Wind Turbine Sensor Calibration via Optical Light Source Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbine sensor systems face challenges in accurate calibration and verification, particularly due to the complexity and cost of GPS-based solutions, which are not easily implementable on new or existing turbines.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using optical capture devices and light sources to record the movement of wind turbine components, providing a calibration input to the sensor system, allowing for initial and dynamic recalibration of sensor systems, and enabling verification of tower and blade deflections, thereby ensuring accurate sensor outputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS-based solutions are used for sensor calibration, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual model (digital twin) of the wind turbine that replicates the physical turbine's behavior. This virtual model is used for calibration purposes instead of expensive GPS systems, providing the same measurement precision while reducing device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces GPS-based mechanical positioning systems with a computational approach using virtual models and sensor data processing. This substitution eliminates the need for complex GPS hardware while maintaining calibration accuracy through mathematical modeling and data analysis.
2Measurement precision
If GPS-based solutions are used for sensor calibration, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual model (digital twin) of the wind turbine that replicates the physical turbine's behavior. This virtual model is used for calibration purposes instead of expensive GPS systems, providing the same measurement precision while reducing device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses readily available, low-cost sensors and computational methods instead of expensive GPS calibration systems. The virtual model can be updated and recalibrated using inexpensive data from standard turbine sensors, eliminating the need for costly specialized calibration equipment.
3Reliability
If integrated sensor systems are incorporated into turbine components, then reliability is improved, but calibration difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the virtual model continuously receives data from the integrated sensors and adjusts its parameters accordingly. This feedback loop enables automatic calibration of the integrated sensor systems, maintaining reliability while reducing calibration difficulty through real-time data processing and model updating.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual model performs self-calibration by using its own internal consistency and comparison with operational data. The system automatically adjusts sensor readings and model parameters without requiring external calibration equipment or complex manual procedures, enabling the integrated sensor systems to self-correct and maintain accuracy.
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 approach provides a simpler, cost-effective method for calibrating and verifying wind turbine sensor systems, enhancing their reliability and accuracy, and can be easily implemented on new or existing turbines, with the option of permanent installation as a backup system.
Implementation Method 1
providing an optical capture device towards the nacelle of the wind turbine tower; providing at least one light source at a location of the wind turbine distal from said optical capture device; recording the position of said at least one light source as viewed by said optical capture device
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method for the verification and calibration of wind turbine sensor systems is provided. The system comprises an optical capture device provided on a wind turbine which is arranged to record the position of at least one light source provided at the wind turbine during operation of the wind turbine. The motion of the light source relative to the optical capture device can provide an indication of relative motion of a portion of the wind turbine during operation, which can then be used as an input to a calibration and/or a verification system for a sensor system of the wind turbine.