Wind Turbine Rotor Blade Deformation Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbine blade shape detection systems are inadequate for large modern blades due to sensitivity to deformation, vibrations, and oscillations, and struggle to accurately measure bending and twisting, which affects fatigue life and power output.
Innovation Solution
A wind turbine rotor with at least one blade, multiple markers arranged on the blade, and an image capturing device to detect the markers' positions, allowing for precise measurement of blade deformation by comparing changes in marker positions, and optionally using different colors, shapes, and light reflective areas to enhance visibility and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a light emitter and light registering unit are used to detect blade deflection, then blade shape detection is enabled, but the system becomes very sensitive to vibrations and oscillations and requires very precise adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical measurement system (light emitter and light registering unit) with an image capturing device (camera) that takes photographs of the blade. This substitution makes the system less sensitive to vibrations and oscillations while maintaining the ability to detect blade deflection through image analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses markers placed on the blade that are captured in photographs. By detecting the positions of these markers in images rather than using direct optical measurement, the system creates a copy representation of the blade shape that is more robust against vibrations and oscillations
2Measurement precision
If markers are formed integrally with the blade, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of manufacture and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the markers from the blade structure, making them independent components that can be attached separately. This segmentation allows markers to be added after blade manufacturing without complicating the blade production process
Solution Approach 2:
The markers are prepared and positioned in advance on the blade surface before final assembly or operation. This preliminary placement allows for easy adjustment and optimization of marker positions without requiring modifications to the blade manufacturing process
3Measurement precision
If markers are placed on the blade surface, then blade shape detection is enabled, but the markers must be distinguishable from the surrounding blade surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses markers with colors that contrast with the blade surface color. This color differentiation makes the markers easily distinguishable in photographs taken by the image capturing device, improving detection accuracy without adding complex marker designs
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
The system provides reliable and accurate detection of blade shape and deformation, enabling better understanding of operating conditions and optimization of wind turbine operation, with markers that can be retrofitted or integrated for durability and ease of access.
Implementation Method 1
two or more markers arranged on the blade so that the at least one image capturing device may detect the position of the markers
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates a wind turbine rotor. The rotor comprises at least one wind turbine blade, at least one image capturing device, and one or more markers arranged on the blade so that the at least one image capturing device may detect the position of the markers. The invention further relates to a wind turbine and use thereof.