Abstract: Systems and methods for blade health monitoring are provided. According to one embodiment of the disclosure, a system may include a feature extraction module and an anomaly detection module in communication with the extraction module. The feature extraction module may be configured to continuously receive blade passing signal data associated with clearance of a blade and pre-process the blade passing signal data. Blade clearance feature data may be extracted from the blade passing signal data prior to transmission to the anomaly detection module. The anomaly detection module may be configured to normalize the blade clearance feature data received from the extraction module, analyze the blade clearance feature data to detect a shift in the clearance of the blade, and determine an abnormality of the blade based on the shift exceeding a predetermined shift threshold.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for monitoring a gearbox of a wind energy installation comprising. The invention further relates to a corresponding computer program product, a corresponding monitoring system for monitoring a gearbox of a wind energy installation and a corresponding wind energy installation.

Abstract: The present application provides a method of inspecting a bond joint. The method may include the steps of applying an exothermic adhesive to a first shell and/or a second shell, attaching the first shell to the second shell via the exothermic adhesive to create the bond joint, allowing the exothermic adhesive to cure, and imaging the heat released by the exothermic adhesive along the bond joint. The bond joint may be a turbine blade bond joint.

Abstract: A wind turbine blade has a suction side shell member and a pressure side shell member. The shell members are joined along a leading and trailing edge from a root to a tip of the blade and defining an internal cavity of the blade. A pressure sensor is configured on at least one of the suction or pressure side shell members. The pressure sensor further includes a body mounted to an inner surface of the respective shell member within the internal cavity. A sensing element has a first side exposed to external air pressure through a passage in the respective shell member, and an opposite second side exposed to a reference pressure. Control circuitry within the body generates a variable output signal as a function of a pressure differential between the external air pressure and reference pressure experienced by the sensing element.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting aerodynamic conditions of a rotor blade (22) of a wind turbine (10). An acoustic sensor (24) may be remotely located from the rotor blade. The sensor may be focused to monitor a portion of a blade path swept by the rotor blade to detect an aerodynamic condition such as flow separation, and may provide input to a controller (27) for control of a pitch of the blade effective to prevent the flow separation from developing into a full stall condition. One sensor may be focused to monitor blades of more than one wind turbine. A plurality of such sensors in a wind park may be connected to a supervisory controller (120) to predict the propagation of wind conditions progressing through the park.

Abstract: A method of determining rotor blade axial displacement (bij). The rotor blade tip (34) comprises first and second measurement features (36, 38) arranged to make an acute angle therebetween. Measure time of arrival (tijk) of the once per revolution feature (1), first and second edges (40, 42) of the first measurement feature (36), and first and second edges (44, 46) of the second measurement feature (38), for at least two revolutions of the rotor (2). Convert these to circumferential distances (dijk) for each revolution. Calculate a feature angle (?ijk) between each measurement feature (36, 38) and the once per revolution feature (1) for each revolution. Calculate blade untwist angle (?ij) from the change in feature angle (?ijk) between measured revolutions. Calculate the rotor blade axial displacement (bij) from the blade untwist angle (?ij) and the circumferential distance (dijk) of the point from one of the measurement features (36, 38).

Abstract: A capacitive sensor for measuring the clearance between the apex of the vanes of a rotor and the inner surface of an abradable coating covering the inner surface of a turbomachine casing, the clearance measuring capacitive sensor including a first electrode the material of which is abradable so as to get worn upon contacting an apex of a vane, the material of the first electrode having a degree of wear substantially identical to the degree of wear of the material of the abradable coating.

Abstract: The invention provides a heat-dissipating system and a control method thereof. The heat-dissipating system has a plurality of fans and is configured for adjusting rotation-speeds of the fans. The control method includes following steps: obtaining a plurality of rotation-speed values of the fans; computing out a rotation-speed reference value according to the rotation-speed values; when the rotation-speed reference value is greater than a first threshold value, decreasing the rotation-speeds of the fans through a corresponding fan control signal; when the rotation-speed reference value is less than a second threshold value, increasing the rotation-speeds of the fans through the corresponding fan control signal.

