Wind Turbine Blade Deformation Analysis Using Navigation Probes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for deformation and orientation analysis of wind turbine rotor blades are inaccurate and unreliable, particularly in varying operational conditions and environments, and lack ease of use.
Innovation Solution
Utilize a method involving first and second navigation system probes mounted on the rotor blade to acquire position data, deriving direction information to determine deformation and orientation, which can be performed in software and hardware, and is applicable during various operational states including rotation and stillness, with probes mounted at predefined radial positions for accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional optical methods with camera and target are used for deformation analysis, then the setup is simple, but the accuracy and reliability are insufficient under varying operational conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional optical measurement system (camera, target, image processing) with a navigation-based measurement system using GNSS receivers and antennas. This substitution enables accurate three-dimensional position tracking of blade components under varying operational conditions, achieving higher measurement precision while maintaining practical system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameters from two-dimensional image coordinates to three-dimensional spatial coordinates (x, y, z positions). By measuring absolute positions of multiple points on the blade and calculating relative distances and orientations, the system achieves more accurate and reliable deformation measurements across different operational states
2Reliability
If conventional optical methods are used, then the system is easy to set up, but it lacks reliability in different environmental conditions and operational states
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal measurement system using standard navigation components (GNSS receivers, antennas) that can operate reliably across multiple environmental conditions and operational states. The system measures blade deformation whether the rotor is stationary or rotating, and adapts to various weather conditions, making it more reliable than camera-based systems while remaining relatively easy to install
3Measurement precision
If camera-based deformation analysis is used, then the equipment is simple, but it cannot accurately measure blade orientation and twist
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional camera imaging to three-dimensional spatial measurement. By obtaining x, y, z coordinates of multiple points on the blade and calculating relative distances and orientations in three-dimensional space, the system can accurately determine blade orientation, twist, and deformation, providing comprehensive measurement capabilities that camera systems cannot achieve
Data Source
AI summary
It is described a method of performing deformation and/or orientation analysis of a wind turbine rotor blade, the method comprising: acquiring first position data of a first navigation system probe mounted at the blade to provide position at a first location; acquiring second position data of a second navigation system probe mounted at the blade to provide position at a second location; deriving first direction information at least regarding a relative direction of the first location and the second location based on the first position data and the second position data.