Abstract: A system for deicing a wind turbine blade includes an electrically powered active plasma actuator applied to a desired portion of a wind turbine blade. The activated plasma actuator energizes the air in the vicinity of the plasma actuator to increase the surface temperature of the wind turbine blade in the vicinity of the plasma actuator sufficiently to reduce or eliminate the collection of ice on a desired portion of the wind turbine blade.

Abstract: A control system for a variable pitch radiator fan is disclosed. The control system is capable of varying the blade pitch of the radiator fan from a normal position to a full reverse position. The control system can change the blade pitch based on a number of factors, including vehicle speed. In systems with a plurality of fans, the control system is also capable of independently controlling the blade pitch of each of the fans. In systems with multiple fans, the control system can produce a circulation mode.

Abstract: A wind turbine is provided with a rotor including a plurality of blades and a deicing unit. The deicing unit performs a deicing operation only on one(s) of the plurality of blades, which has an azimuth angle within a predetermined range. The predetermined range is within a range from 90 to 270 degrees, and includes 180 degrees. Therefore, ice scattering is suppressed in deicing the wind turbine blades.

Abstract: A monitoring system for a wind turbine includes at least one acoustic sensor configured to measure an acoustic emission generated by at least one component of the wind turbine, and a control system configured to calculate at least one wear characteristic of the component based on the measured acoustic emission. The wear characteristic includes at least one of a current amount of wear on the component, a rate of wear on the component, and a predicted amount of wear on the component.

Abstract: A wind turbine includes a rotor having one or more rotor blades, a pitch system for controlling the pitch angle of the one or more rotor blades, the pitch system having at least one pitch actuator, a pitch controller for generating pitch actuator control signals and sensor elements for establishing values of pitch performance parameters, and a compensation controller to compensate for disparities between the pitch actuator control signals and the values of pitch performance parameters, according to a control algorithm. The compensation controller is arranged to adjust parameters of the control algorithm of the compensation controller in dependency of the disparities.

Abstract: A method of operating a wind turbine having rotor with at least one blade, includes sensing an icing hazard for the blade; and moving the at least one blade into a position to reduce the icing hazard.

Abstract: A monitoring system for at least one wind turbine includes at least one sensor disposed at the at least one wind turbine to detect wind friction at the at least one wind turbine. At least one controller is connected to the at least one wind turbine, and a monitor server is connected to the controller to change an operational status of the at least one wind turbine based on wind friction data received from the at least one sensor. A method of operation of at least one wind turbine includes continuously measuring data relative to wind friction at the at least one wind turbine via at least one sensor located thereat. The data is continuously compared to a predetermined wind friction threshold. A trend in the comparisons is evaluated, and the operational status of the wind turbine is changed via a monitor server based on a result of the comparison.

Abstract: A wind turbine having at least one air foil with a leading edge and a trailing edge and in which the air foil is rotatably mounted about an axis. A thermoelectric film is disposed over at least a portion of the leading edge of the air foil and this thermoelectric film generates heat upon application of a voltage differential across the thermoelectric film. A control unit is electrically connected to and controls the application of the voltage differential across the thermoelectric film to deice the air foil.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for operating a wind turbine with the steps: detection of the values of predetermined operating parameters by means of suitable sensors, detection of at least one predetermined initial condition, comparison of the detected values to stored values of the operating parameters. The invention further relates to a wind turbine for implementing the method. Therefore, the object of the present invention is, to be able to adapt the operation of a wind turbine to changes using a method of the type named above, such that when the detected parameter values deviate from the stored parameter values, as a function of the initial condition, either the stored parameter values are adapted to the detected parameter values or the operation of the wind turbine is influenced as a function of the detected parameter values.

