Abstract: An apparatus for transferring data between bodies undergoing rotation is provided. The bodies in question may be wind turbine components such as a turbine drive shaft and a stationary part of the turbine, such as nacelle gearbox. A data or control signal can therefore be transmitted between a rotating member, such as a turbine blade, and equipment in the nacelle. The apparatus comprises two members that are placed adjacent and opposing one another, and on the opposing surface of which a number of electrical paths are provided. The closed electrical paths do not enclose the rotational axis. At least one of the loops is energized with a carrier high frequency oscillating signal to create a flux that threads the loop on the opposing member. Modulation of the carrier frequency allows signals to be transmitted between the members.

Abstract: A control system may be used for rotor blade control. The control system comprises a number of turbulence sensors provided across the surface of a wind turbine blade. The control system monitors the turbulence sensors and when turbulent airflow is detected controls an aerodynamic parameter of the blades. In one embodiment, the parameter is the pitch of the rotor blades. This means that stall-like blade conditions can be avoided, and power generation from the wind turbine can be optimized. The control system may also use measurements of output power to be considered in combination with the turbulence based measurements to add a higher level of responsiveness and precise control.

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: The invention comprises a turbulence sensor and sensor system for determining the condition of a wind turbine blade. A turbulence sensor comprises a sensor membrane provided in the surface of a wind turbine blade. A light source and light detector provided in a sensor cavity in the blade illuminate the sensor membrane and detect the light reflected back. The reflected light is mixed with non-reflected light to give an interference pattern indicative of the quality of the airflow, whether it is laminar or turbulent. The turbulence sensor can be used in a sensor system for detecting the accumulation of unwanted matter, such as dirt or ice, on the blade.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor system and method for detecting deformation in a wind turbine rotor blade, and particularly to a temperature compensated system and method. A first optic fiber 22b is attached to the rotor blade such that deformation of the component acts on the first optical fiber and causes the optical path length of the fiber to change. A second optic fiber 27 is mounted loosely in the wind turbine component in such a way that it is not subject to deformation. A light source 10, a light detector 11, and a controller 12 input light into the two optical fibers and receive signals from them. Based on the detected light, the controller can determine the optical path length based on the light signals. In different embodiments, the light source varies the input wavelength over a range of wavelengths, provides a multi wavelength light signal, such as a white light source, or inputs a pulsed light signal.

Abstract: A wind turbine rotor blade having a strain sensor system is described. The strain sensor is insensitive to the effect of twisting motions or edge-wise bending on the measurement of the strain. The sensor comprises one or more strain sensing devices arranged in a circular or regular polygon shaped path enclosing a region of the component. In the sensor system, a plurality of strain sensors are spaced longitudinally along a flap-wise axis of the wind turbine rotor blade.

Abstract: A control system for rotor blade control is discussed. The control system comprises a number of turbulence sensors provided across the surface of a wind turbine blade. The control system monitors the turbulence sensors and when turbulent air flow is detected controls an aerodynamic parameter of the of the blades. In one embodiment, the parameter is the pitch of the rotor blades. This means that stall-like blade conditions can be avoided, and power generation from the wind turbine can be optimised. The control system may also use measurements of output power as a control system to which the turbulence based measurements add extra responsivity and finer control.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring data between bodies undergoing rotation is provided. The bodies in question may be wind turbine components such as a turbine drive shaft and a stationary part of the turbine, such as nacelle gearbox. A data or control signal can therefore be transmitted between a rotating member, such as a turbine blade, and equipment in the nacelle. The apparatus comprises two members that are placed adjacent and opposing one another, and on the opposing surface of which a number of electrical paths are provided. The closed electrical paths do not enclose the rotational axis. At least one of the loops is energised with a carrier high frequency oscillating signal to create a flux that threads the loop on the opposing member. Modulation of the carrier frequency allows signals to be transmitted between the members.

Abstract: The invention comprises a turbulence sensor and sensor system for determining the condition of a wind turbine blade. A turbulence sensor comprises a sensor membrane provided in the surface of a wind turbine blade. A light source and light detector provided in a sensor cavity in the blade illuminate the sensor membrane and detect the light reflected back. The reflected light is mixed with non-reflected light to give an interference pattern indicative of the quality of the airflow, whether it is laminar or turbulent. The turbulence sensor can be used in a sensor system for detecting the accumulation of unwanted matter, such as dirt or ice, on the blade.

Abstract: A wind turbine rotor blade having a strain sensor system is described. The strain sensor is insensitive to the effect of twisting motions or edge-wise bending on the measurement of the strain. The sensor comprises one or more strain sensing devices arranged in a circular or regular polygon shaped path enclosing a region of the component.

Abstract: A fibre optic sensor is embedded in an integral housing block formed by moulding 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: The invention relates to a sensor system and method for detecting deformation in a wind turbine rotor blade, and particularly to a temperature compensated system and method. A first optic fibre 22b is attached to the rotor blade such that deformation of the component acts on the first optical fibre and causes the optical path length of the fibre to change. A second optic fibre 27 is mounted loosely in the wind turbine component in such a way that it is not subject to deformation. A light source 10, a light detector 11, and a controller 12 input light into the two optical fibres and receive signals from them. Based on the detected light, the controller can determine the optical path length based on the light signals. In different embodiments, the light source varies the input wavelength over a range of wavelengths, provides a multi wavelength light signal, such as a white light source, or inputs a pulsed light signal.