and measurement precision
2Measurement precision
If distance measuring devices are positioned close to the rotor blade for accurate measurement, then measurement precision improves, but the device complexity and setup difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is designed with universal, modular components that can be rapidly deployed and repositioned. The distance measuring devices and reflectors are standardized elements that can be used on any rotor blade without custom fabrication, reducing setup complexity while maintaining measurement precision through consistent, repeatable measurement procedures
3Device complexity
If only one side of the rotor blade is measured at a time, then the measurement setup is simpler, but the measurement time and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple distance measuring devices are merged into a single coordinated measurement system that simultaneously captures data from both upper and lower surfaces of the rotor blade. The reflectors are positioned to enable each measuring device to capture geometry information from opposite sides of the blade at the same time, doubling productivity while maintaining manageable system complexity through integrated data collection
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 solution provides cost-effective and precise detection of rotor blade shape and orientation, allowing for optimal performance, reduced wear, and efficient installation of additional elements, while also aiding in quality control and predicting maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
Laser distance measuring devices are known to offer high accuracy of approximately 0.2 mm over relatively short distances of about 1000 mm
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 2A~2D
AI summary
The invention relates to the field of wind turbines (10) and, in particular, to the field of detecting the shape and/or orientation of rotor blades (18) of wind turbines (10). Primarily, detection devices (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 1000) are proposed, which serve the purpose of detecting the shape and/or orientation of rotor blades (18) of wind turbines (10). According to a first embodiment, such a detection device (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 1000) has a support structure (20, 22, 24) which has two partial support structures (22) between which a receiving area (28) for the rotor blade (18) is provided. Distance measuring devices (40) directed towards the recording area (28) are provided on the two partial support structures (20) for the simultaneous detection of the upper surface (18A) and the lower surface (1988B) of the rotor blade (18).According to a second embodiment, such a detection device (300, 400) has a support structure (20, 22, 24) which includes a receiving area (28) for receiving the rotor blade (18). The detection device (300, 400) has at least two contact elements (50A, 50B) which are designed for simultaneous contact with the upper surface (18A) and the lower surface (18B) of the rotor blade (18) arranged in the receiving area (28). At least one of the contact elements (50A, 50B) is guided relative to the support structure (20, 22, 24) and is movable between an end position projecting maximally into the receiving area (28) and a recessed end position.