Abstract: A working member for a power plant is disclosed herein. The working member includes a body defining at least one working surface of the working member. The at least one working surface is operable to contact a working fluid. The body also includes at least one inner surface opposite the at least one working surface. The working member also includes an interior chamber defined within at least part of the body proximate to the at least one working surface. The working member also includes at least one inlet to the interior chamber. The working member also includes at least one outlet from the interior chamber. The working member also includes a quantity of open-cell foam positioned in the interior chamber between the inlet and the outlet. The quantity of open-cell foam fills less than all of the interior chamber such that at least one empty space is defined in the interior chamber between the at least one inner surface and the quantity of open-cell foam.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an air conditioning diffuser having a function of changing an air supply direction. The diffuser of the present invention includes a frame (10) and a temperature sensing cylinder (20), which is coupled to the frame (10). A wax (21) is charged in the cylinder (20), and a piston rod (22) is provided in the cylinder (20). The diffuser further includes a blade support body (50), coupled to the cylinder (20), a pushing member (23), coupled to the piston rod in the blade support body, and a vertical movable member (40), which is provided in the blade support body (40) and is pushed downwards by the pushing member (23) when the wax is expanded. The diffuser further includes air guide blade assemblies (30), which are supported by the blade support body (50) and are coupled to the vertical movable member (40) so that, when the vertical movable member is moved upwards or downwards, blades (35) are rotated. An elastic member is provided under the vertical movable member (40).

Abstract: A method for de-icing a blade of a wind turbine after the wind turbine has been idle for a period of time. The method includes the steps of creating a controlled acceleration condition of the blade, and subsequently creating a controlled deceleration condition of the blade, whereby ice is shaken off the blade. A wind turbine including a rotor including at least one blade, and de-icing means for de-icing the blade wherein the de-icing means includes actuating means of the wind turbine and wherein the de-icing means further includes control means for performing a method according to any of claims 1 to 11 is also contemplated. Furthermore, the invention relates to use of a wind turbine.

Abstract: An aerodynamic device is provided for detection of physical conditions of wind turbine blade operation. One or more vibration sensors are mounted on the blades in an aerodynamic housing and configured to monitor a physical condition of the blades that varies in accordance with a vibration of the housing. A processor is operably coupled to the one or more vibration sensors. The processor may be configured to use the vibration frequency of a component of the blade to determine the physical condition of the blade, and generate a signal indicating the physical condition of the blade when determined.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for continuing wind turbine operation when normal wind turbine motor control is unavailable due to overheating of one or more wind turbine control motors. Technical effects of the present invention include providing an effective control strategy continuing operation during over-heating of a wind turbine control motor, such as a pitch control motor and a yaw control motor.

Abstract: A method of operating a wind turbine having rotor with at least one blade, includes sensing an icing hazard for the blade; and moving the at least one blade into a position to reduce the icing hazard.

Abstract: A wind turbine including a torque distribution device for distributing torque between two different shafts. Also a system for detecting the presence of snow/ice on a wind turbine using ultrasound sensors and a system for de-icing wind turbines in which when the removal of snow/ice is detected, the heaters are switched off. Also a wind turbine with a lightning sensor and a processing unit which can shut down sub-systems or the whole system in response to data from the lightning sensor. Also a wind turbine with an automated lubrication refill system for replenishing the lubricant in one or more components of the turbine. Also a wind farm comprising a plurality of wind turbines in which at least one wind turbine is communicatively coupled to at least one other wind turbine.

Abstract: A system (1) for modulating growth or attributes of at least one part (2) of one or more plants comprising chlorophyll is disclosed. The system (1) comprises at least one light emitting device (3), such as a light emitting diode (LED), for irradiating the at least one part (2), at least one light sensor (4) for picking up light from the at least one part (2), communication capabilities (5) for facilitating communication between the at least one light sensor (4), the at least one light emitting device, and a processor (6). The processor (6) reads data from the at least one light sensor (4) via the communication capabilities (5), generates a control signal based on the data and a reference, and then controls, based on the control signal, the at least one light emitting device (3) via the communication capabilities in order to modulate plant growth or plant attributes.