Abstract: A wind turbine yaw system is provided that includes a yaw gear, at least two pinion gears, and at least two drive units, each of which is associated to one of the pinion gears for driving that pinion gear. The yaw system also includes a control system with a controller for generating a drive unit control signal for each drive unit for controlling the respective drive unit according to a reference signal having a desired operational parameter value for the respective drive unit, so as to realize the desired operational parameter value in the respective drive unit. The control system includes a feedback loop for each drive unit feeding a drive unit feedback signal including at least the actual value of one operational parameter of the respective drive unit back to the controller. The controller generates the drive unit control signals based on the reference signal and the feedback signals.

Abstract: A wind turbine blade is configured such that the lift force from the blade airfoil is always normal, or nearly normal, to the shaft torque. This condition maximizes energy conversion. This objective may be achieved by a) having the airfoil chord always aligned to the actual wind direction (subject only to small angle of attack variations), and b) slowing the turbine rotation rate so that no blade twist is needed. As a result, blade tip speed due to shaft rotation is less than the wind speed, and preferably much less. This low tip speed eliminates any hazard to birds. The lift force from the blade airfoil directly drives the torque on the shaft, so the control problem simplifies to adjusting the blade angle of attack to keep the lift constant across varying wind speeds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wind turbine comprising a rotor hub (7) rotating about a rotor axis (8), rotor blades (9, 10, 11) extending radially with respect to the rotor axis (8) at the same angular spacing relative to one another, and a remote wind gauge (19) that is fastened externally on the surface of the hub (7) in a mounting (20) and oriented such that wind characteristics at a distance in front of the hub (7) can be ascertained or measured, wherein the remote wind gauge (19) is arranged between two neighbouring rotor blades (9, 10) and in the radial direction of the rotor axis (8) and the mounting (20) is fastened to a respective blade bearing flange (21, 22) in the region of the connection of the rotor hub (7) to the rotor blades (9, 10), such that the remote wind gauge (19) can be retrofitted to the wind turbine (1).

Abstract: A fan test device to connect a motherboard and a fan includes a control chip, a first connector, a second connector, a first switch chip, a second switch chip, a first electronic switch, and a second electronic switch. The control chip is connected to sensing pins of the first and second connectors. The first electronic switch is connected between a power terminal and a power pin of the first connector. The second electronic switch is connected between the power terminal and a power pin of the second connector. The control chip outputs different signals corresponding to the connection of the first and second connectors to control the first and second switch chips.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring turbine rotor-to-stator clearances and a method for assembling a turbomachine based on the measured clearances are disclosed. In an embodiment, at least one clearance sensor is inserted into a stator of a turbomachine. Using the sensor, tops-on clearance between a rotor blade tip and an inner surface of a stator is measured while an upper stator shell, a rotor, a lower stator shell are assembled together; and a tops-off clearance is measured while the lower stator shell and a rotor are assembled together. A tops-on/tops-off shift, i.e., a difference between the tops-on clearance and the tops-off clearance, is determined. The turbine can be assembled by adjusting a relative position of the rotor and stator to account for the tops-on/tops-off shift.

Abstract: A system comprising a first wind turbine structure and a second wind turbine structure, wherein the first wind turbine structure and the second wind turbine structure are rotatable with respect to each other is provided. A safety bearing element is mounted to the first wind turbine structure such that the second wind turbine structure is in slideable contact with a contact surface of the safety bearing element if a distance between the first wind turbine structure and the second wind turbine structure is reduced below a predetermined reference value. The safety bearing element comprises an electrical indicating circuitry with an indicating conductor, wherein the indicating circuitry is connectable to a wear controller system such that a signal is generatable by the indicating circuitry and transmitted to the wear controller system until the indicating conductor is damaged due to the slideable contact of the second wind turbine structure with the safety bearing element.

Abstract: An opposed-flow steam turbine having an HP section and an IP section connected by a shaft, with mid-span packing surrounding the shaft in a region between the HP and IP sections; and a steam conduit extending from the mid-span packing and through a shell of the turbine; the steam conduit incorporating a pressure tap for directly and continuously measuring pressure in the mid-span packing during operation of the steam turbine.

