Wind Turbine Sensor Network Auxiliary Connection Points

Solution Overview

Problem

The installation and calibration of data acquisition systems for measuring non-standard parameters in wind turbines are time-consuming and costly, making it cumbersome to obtain measurement data from these parameters, which are not typically measured due to the high costs and lengthy installation processes.

Innovation Solution

A sensor network with standard and auxiliary sensor modules, where auxiliary modules can be easily connected via existing data transfer means within the wind turbine, reducing the need for additional cabling or wireless transmission, and allowing for scalable integration of non-standard sensor modules, thereby reducing installation time and cost.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a dedicated data acquisition system is installed to measure non-standard parameters, then measurement capability is improved, but installation time and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement capabilityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by enabling standard sensor modules to serve multiple functions - their existing data transfer infrastructure is reused for additional non-standard measurements. The system allows standard modules to handle both their primary measurements and auxiliary non-standard parameter acquisitions through shared communication channels, eliminating the need for separate dedicated systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the data transfer resources of standard sensor modules with the measurement needs of auxiliary non-standard parameters. By combining the communication infrastructure and processing capabilities of existing modules with new measurement requirements, the system achieves extended functionality without parallel separate systems, thereby reducing installation time and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a dedicated data acquisition system is installed to measure non-standard parameters, then measurement capability is improved, but installation cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement capabilityVSAvoidinstallation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by enabling standard sensor modules to serve multiple functions - their existing data transfer infrastructure is reused for additional non-standard measurements. The system allows standard modules to handle both their primary measurements and auxiliary non-standard parameter acquisitions through shared communication channels, eliminating the need for separate dedicated systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the data transfer resources of standard sensor modules with the measurement needs of auxiliary non-standard parameters. By combining the communication infrastructure and processing capabilities of existing modules with new measurement requirements, the system achieves extended functionality without parallel separate systems, thereby reducing installation time and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If cabled data connections are used to transfer measurement data, then data transfer reliability is improved, but system complexity and installation effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the data transfer resources of standard sensor modules with the measurement needs of auxiliary non-standard parameters. By combining the communication infrastructure and processing capabilities of existing modules with new measurement requirements, the system achieves extended functionality without parallel separate systems, thereby reducing installation time and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2470784B1Wind turbine data acquisition system

Publication Date: 2017.03.08 VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS AS

AI summary

The invention relates to a sensor network for state monitoring of a wind turbine, the sensor network comprising: one or more standard sensor modules, where each standard sensor module comprising a sensor for measuring a parameter of the wind turbine or its surroundings. The wind turbine moreover comprises a processor for receiving input from said one or more standard sensor modules, and data transfer means for transferring sensor output from said one or more standard sensor modules to said processor. According to the invention the data transfer means comprises one or more auxiliary connection points for connection of one or more additional sensor modules, said one or more additional sensor modules being in surplus of the standard sensor modules in a standard set-up of the wind turbine sensor network. The invention thus provides an embedded turbine data acquisition system taking advantage of an existing turbine back-bone network for data transport.