Abstract: An apparatus according to an embodiment comprises a wind turbine with a hub supporting a blade, and a sensor disposed and configured to monitor the blade and to produce a respective output signal. A computer processor disposed and configured to receive the output signal of the sensor executes a computer software application to facilitate comparing the output signal to a predetermined value to determine whether solid water is present at the blade and providing an indication of solid water build-up when solid water is present.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting asymmetric utilizing lateral tower acceleration data may include: providing a lateral tower acceleration monitoring system; determining from the lateral tower acceleration monitoring system whether a lateral tower acceleration is above an acceleration limit; determining whether a rotor-mass imbalance condition exists; and determining whether the lateral tower acceleration coincides with icing on a rotor.

Abstract: A wind turbine includes a first temperature control system including fluid transporting heat to or from one or more components of the wind turbine. The wind turbine further includes a mechanism for exchanging heat between the first temperature control system and at least one further temperature control system of the wind turbine, wherein a temperature controlled mechanism enables the heat exchange between the first temperature control system and the at least one further temperature control system. A method for controlling or regulating the temperature of fluid flowing in a first temperature control system of a wind turbine and a use hereof is also contemplated.

Abstract: Wind Energy Converting Systems (WECS) fitted with anti-icing systems are made by using the method according to the invention in the following steps: a) prearranging a wind rotor with blades (5), an anti-icing system, and means (50, 51) for adjusting the anti-icing system; b) installing the prearranged rotor of the WECS on a test site; c) carrying out at least one operation test of the WECS; d) detecting parameters useful for determining the presence or absence of ice on the outer surface (5E) of the blades (5). If the detected parameters do not meet a predetermined target function, the method comprises additional steps of: e) performing an adjustment through said adjustment means (50, 51); repeating the previous steps from c) to e) until no ice is detected on the outer surface (5E) of the blades (5).

Abstract: A wind energy converter includes a wind turbine, a wind turbine foundation and a temperature control mechanism for controlling the temperature of one or more areas of the wind turbine. The temperature control mechanism including a mechanism for exchanging heat. The wind energy converter is characterized in that the mechanism for exchanging heat is positioned in the ground outside the foundation. Also contemplated is a method for controlling the temperature of one or more areas of a wind energy converter and use thereof.

Abstract: A anti-icing/de-icing device for an aircraft wing includes at least one aerodynamic surface, e.g. a rotorcraft blade or an airplane wing, the aerodynamic surface possessing at least two anti-icing/de-icing modules 17, with each module 17 being provided with a respective heater element 54. In addition, the heater elements 54 of the modules 17 are powered electrically by a common electrical power supply member 1, each anti-icing/de-icing module acting against icing in its own zone independently of the other module(s).

Abstract: A control system for a variable pitch radiator fan is disclosed. The control system is capable of varying the blade pitch of the radiator fan from a normal position to a full reverse position. The control system can change the blade pitch based on a number of factors, including vehicle speed. In systems with a plurality of fans, the control system is also capable of independently controlling the blade pitch of each of the fans. In systems with multiple fans, the control system can produce a circulation mode.

Abstract: An assembly for changing the pitch of fan blades rotatably attached to a hub includes a main drive shaft configured to rotate the hub. The main drive shaft is rotated by a first motor. A secondary drive shaft is coupled to the main drive shaft via a gearing system located within the hub. The secondary drive shaft is also driven by a second motor. When driven by the second motor, the secondary drive shaft manipulates the gearing system to alter the pitch of the fan blades.

Abstract: A method for ice detection for a wind turbine is provided. The method includes providing an ice condition threshold parameter adapted for distinguishing a condition during which icing may occur and a condition during which icing may not occur, measuring a wind velocity with a first anemometer, wherein the first anemometer being of a first type, measuring a wind velocity with a second anemometer, wherein the second anemometer being of a second type, and wherein the second type is different from the first type, evaluating, for a condition during which icing may occur, a deviation of the wind velocity measured with the first anemometer and the wind velocity measured with the second anemometer, and determine whether the deviation exceeds a limit value based on a calibration conducted under a condition during which icing may not occur.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for prolonging and controlling the life of components associated with a wind turbine, by controlling the cooling down procedure of the components. Gradually lowering the temperature of the components reduces the number of temperature fluctuations of the component, thus extending the life of the components.

