Wind Turbine Inspection UAV Flight Parameter Adaptation by Route Stage

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Solution Overview

Problem

The control mode of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for wind turbine inspection is not flexible enough, requiring them to operate at a fixed preset flight speed, leading to low inspection efficiency due to the need to set speeds according to lower limits, which compromises efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A self-adaptive adjustment method for UAV flight parameters that determines the current inspection route stage based on real-time position and relative position with the wind turbine, incorporating factors like blade speed, UAV electricity, and meteorological conditions to dynamically adjust flight parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If UAV operates at fixed preset flight speed according to lower limit, then inspection safety is ensured, but inspection efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection safetyVSAvoidinspection efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of flight parameters by dividing the inspection route into multiple stages (approach stage, inspection stage, departure stage) and assigning different speed parameters to each stage. The UAV transitions from fixed-speed operation to variable-speed operation, adjusting flight speed according to the current route stage and real-time conditions, thereby resolving the contradiction between safety and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the flight parameter (speed) according to different inspection route stages and environmental conditions. By setting different speed parameters for different stages (e.g., lower speed during close inspection, higher speed during transit), the system optimizes both safety and efficiency, avoiding the need to maintain a consistently low speed throughout the entire inspection process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If UAV uses preset fixed flight speed, then control simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different inspection stages deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to inspection stages
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the inspection route into distinct stages (approach, inspection, departure) with specific speed parameters for each stage. This segmentation allows the system to automatically adapt to different inspection requirements without complex manual intervention, maintaining ease of operation while significantly improving adaptability to various inspection scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates real-time monitoring of UAV position, route stage, and environmental conditions to dynamically adjust flight parameters. This feedback mechanism enables automatic adaptation to different inspection stages while maintaining simple operational control, as the system self-regulates based on pre-defined stage parameters and real-time status.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Manufacturing precision

If UAV maintains lower flight speed to meet standards, then inspection quality is ensured, but inspection time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection qualityVSAvoidinspection time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic variation in flight speed according to the inspection route stages. The UAV alternates between lower speeds during critical inspection phases (where quality is paramount) and higher speeds during transit phases (where time efficiency is prioritized). This periodic speed adjustment ensures inspection quality is maintained where necessary while reducing overall inspection time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP4560424B1Adaptive adjustment method and apparatus for flight parameters of wind turbine inspection unmanned aerial vehicle, device, and storage medium
Publication Date: 2026.04.22 HUANENG CLEAN ENERGY RES INST
  • EP4560424B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4560424B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4560424B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A self-adaptive adjustment method and device for flight parameters of an unmanned aerial vehicle for wind turbine inspection, and apparatus is provided. The method includes: determining a wind turbine inspection route stage of the unmanned aerial vehicle being currently located during flight of the unmanned aerial vehicle, according to a real-time position of the unmanned aerial vehicle and a relative position relationship between the unmanned aerial vehicle and a wind turbine; determining standard flight parameters according to the wind turbine inspection route stage of the unmanned aerial vehicle being currently located; correcting real-time flight parameters of the unmanned aerial vehicle based on the standard flight parameters; controlling the unmanned aerial vehicle to fly according to the corrected flight parameters in the wind turbine inspection route stage currently located.