Wind Turbine Inspection Controller Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current inspection methods for wind turbines, especially offshore, face challenges such as limited visibility due to weather conditions and the need for manual operation, which affects recording quality and increases personnel and equipment costs, as well as the inefficiency of manual drone control in strong winds or adverse weather.
Innovation Solution
An inspection device control device that communicates with a central or decentralized system to receive and output turbine parameters and control information, allowing for automated or semi-automated control of inspection devices to optimize flight paths, lighting conditions, and personnel deployment, enabling real-time damage classification and reducing downtime by aligning wind turbines for optimal inspection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual inspection is used with technicians climbing onto wind turbines or using telescopes, then inspection can be performed, but personnel safety risks increase and inspection efficiency decreases due to limited positioning possibilities
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection system uses autonomous drones equipped with sensors and cameras that can independently navigate to wind turbines, perform inspections, and transmit data automatically. The system self-manages the inspection process without requiring human technicians to physically access the turbines, thereby eliminating safety risks while maintaining high inspection efficiency through automated flight paths and real-time data processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection methods (technicians climbing turbines, using telescopes) with automated aerial inspection systems using drones. This substitution eliminates the need for human physical presence on turbines while providing comprehensive inspection capabilities through aerial positioning, multiple sensing modalities, and automated image analysis algorithms
2Measurement precision
If flying inspection platforms are controlled manually, then inspection can be performed, but recording quality becomes dependent on operator skill and environmental conditions strongly affect image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection drone operates autonomously with built-in navigation, positioning, and inspection algorithms. The system automatically adjusts flight parameters, positioning, and sensor settings based on real-time environmental data and pre-programmed inspection protocols, eliminating dependency on operator skill while maintaining consistent high-quality recording under varying environmental conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates real-time feedback loops where sensors continuously monitor environmental conditions (wind, lighting, turbulence) and automatically adjust inspection parameters such as flight speed, altitude, camera exposure, and positioning. This closed-loop control ensures optimal recording quality adapts dynamically to changing environmental conditions without operator intervention
3Reliability
If wind turbine is switched off for inspection, then inspection can be performed safely, but downtime increases and energy loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous inspection system can operate during wind turbine runtime by maintaining safe distances and avoiding active rotor blades through automated navigation and real-time position tracking. The drone independently manages collision avoidance and inspection scheduling, enabling concurrent operation that eliminates downtime while maintaining safety through automated hazard detection and avoidance protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection system dynamically adapts its operation mode based on real-time conditions. When wind turbines are running, the drone adjusts its flight path, altitude, and speed dynamically to inspect stationary components while avoiding moving parts. The system can switch between different inspection protocols (aerial vs. close-up) and operational modes (during-runtime vs. shutdown) to minimize downtime while ensuring safety through continuous environmental monitoring
4Productivity
If multiple flying inspection platforms are deployed, then inspection coverage increases, but personnel expenditure and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a fleet of identical or similar drone platforms that can all perform the same inspection functions, allowing for standardized operation and simplified training. Multiple drones can operate simultaneously on coordinated flight paths, covering multiple turbines or different sections of the same turbine, thereby increasing inspection coverage while maintaining manageable system complexity through platform standardization and centralized control software
Data Source
AI summary
An inspection device control device for an inspection device of a wind turbine having a device interface arranged for communication with a wind turbine control of the wind turbine, and a device interface arranged for communication with the inspection device. Automated resource planning is possible if a processor produces control information for the inspection device depending on turbine parameters of the wind turbine received via the device interface and outputs the control information via the device interface. Further improved resource planning and control is made possible if a processor generates control information for the wind turbine and outputs the control information via the turbine interface, depending on the device parameters of the inspection device received via the device interface.