Wind Turbine Marking Light Retrofitting for Air Traffic Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbine marking light systems lack the ability to integrate external air traffic detection signals, requiring complete system exchange to comply with evolving regulatory requirements, which is costly and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A retrofitting system with a switching arrangement that receives air traffic detection signals and controls the marking lights independently, allowing them to be activated only during detected air traffic, without modifying existing components or systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complete marking light system exchange is performed to integrate air traffic detection signals, then the adaptability to regulatory requirements is improved, but the cost and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The solution segments the air traffic detection functionality from the marking light control system. A separate detection system provides signals that independently control the marking lights, allowing the marking light system to remain unchanged while achieving regulatory compliance through modular addition of detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control mechanism that receives air traffic detection signals and translates them into marking light control commands. This intermediary layer enables integration of external detection data without requiring modifications to the existing marking light system or controller
2Reliability
If the marking light system is exchanged to integrate air traffic detection signals, then the compliance with regulatory requirements is improved, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The solution employs a cost-effective approach by using simpler, dedicated air traffic detection components rather than replacing the entire marking light system. The detection system and control mechanism are implemented as separate, lower-cost elements that achieve regulatory compliance without the expense of full system replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The marking light controller is designed to perform multiple functions: it responds to both traditional ambient light sensor signals and external air traffic detection signals. This multi-functionality allows the same controller to handle different types of input signals without requiring specialized hardware for each function
3Adaptability or versatility
If the existing marking light system is modified to receive external detection signals, then the adaptability is improved, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solution applies local quality by adding detection signal reception capability specifically to the marking light controller where it is needed, rather than distributing detection functionality throughout the entire wind turbine control system. This localized approach maintains simplicity in other parts of the system while achieving the required adaptability
Data Source
AI summary
A wind turbine includes a marking light system including a marking light for aerial traffic, a data source, including one light sensor, and a marking light controller for controlling the at least one marking light according to data of the data source, in particular sensor data of the light sensor, a wind turbine controller, a power line for the at least one marking light and/or one control line connecting the marking light controller to the wind turbine controller, wherein the wind turbine further includes a switching arrangement including at least one switching unit in the power line or the control line, wherein the switching unit receives a detection signal from an air traffic detection system and to turn the at least one marking light on or off when the detection signal indicates air traffic or no air traffic, respectively, in an area around the wind turbine.