Abstract: An active sensing system for wind turbines is described. The sensing system may include a plurality of ports, a local sensing device and a load mitigation device and may be operably coupled to a control system. The plurality of ports, local sensing device, and load mitigation device may be operably coupled and configured to monitor air pressure on wind turbine blades, determine if proper sensing operation is occurring, and eradicate an obstruction if proper sensing operation is being prevented by the obstruction. Associated methods performing the sensing and eradication of the obstruction including purging and deicing are disclosed. Wind turbines and wind turbine blades with the active sensing system are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a test blade for a blade-release test. The blade is arranged in use to be mounted on a hub for rotation, and to be released therefrom by the action of a controlled explosion. The blade is arranged to receive at least one explosive charge and at least one detonator for detonating the charge. The blade further comprises a cut-through portion extending completely through the blade from a front face to a rear face, the cut-through portion also extending part way along the blade in an axial direction between a leading edge and a trailing edge of the blade.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting ice on a rotor blade of a wind turbine are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method may include releasing a pitch brake of a pitch adjustment mechanism associated with the rotor blade, controlling the pitch adjustment mechanism so as to maintain the rotor blade at a fixed pitch angle, monitoring a pitch-related parameter of the wind turbine while the rotor blade is maintained at the fixed pitch angle, and analyzing the monitored pitch-related parameter to determine whether ice is present on the rotor blade.

Abstract: A fan system suitable for an electronic device is provided. The fan system includes a fan module and a fan protecting module. The fan module includes a base and a fan blade assembly. The base is disposed at the electronic device and has a chamber. The fan blade assembly includes a fan blade and a shaft portion. The fan blade is fixed on the shaft portion. The shaft portion is rotatably contained in the chamber. The fan protecting module includes an electromagnetic component and an accelerometer. The electromagnetic component is disposed at a position adjacent to the shaft portion. The accelerometer is disposed in the electronic device and coupled to the electromagnetic component. When an acceleration of the electronic device detected by the accelerometer is greater than a threshold value, the electromagnetic component applies magnetic force to the shaft portion to prevent the shaft portion from overly shifting or deflecting.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of aligning a wind turbine component with a wind turbine rotor hub, comprising providing the component with a support comprising at least one adjustable element and adjusting said at least one element to align the wind turbine component. The invention further relates to a system for aligning a wind turbine component with a wind turbine rotor hub comprising a support with at least one adjustable element supporting said wind turbine component, such that said wind turbine component can be aligned by adjusting said at least one element.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to methods and systems for operating a wind turbine that, in some embodiments may include a gearbox. The wind turbine is provided with a blade having an adjustable pitch angle and the tip speed ratio (TSR) of the blade is monitored. In operation, the method and system is configured to increase the pitch angle of the blade concurrently with an increase in TSR to maintain turbine operation within an identified high power coefficient (Cp) operational region for the blade. TSR may be monitored by monitoring one of the velocity of the tip of the blade, wind speed, the rotational speed of the blade, or the rotational speed of a component within the gearbox.

Abstract: A sunlight filter device for a helicopter blade tracker includes a filter housing, a filter assembly and a mounting system. The filter housing has a first opening, a second opening and a receiving cavity formed between the first opening and the second opening. The filter assembly is mounted in the receiving cavity of the filter housing, and is adapted to block sunlight. The mounting system extends from the filter housing to securely mount the filter housing on the helicopter blade tracker.

Abstract: An abnormal vibration detection unit which is capable of stopping a wind turbine generator when excessive vibration is detected. The vibration detection unit has first and second acceleration detectors, a calculation device, a filtering relay, and a safety system which performs an emergency stop of the wind turbine generator in accordance with an output terminal of the filtering relay. The filtering relay has a filter circuit to extract a frequency component from the second analog output signal. The calculation device generates a predicted value of the output signal of the filter circuit part, and detects a failure of the first and second acceleration detectors or the filter circuit part by comparing the predicted value of the output signal of the filter circuit part with a measured value of the output signal of the filter circuit part received from the filtering relay.

Abstract: A method of checking a wind turbine in a wind farm with a number of wind turbines for a yaw misalignment is provided. In this method, the yaw angles of at least a subset of wind turbines of the wind farm are ascertained, an average yaw angle is established from the ascertained yaw angles, and a yaw misalignment of the wind turbine to be checked is identified by a deviation of its yaw angle from the average yaw angle by more than a threshold value.