Abstract: A centrifugal turbomachine includes an impeller and a speed sensor arranged to detect a speed associated with an impeller speed. A temperature sensor is arranged to detect a temperature associated with an impeller exit temperature. A controls system has impeller parameters, which includes the impeller speed and exit temperature. A calculation methodology is used to mathematically manipulate the impeller parameters to determine a remaining life of the impeller. A program response, such as a warning indication, is triggered by the control system in response to the remaining life reaching a threshold. The controls system monitors the speed and temperature of the impeller. The controls system internally calculates the remaining life based upon the speed and the temperature. In one example, a change in remaining life is calculated in response to a change in speed that results in an impeller stress that exceeds an endurance strength for the impeller.

Abstract: Actual temperatures of intake air, hydraulic oil, and coolant, to be cooled by a cooling fan, are detected. Target fan revolution speeds are determined by PI control units based on differences between the actual temperatures and target temperatures. The cooling fan is controlled based on the target fan revolution speeds. To restrict accumulation of negative integral elements when performing integration by the PI control units an integration start control system adapted to control the timing for each PI control unit to initiate integration is provided. Target temperatures for initiating integration are respectively set, and control is performed so that integral elements of each PI control unit are kept invalid until the actual temperature of the corresponding cooling target fluid, i.e. the intake air, the hydraulic oil, or the coolant, reaches the corresponding target temperature. Delay in rise of fan revolution speed is prevented.

Abstract: The present invention relates to control of a fan during which the power of the fan is determined from the characteristic curves of the fan motor, the operating parameters of the cooling system and the reference variables which are predefined in the form of temperature levels. The various temperature levels which are to be set have different associated characteristic curves for actuating the fan motor. If the reference variable for the control changes, this also means a change in the characteristic curves for actuating the fan motor. In order to prevent the fan motor from whining, the operation of the fan motor is kept constant for a settable minimum waiting time when the reference variable for the control of the fan changes.

Abstract: A wind turbine has a generator (7) with a connected rotor (3) having a hub (4) and blades (5) rotatably connected to the hub for adjusting the pitch angle. In a method of operating such a wind turbine under climatic conditions, where there is a risk of icing on the blades and no or weak wind, the generator is used as a motor for driving the rotor and the pitch angle of the blades is adjusted to ensure that the resulting wind substantially hits the leading edge of the blades. It is thus ensured that any icing only occurs on the leading edge of the blades. Any ice formed may be removed by means of de-icing in a known manner.

Abstract: A system and method for providing pressurised oil during non-feathered in-flight shutdown conditions in a variable-pitch aircraft propeller engine. A secondary pump provides pressurised oil substantially independent of an engine main oil circuit.

Abstract: A method for detecting ice on a wind turbine having a rotor and one or more rotor blades each having blade roots includes monitoring meteorological conditions relating to icing conditions and monitoring one or more physical characteristics of the wind turbine in operation that vary in accordance with at least one of the mass of the one or more rotor blades or a mass imbalance between the rotor blades. The method also includes using the one or more monitored physical characteristics to determine whether a blade mass anomaly exists, determining whether the monitored meteorological conditions are consistent with blade icing; and signaling an icing-related blade mass anomaly when a blade mass anomaly is determined to exist and the monitored meteorological conditions are determined to be consistent with icing.

Abstract: In an emergency cooling system (17) for a component (1) which is subject to thermal load in operation, in, e.g., a turbine, the component (1) has a wall (3) which, in operation, is acted on by heat on a first wall side (14) and is acted on by a flow of cooling fluid (11) on a second wall side (15). The wall (3) has at least one emergency cooling opening (12) which is closed off by a plug (16) and through which cooling fluid flows from the second wall side (15) to the first wall side (14) when the plug (16) is absent. The plug (16) is designed so as to melt at a predetermined temperature. The plug (16) is a body which is produced separately from the component (1), the plug (16) being inserted into the emergency cooling opening (12), in which it is connected to the component (1).

