Wind Turbine Blade Angle of Attack Measurement and Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for installing wind turbines lack precision in adjusting the angle of attack during initial installation, leading to suboptimal performance and requiring post-installation corrections, which are inefficient and impractical for offshore farms.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the creation of a coordinate system to measure and adjust the angle of attack by defining reference angles on each blade, using laser equipment and electronic data processing to ensure all blades are aligned with the optimal pitch angle, utilizing a model wind turbine as a reference for maximum power generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If preset marks on blades and hub are used for installation, then installation is simplified, but manufacturing precision of angle of attack is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidangle of attack precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical alignment methods (preset marks and physical measurements) with an optical measurement system using laser equipment. The laser device projects reference lines onto the blade to precisely determine the angle of attack, eliminating the need for complex mechanical alignment while achieving high angular precision (0.1° or better).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary measurement system consisting of laser equipment and coordinate system calculations. This intermediary tool mediates between the simple preset marks and the required precise angle of attack, providing a bridge that translates rough mechanical alignment into precise angular measurement through optical projection and mathematical computation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If traditional measurement methods are used, then equipment complexity is low, but measurement precision of angle of attack is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement system simplicityVSAvoidangle of attack measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes complex mechanical measurement apparatus with a laser-based optical system. The laser device, combined with electronic data processing, achieves high measurement precision without requiring complex mechanical contact instruments, thereby improving measurement accuracy while keeping the system relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from two-dimensional visual estimation or simple protractor measurements to a three-dimensional coordinate system approach. By establishing a reference coordinate system and using laser projection in three-dimensional space, the system achieves precise angular measurement that cannot be obtained through traditional two-dimensional methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Manufacturing precision

If post-installation corrections are made, then angle of attack precision can be improved, but loss of time and productivity occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveangle of attack precisionVSAvoidcorrection time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary measurement and verification of the angle of attack during the installation process itself, rather than waiting for post-installation testing. By measuring the angle of attack immediately after blade installation using the laser system, any deviations can be corrected right away, preventing the need for time-consuming post-installation adjustments and ensuring optimal performance from the start.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Ensures precise alignment of wind turbine blades with the optimal angle of attack, improving energy yield and facilitating accurate monitoring and adjustments, especially in offshore installations where traditional methods are impractical.

Implementation Method 1

using laser equipment and electronic data processing to ensure all blades are aligned with the optimal pitch angle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Data Source

PatentUS11035342B2Method for calculating and correcting the angle of attack in a wind turbine farm

Publication Date: 2021.06.15 HISPAVISTA LABS A I E

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for measuring and correcting the angle of attack in a wind turbine farm (11), by which means the yield of each wind turbine (11) of the wind farm is measured initially in order to be able to define a model wind turbine which will be the one which generates the maximum power. The creation of coordinate axes for each blade (15) of the wind turbine (10) allows the angle of attack of the blades (15) of said model wind turbine (10) to be calculated and a reference value to be defined in order to copy same to each blade (15) of the rest of the wind turbines (11), in such a way that the optimum power ratio is obtained for each wind turbine of the wind farm.