Abstract: A system and method for pressure based load measurement are provided. The system and method measure at least one pressure differential on an airfoil and determine at least one aerodynamic load associated with the at least one pressure differential. The determined at least one load is used to modify characteristics of the airfoil to increase efficiency and/or avoid damage. The determined at least one aerodynamic load may be further utilized to balance and/or optimize loads at the airfoil, estimate a load distribution along the airfoil used to derive other metrics about the airfoil, and/or used in a distributed control system to increase efficiency and/or reduce damage to, e.g., one or more wind turbines.

Abstract: A method for reducing loads acting on a wind turbine in response to transient wind conditions is disclosed. The method may generally include determining an actual value for a blade parameter of a rotor blade of the wind turbine using a first sensor associated with the rotor blade, monitoring a secondary operating parameter of the wind turbine using a second sensor, determining a predicted value for the blade parameter based on the secondary operating parameter, comparing the actual value to the predicted value and performing a corrective action to reduce the loads acting on the wind turbine if the actual value differs from the predicted value by at least a differential threshold.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a flapping measurement system may include a position sensor and a controller. The position sensor may be disposed on the flapping plane of a rotor blade and operable to provide position measurements identifying locations of the position sensor during operation of the rotor blade. The controller may be operable to identify flapping of the rotor blade based on the position measurements.

Abstract: A core for a composite structure is described. The core has first and second core layers, and an interlayer region between the first and second core layers. At least one of the first and second core layers has hinge portions that facilitate draping of the core without interrupting the interlayer region. The interlayer region may include functionality such as a radar reflecting layer and/or optical fibres. Alternatively, the core may be a bonded core in which the interlayer region includes an adhesive layer for bonding the first and second core layers together.

Abstract: A device for detecting the axial position of a rotary shaft of a rotary machine comprises a target of ferromagnetic material placed at the end of the rotary shaft, an induction coil associated with a stationary magnetic circuit and placed facing the target while leaving an airgap, and a power supply circuit. The power supply circuit comprises an AC voltage source connected between a first end of the induction coil and a zone situated at a reference voltage, at least one capacitor connected between the ends of the induction coil, and a detector device interposed between a second end of the induction coil and the zone situated at the reference voltage, in order to deliver on a line information about the magnitude of the current flowing between the second end and the zone situated at the reference voltage.

Abstract: A fiber optic sensor is embedded in an integral housing block formed by molding or extrusion. The housing block has a mounting surface for attachment to a wind turbine component by adhesive or mechanical connection. In an arrangement where the sensor is to be isolated from strains on the component, the housing block may be mounted on the component by means of a smaller mounting portion, joining the mounting portion at a neck region.

Abstract: A machine includes a rotor supported to rotate about a rotational axis and an actuator arranged to act on the rotor and control a position of the rotor about the rotational axis. A bladed turbomachine wheel is coupled to the rotor and has blade tips that pass closely to an adjacent, non-rotating surface. A sensor is adjacent to the turbomachine wheel and arranged to sense the blade tips and output a position signal representative of the position of blade tips relative to the sensor. A controller is coupled to the sensor and the actuator and is adapted to receive the position signal from the sensor and generate and send a control signal to the actuator to control the position of the rotor based on the position signal from the sensor.

Abstract: A system for detecting a defect in a hollow blade includes a pressure sensor mounted within a cavity of the hollow blade, wherein the pressure sensor measures a pressure within the cavity and provides an output indicative of measured pressure; and a controller to receive the output from the pressure sensor, wherein the controller indicates a defect in the hollow blade based upon the received output.

Abstract: A method and arrangement of controlling blade pitch angle of a set of rotor blades. The method comprises providing a target blade pitch angle to a controller mounted on the rotor; measuring the speed of rotation of the rotor using a rate gyro mounted on the rotor; calculating the blade pitch angle required to match the target blade pitch angle by summing the target blade pitch angle and the measured rotational speed; and actuating the blades to the calculated blade pitch angle.