Abstract: In an assembly including a diesel engine, a fluid coupling connected to the flywheel of the diesel engine, a comminuting machine and a conveyor for feeding the comminuting machine, a fluid coupling module is common to various output power train assemblies. Slip speed of the fluid coupling between impeller input and runner output shafts is measured, and modulates or regulates the process feed rate of the conveyer. An electrically actuated control valve acts as an oil flow diverter valve directing oil into the fluid coupling impeller when a signal to engage the coupling is given, and in response to a signal from an over-temperature sensor when the temperature of circuit oil leaving the element exceeds a preset set point value, diverts the oil to a reservoir, thereby permitting the impeller and runner cavity to evacuate, which separates the engine from the load.

Abstract: A method for operating a rotary machine is provided. The rotary machine includes a stationary member and a rotatable member wherein the rotatable member is configured to rotate at least partially within the stationary member. The method includes determining an off-normal operating condition of the rotary machine facilitating undesirable contact between the rotatable member and the stationary member, monitoring a parameter associated with the off-normal operating condition, and preventing operation of the rotary machine while the monitored parameter is within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A control for changing direction of air flow through a cooling core in response to an external signal and a purge signal includes a logic circuit and a relay assembly. The logic circuit generates a fan control signal based on the external signal, which causes the fan to turn on and operate in a cooling mode and generate an air flow through the cooling core in a first direction, or operate in a neutral mode with reduced or no air flow through the cooling core. The logic circuit also includes at least one timer that internally generates the purge signal, which is then transmitted by the logic circuit to the relay assembly. The purge signal overrides the fan control signal and causes the fan to operate in a purge mode, which causes air flow through the cooling core in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A method for controlling fan operation that includes detecting a stopped fan and attempting to start the stopped fan. The method includes attempting to start the stopped fan again after at least one first time interval when the fan does not start. The method includes attempting to start the stopped fan again after at least one second time interval when the fan does not start after a predetermined number of first time intervals, where the at least one second time interval is longer than the first time interval.

Abstract: Methods and Apparatuses for deicing a wind turbine blade are described herein. In one embodiment, an exemplary process includes detecting an icy condition on a wind turbine blade and causing at least a portion of the wind turbine blade to vibrate, causing the ice built up on the wind turbine blade to break off.

Abstract: An electronic control device for opening and closing valves in a valve assembly that actuates a variable pitch fan system capable of operating in a plurality of fan blade pitch positions including a temperature switch actuated in response to a temperature condition of the engine, a pressure switch in series with the temperature switch and actuated in response to a pressure condition of the variable pitch fan system, and a time delay relay control in parallel with the temperature switch and the pressure switch for transmitting a timed signal therefrom. The device also includes a first solenoid in series with the pressure switch, a second solenoid in series with the time delay relay control and connected to the first solenoid, and wherein transmission of at least one of the timed signal, the temperature condition signal, and the pressure condition signal opens or closes the valves of the valve assembly of the variable pitch fan system.

Abstract: A damped blade is provided that includes a blade structural member defining at least one coolant channel and a liner formed of a shape memory alloy extending at least partially along the at least one coolant channel defined by the blade structural member. The shape memory alloy that forms the liner is maintained generally at its transition temperature by means of coolant circulated through the coolant channel. The shape memory alloy that forms the liner will resist the onset of vibrations within the blade, thereby effectively damping blade vibrations. A method of fabricating a damped blade is also provided.

Abstract: A fan assembly includes a first fan and a second fan. The first fan has a first housing and a first blade assembly. The first blade assembly includes a plurality of blades attached to a hub, and is configured to rotate about a first axis of rotation in a first direction. The second fan includes a second housing and a second blade assembly. The second blade assembly also includes a plurality of blades attached to a hub. The second blade assembly, however, is configured to rotate about a second axis of rotation in a second direction that is opposite the first direction of rotation. The first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation can be coincidental or they can be slightly offset.

