Wind Turbine Blade Monitoring via Image Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wind turbine blade monitoring systems are cumbersome and costly due to the need for numerous individual sensors, which can be difficult to install and maintain, and often require pre-mounted markers for camera-based systems, leading to complexity and potential sensor failures.
Innovation Solution
A control system that uses image recognition to identify target features on a wind turbine blade, allowing for monitoring and control of blade state parameters without the need for extensive sensor networks, utilizing feature extraction algorithms and optionally 3D imaging to determine blade conditions like deflection and twist.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large number of individual sensors are installed in the wind turbine blade, then measurement precision of blade state parameters is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a camera to capture optical images of the blade, creating a visual copy of the blade's physical state. Image processing algorithms then extract deformation information from these optical copies, replacing the need for physical sensors embedded in the blade structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical sensor system with an optical imaging system. Instead of using strain sensors and accelerometers that require physical contact and complex wiring, the system uses a camera to optically capture and analyze blade deformation, substituting mechanical measurement with optical field measurement.
2Measurement precision
If markers are mounted on the wind turbine blade for camera-based monitoring, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to exact position requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the blade to serve its own monitoring function by using its natural visual features and geometry. The image processing system automatically identifies and tracks features on the blade surface without requiring external markers, allowing the blade structure itself to provide the measurement reference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement approach from requiring fixed physical markers to using variable visual features that can be automatically identified through image processing. This allows the system to adapt to different blade designs and positions without physical modifications.
3Reliability
If conventional sensor systems are used, then reliability may be compromised due to sensor failures, but the system becomes more complex to repair and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The camera-based system creates optical copies of the blade for monitoring, which can be processed and analyzed without physical contact. If the monitoring system fails, the camera and processing unit can be replaced or recalibrated without affecting the blade structure or requiring complex sensor reinstallation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a control system for a wind turbine that is configured to: obtain a 3-dimensional image of at least a portion of a wind turbine blade; recognise a target feature of the wind turbine blade in the obtained image and identify the position of the target feature; and monitor the state of the wind turbine blade and/or control operation of at least one blade in dependence on the identified position of the feature.