Wind Turbine Collision Detection Using 3D Scanning Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems fail to accurately record the collisions of flying animals with wind turbines and determine the location where they fall, as they either require multiple sensors for sequential data collection or cannot monitor the trajectory of animals post-collision.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a single 3D space scanning sensor, such as LIDAR, 3D light field cameras, or 3D radar, mounted on the wind turbine nacelle or tower, continuously monitors the coordinates and speed of falling animals within its field of view until they hit the ground, allowing for efficient tracking and location identification without the need for sequential sensor data collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are mounted at different heights on the wind turbine tower for sequential data collection, then the trajectory of falling animals can be recorded, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor functions into a single 3D space scanning sensor (LIDAR, radar, or 3D camera) mounted on the nacelle. This single sensor simultaneously performs collision detection, trajectory tracking, and location identification, replacing the need for multiple sensors at different heights while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The 3D space scanning sensor serves multiple functions: detecting animal collisions with rotor blades, tracking the trajectory of falling animals, and identifying their impact location on the ground. This multi-functional approach reduces device complexity while achieving comprehensive monitoring
2Device complexity
If a single 3D space scanning sensor is mounted on the nacelle, then the number of sensors is reduced, but the field of view coverage may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D plane scanning to 3D space scanning, enabling a single sensor to cover a volumetric field of view around the wind turbine. This dimensional upgrade allows comprehensive coverage of the area where animals may fall, eliminating the need for multiple sensors at different positions
3Measurement precision
If traditional sensors are used, then collision detection is possible, but trajectory monitoring and location identification cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or simple optical sensors with advanced 3D space scanning sensors (LIDAR, radar, or 3D cameras) that use electromagnetic radiation and computational algorithms to detect, track, and locate falling animals in three-dimensional space, enabling comprehensive monitoring capabilities
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
This solution enables precise tracking and location identification of falling animals, reducing the number of sensors required and providing comprehensive 3D space coverage, thus improving the monitoring of animal collisions and their impact locations.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor is a LIDAR sensor or a 3D light field camera or a 3D radar scanning the space around the wind turbine in the field of view of the sensor
Implementation Method 2
the sensor is a LIDAR sensor or a 3D light field camera or a 3D radar scanning the space around the wind turbine in the field of view of the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
The object of the invention is a system recording the collisions of flying animals (9) with wind turbines (1) and indicating where they fell on the ground, which comprises a wind turbine (1) composed of a tower (2), a nacelle (3), a rotor (4) with blades (5) and a sensor unit comprising one sensor (6) and peripheral devices of the sensor, characterised in that the sensor (6) mounted on the nacelle (3) and/or tower (2) of the wind turbine (1) is a LIDAR sensor or a 3D light field camera or a 3D radar scanning the space around the wind turbine (1) in the field of view (7) of the sensor (6). The object of the invention is also the method of application of the above described system for recording the collisions of flying animals (9) with wind turbines (1) and indicating where they fell on the ground and the application of the system.