Abstract: A wind energy systems includes a shroud for each turbine. The shroud is adapted to direct and accelerate wind towards the turbine. A strong adaptable support assembly is provided for securing turbines to a structure. An air glide yaw assembly facilitates rotational movement of the structure allowing the turbines to face oncoming wind. The turbine blades are optimized for use with a shroud.

Abstract: A heat dissipation device is for dissipating heat generated from an electronic device, and includes at least one fan and a control device. The control device detects a rotational speed of each of the at least one fan, determines whether the rotational speed of the at least one fan is less than a predetermined value, and determines whether an notification signal is output based on the determination.

Abstract: A system includes a creep indicating member on a rotating component, and a measurement device configured to measure a change in radial position of the creep indicating member. The system allows determination of, for example, rotating component life expectancy in a turbine, without exposing the rotating component.

Abstract: A sensor assembly for use with a wind turbine rotor blade is provided. The sensor assembly includes an air data probe including a base shaft, a tip, and a rod portion extending therebetween, wherein the rod portion is fabricated from a composite material. The sensor assembly includes a receptacle configured to couple within the leading edge of the rotor blade for receiving the base shaft therein such that the tip extends a distance from the leading edge when the base shaft is received within the receptacle.

Abstract: A method of determining a degree of yaw error of a wind turbine is provided. The method includes obtaining wind pressure measurement values from in front of the rotor plane, which wind pressure measurement values exhibit a periodic nature related to a rotation of a spinner of the wind turbine, performing a signal processing step to process the wind pressure measurement values to determine a phase offset of the wind pressure measurement values relative to an angular reference, and deriving a yaw error angle from the phase offset. A method of establishing a relationship between a phase offset of wind pressure measurement values and a degree of yaw error of a wind turbine, a yaw error determination unit, and a wind turbine are also provided.

Abstract: A method for measurement of a film cooling effect is disclosed. Film cooling is a technique developed to protect gas turbine engine components from the extremely high temperatures created during its operation. A controlled air pressure is ducted into the hollow interior of the component and the mass rate of air flowing through the plurality of film cooling features or openings is measured. A coolant is then injected into the hollow interior of the component and allowed to flow out of a film cooling feature onto the heated outer surface of the component. The resulting infrared signature is a measure of the relative cooling effect generated by the individual film cool feature. The film cooling effect for an individual feature is quantified as the proportion of mass rate of airflow contributed by its relative individual cooling effect. The area, location and shape of the cooling effect are further classified to determine the degree of conformance to its design intent.

Abstract: A method for operating a wind power plant (WEA) before or during the performance of maintenance work on the wind power plant (WEA). At least one physical condition of the surroundings outside the wind power plant (WEA) induced by wind movement outside the wind power plant (WEA) is detected as an external physical condition. At least one physical condition of a component of the wind power plant (WEA) influenced by wind movement outside the wind power plant (WEA) is detected as an internal physical condition. The at least one external physical condition and/or at least one internal physical condition are evaluated. The at least one external physical condition is compared with a predetermined reference value for the external physical condition. The at least one internal physical condition is compared with a predetermined reference value for the internal physical condition. Depending on the comparison, at least one warning message is generated.

Abstract: A rotor system is provided wherein coaxial, closely spaced multi-bladed rotors counter-rotate at extremely low RPMs while their pitches are controlled to account for wind gusts and velocity conditions, thereby eliminating many of the deficiencies of conventional helicopters. The embodiments can dramatically decrease the power required to lift a given quantity of weight, even beyond the level required by a typical airplane.

Abstract: An indicating circuit for indicating the rotation speed of a fan includes a rotation speed indicating module connected to the fan and receiving rotation speed signals from the fan. The indicating circuit includes a switch and a light emitting element. If the received signal is a high level signal, the switch is turned on, and the light emitting element emits light. If the reeived signal is a low level signal, the switch is turned off, and the light emitting element does not emit light.

