Wind Turbine Component Damage Detection via Thermal Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring the condition of loaded components in wind turbines, such as temperature monitoring systems, are not reliable for early detection of damage, often leading to late or undetected issues, and require high effort and costs when using Condition Monitoring Systems (CMS) for vibration and oscillation monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A method that senses the temperatures of two thermally coupled components within a wind turbine, calculates differential temperature profiles, and uses admissibility criteria to detect potential damage, allowing for early and reliable identification of component issues without the need for additional monitoring systems like CMS.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a temperature monitoring system is installed to sense the temperature of loaded components, then damage detection capability is improved, but reliability is insufficient and results remain hidden in uncertainties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the temperature monitoring approach by distinguishing between ambient temperature (T_ambient) and component temperature (T_component), and further segments the analysis by considering individual components (C1, C2, C3) separately. This segmentation allows for more precise damage detection by isolating component-specific temperature deviations from ambient conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the monitoring parameter from absolute temperature to temperature difference (ΔT = T_component - T_ambient). This parameter transformation eliminates the influence of ambient temperature variations and focuses on component-specific thermal behavior, significantly improving reliability of damage detection.
2Reliability
If a Condition Monitoring System (CMS) is installed to monitor oscillations and vibrations, then early damage detection is improved, but device complexity and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical vibration monitoring systems with a simpler thermal monitoring approach. By monitoring temperature differences of loaded components, the system achieves early damage detection without requiring complex mechanical sensors, signal processing equipment, or extensive installation infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive temperature sensors instead of expensive CMS equipment. The approach uses readily available temperature sensing devices that can be easily installed and maintained, significantly reducing system complexity and costs while maintaining effective damage detection capability.
3Loss of information
If ambient temperature normalization is applied to temperature measurements, then temperature trends become more meaningful, but measurement precision remains insufficient due to uncertainties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent further segments the temperature analysis by considering individual loaded components (C1, C2, C3) separately and calculating component-specific temperature differences. This component-level segmentation provides more precise damage detection by isolating thermal behavior of individual components rather than providing a generalized normalization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the temperature difference (ΔT) as an intermediary parameter that mediates between ambient temperature and component temperature. This intermediary eliminates the direct influence of ambient temperature variations and provides a clearer, more precise indicator of component condition and potential damage.
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
Enables reliable and cost-effective early detection of component damage, reducing operational downtime by identifying issues before they become critical and eliminating the need for extensive CMS setups.
Implementation Method 1
sensing of a first temperature of a first loaded component of the wind turbine... sensing of at least one further temperature of a further loaded component... wherein the first loaded component and the further loaded component have a thermal coupling with each other
Data Source
AI summary
The application relates to a method for monitoring the condition of at least one component of a wind turbine which is loaded during the operation of the wind turbine. In the method, a first temperature of a first loaded component of the wind turbine is sensed. The method further involves sensing of at least one further temperature of a further loaded component of the wind turbine. The first loaded component and the further loaded component have a thermal coupling to each other, and a damage of at least one of the loaded components is detected based on the sensed first temperature and the sensed further temperature and at least one admissibility criterion in an evaluation step.