Abstract: A cooling air flow control device for a gas turbine engine, the cooling air flow control device comprising a component, a cooling passage defined within the component and a shaped memory metal valve, the shaped memory metal valve disposed in the cooling passage to regulate, in use, the flow rate of a cooling air flow supplied, in operation, through the cooling passage wherein the shaped memory metal valve operates by changing shape to control the flow rate of the cooling air flow in response to the temperature of the component.

Abstract: At least one adjustable restricting point is introduced into the cooling air path of a coolable gas turbine component, and means which make it possible to change this restricting point during the operation of the machine are provided. In this way it is possible to adapt the amount of cooling air fed to the component continuously to the specific operating conditions.

Abstract: Composite rotor blades are constructed from a honeycombed polymer interior core structure having a bonded glass skin covering associated with the top and bottom surfaces thereof. Over time, environmental conditions lead to cracks or fissures in the glass skin coverings allowing moisture to accumulate in the interior honeycomb core of the blade. The present apparatus and method removes this accumulated moisture from composite rotor blades as well as from other objects constructed of polymer composite materials in general and includes an atmospherically sealed container of sufficient size to house the rotor blades or other objects within the container. The apparatus includes support fixturing for holding the rotor blades or other objects suspended within the container, a dehumidifier to reduce the moisture level of the air cycled through the container, a heater to control the temperature within the container, and a vacuum mechanism for controlling the pressure inside the container.

Abstract: A wiring system for an electrothermal propeller deicer for both left and right hand rotating propellers, where the deicer has leads extending therefrom and terminating in a connector which mates with a connector connecting leads from the power supply. The mated connectors are secured in a support bracket attached to the propeller blade hub using an adjustable, flexible, self connecting strap which can be removed without removing the support bracket during deicer replacement.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling an aircraft engine with a single, manually-operable lever includes structure and function for generating a pilot thrust command from the single lever. A processor is coupled to the single lever and (i) receives the generated pilot thrust command, (ii) receives a plurality of detected ambient air flight conditions, (iii) receives a plurality of detected engine performance parameters, (iv) determines first and second engine control commands based on the received pilot thrust command, the detected ambient air flight conditions, and the engine performance parameters, and (v) outputs first and second output signals respectively corresponding to the first and second engine control commands. Preferably, the engine control commands comprise propeller RPM and engine inlet manifold air pressure commands, and the detected ambient air flight conditions comprise air speed and altitude.

Abstract: The system connects a power supply conductor to an electrical de-icing device of a blade by at least one cable with a first section connected to the power supply conductor by a connector and to a second section with an aerial brace in a flattened half-loop, connected to the de-icing device of the blade by a second connector, installed on the blade, by means of a third rectilinear and flat section, and of a second aerial brace. The first brace, of non-shielded structure, with an elongated part of flattened substantially rectangular transverse section, and with the concavity turned towards retaining and articulation means of a retaining part of the blade to the hub, is connected to the part by an articulation at least pivoting around a substantially parallel axis of pitch of the blade.

Abstract: In a turbine rotor, an aft shaft wheel and the final-stage wheel of the rotor are coupled together, including by a rabbeted joint. During shutdown and startup of the turbine, a thermal mismatch between the aft shaft wheel and final-stage wheel is avoided by respectively heating and cooling the aft shaft wheel to maintain the thermal mismatch within acceptable limits, thereby avoiding opening of the rabbeted joint and the potential for unbalancing the rotor and rotor vibration. The thermal medium may be supplied by piping in the aft bearing cavity into the cavity between the forward closure plate and the aft shaft wheel.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling an aircraft engine with a single, manually-operable lever includes structure and function for generating a pilot thrust command from the single lever. A processor is coupled to the single lever and (i) receives the generated pilot thrust command, (ii) receives a plurality of detected ambient air flight conditions, (iii) receives a plurality of detected engine performance parameters, (iv) determines first and second engine control commands based on the received pilot thrust command, the detected ambient air flight conditions, and the engine performance parameters, and (v) outputs first and second output signals respectively corresponding to the first and second engine control commands. Preferably, the engine control commands comprise propeller RPM and engine inlet manifold air pressure commands, and the detected ambient air flight conditions comprise air speed and altitude.