Abstract: A multi-stage gear box (122) of a wind power plant, wherein the gear box (122) includes a gear box housing (125). The gear box (122) includes at least one access opening for the insertion of a work instrument into the gear box housing (125) or respectively into the interior of the gear box housing (125) is provided on the outside of the gear box housing (125) and in that at least one guiding device (201, 202, 203, 204, 205) is provided for the work instrument inside the gear box housing (125) so that the work instrument is moveable and/or positionable within the guiding device (201, 202, 203, 204, 205). Parts of the gear box (122) in the gear box housing (125) are checked and/or worked by a work instrument inserted or arranged or arrangeable in the guiding device (201, 202, 203, 204, 205).

Abstract: An upwind wind turbine includes a tilting coupling mechanism configured to couple base end portions of blades to a hub such that the blades can tilt between a normal position and a retracted position in which the blades are tilted in a downwind direction relative to the normal position. The upwind wind turbine also includes a tilting drive operating in association with the tilting coupling mechanism to switch the positions of the blades and a rotation stop to stop the rotation of the rotor. When the blades are switched to the retracted position, the rotation stop is actuated to stop the rotor in a predetermined rotational position in which the blades can tilt without interference with the tower, and the tilting drive is actuated to tilt the blades to the retracted position after stop of the rotation of the rotor.

Abstract: A tip shroud of a bladed rotor can be monitored for integrity using a sensor configured to detect the tip shroud. A signal from the sensor can be monitored and if the magnitude of the signal changes, such as beyond a defined amount, an indication of possible damage can be made. A baseline sensed pattern for a revolution of the tip shroud can be compared to an operation sensed pattern for a subsequent revolution, and the indication of damage can be made if there is more than the defined amount and/or percentage of difference between the patterns.

Abstract: An adjustable height pressure sensing port arrangement is provided. In some example, the pressure sensing port may be arranged on an airfoil, such as wind turbine blade. The pressure sensing port arrangement may include a pressure sensing port body and a spring arranged within the port body. The pressure sensing port arrangement may further include a pressure sensing port arranged vertically above the spring and a rotatable capture disk arranged vertically above the port. The capture disk may be rotated to adjust a height of the capture disk. Further, the spring may be arranged to force an alignment feature of the pressure sensing port into an alignment feature on the rotatable capture disk in order to secure the port and capture disk in place.

Abstract: A method of deploying offshore wind turbine assemblies includes mounting a wind turbine assembly horizontally on a vessel and transporting the wind turbine assembly to an offshore site. The wind turbine assembly is raised to a vertical condition at the site and attached to anchor weights. Blades are attached to the turbine head after the wind turbine assembly is in the vertical condition. In one embodiment, the wind turbine assembly can include a tower including tapered lower and upper sections joined together at their respective wide ends, a turbine head connected to the upper section, and a platform connected to the lower section. The platform includes a buoy tank partially filled with ballast to provide mass and buoyancy. A wave piercing cowling is rotatively attached to the lower section. The turbine head can include an adjustable journal bearing, scabbard blade mounts, and a gearless induction generator with flux adjusting capabilities.

Abstract: The invention refers to a system and method for reinforcing a weakened area of a wind turbine blade whose interior comprises a box beam extending from the blade root to the blade tip and wherein said box beam comprises an open end at the blade root. The system is characterized by comprising a repair module (100) adapted for moving inside the box beam and transporting a reinforcement element (107) from the blade root to the weakened area; and by the repair module (100), which is adapted for applying the reinforcement element (107) onto a interior surface of the box beam in the weakened area.

Abstract: A wind turbine has a Lidar device to sense wind conditions upstream of the wind turbine. Wind speed signals from the wind turbine are processed to detect an extreme operating gust. The detection is performed by differentiating the axial wind velocity and filtering for a period of time. On detection of extreme operating gust the system controller takes necessary evasive action which may include shutting down the turbine or varying the blade pitch angle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for monitoring wind turbines, generally comprising a microphone for picking up acoustic emissions from a wind turbine and outputting a signal corresponding to the emissions; a filter for splitting the signal into a plurality of signals according to a plurality of frequency bands; and a processor for processing the plurality of signals and generating sound level data corresponding to at least a subset of the frequency bands. The system compares the sound level data with a sound threshold and generates an alarm signal when the sound level data exceeds the sound threshold. Alternatively, the system may include different thresholds corresponding to the different frequency bands, and an alarm can be generated when one or more of the different thresholds are exceeded by the different signals in the different frequency bands.