Abstract: A wind turbine includes a sensor for determining a position indicative of a yaw bearing of the wind turbine.

Abstract: A fan air flow measurement sensor comprising a housing having a sensor cap, a thermistor pair disposed within the housing, each thermistor projecting through the sensor cap a predetermined distance above the sensor cap, a flange extending normally from the housing, the flange engagable with a mounting surface, a sensor circuit comprising a multiplexer for controlling each thermistor, and for measuring a condition of each thermistor, and for receiving and transmitting signals, and a cable for connecting the sensor to a multiplexing circuit.

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: An embodiment of the present invention may provide a method and system for detecting icing on at least one wind turbine blade. An embodiment of the present invention takes the form of a software application and process that utilizes the measure wind speed to detect icing on at least one wind turbine blade.

Abstract: A wind turbine includes an electrical stall sensor configured on a pressure surface of at least one turbine blade at a location to detect backflow in a stall condition. The stall sensor includes a flap pivotally configured on the respective pressure surface so as to be moved from a first position towards a second position by backflow over the pressure surface during a stall condition. A sensor circuit responds to movement of the flap between the first and second positions and generates a corresponding electrical signal that indicates the stall condition.

Abstract: In order to prevent minor deviations from expected operation in a yawing system before they lead to larger deviations, there is in accordance with a method aspect of the invention disclosed monitoring and determining deviation from an expected operation in a yawing system of a wind turbine. The method includes inputting a rotation angle input to at least one of a plurality of yaw motors, sensing an angular output of at least one of the plurality of yaw motors, receiving the rotation angle input to the at least one of the plurality of yaw motors in a signal processor, receiving the angular output of the at least one of the plurality of yaw motors, comparing at least two of the received signals, and/or comparing a mathematical relation of two of the received signals with a reference, and hereby determining whether there is any deviation from the expected operation.

Abstract: A wind turbine includes a wind turbine blade and a foreign matter detection device disposed on the wind turbine blade for detecting an accumulation of foreign matter on the wind turbine blade. The detection device automatically sends an indication when a threshold level of foreign matter accumulation is detected. A wind farm control system can display a color coded live plot of all wind turbines in a wind farm system, with a indication of foreign matter accumulation for each turbine.

Abstract: A split wind turbine rotor blade includes a first rotor blade member, a second rotor blade member, a joint between the first rotor blade member and the second rotor blade member, and a joint monitoring device disposed in an area of the joint for monitoring a structural integrity of the joint.

Abstract: A method is provided for monitoring a wind turbine using a combined supervisory command and data acquisition (SCADA) and video monitoring system. The method includes receiving video data from at least one video camera, wherein the video data is related to operating conditions of the wind turbine. The method also includes storing the video data in a memory, and receiving a command from a remote monitoring server relating to at least a portion of the video data, wherein the portion of the video data is associated with at least one SCADA data point. The method also includes retrieving the portion of the video data from the memory, and transmitting the portion of the video data to the remote monitoring server for presentation to a user.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotor blade (22) for a wind energy installation (10), with the rotor blade (22) having at least one cavity (28). The cavity (28) is sealed to be gas-tight and is filled with gas, in particular air, in order to prestress the rotor blade (22), with the pressure of the gas being greater than or less than the average air pressure to be expected at the point of use of the rotor blade.

Abstract: A simple and safe means is provided to gain entry into the rotor hub of a wind turbine for maintenance operations within the hub. A ladder-like structure is mounted onto the rotor hub using the same bolts attaching a fixed outer race of the pitch bearing for the rotor blades. The ladder-like structure has integral with it a protective cage to the front, forming a basket. Structural elements for grasping are provided to a worker over the full path traversed from the nacelle to the entry hatch of the hub. An expanded area between rungs may be provided to facilitate entry by a service worker into the safety cage area. Lifting ears made also be formed with tubular sections integrated into the ladder-like structure.

Abstract: A system for measuring clearance between a first object and a second object is provided. The system includes a sensor configuration to generate a first signal representative of a first sensed parameter and a second signal representative of a second sensed parameter. The system also includes a clearance measurement unit configured to process the first and second signals based upon a ratiometric technique to calculate clearance between the first and second objects.

Abstract: A wind energy plant with a nacelle, a rotor, which features at least one rotor blade adjustable in its blade pitch angle, a central control device for controlling the wind energy plant and a control unit disposed in the rotor for controlling the blade pitch angle of the at least one rotor blade, wherein the central control device and the control unit in the rotor can exchange data with each other via a data link, which comprises at least one first sending and receiving device at the nacelle side and at least one second sending and receiving device at the rotor side, wherein a wireless network connection with a safety-oriented communication protocol is provided between the at least one first sending and receiving device and the at least one second sending and receiving device, and that one monitoring- and communication device at a time is associated to the first and/or the second sending and receiving device, which can monitor the function of the sending and receiving device and initiate a predetermined action

Abstract: A gas turbine engine simulator comprising a simulator rotor disc which has substantially the same maximum external dimensions as a rotor disc and is manufactured from a material which has a density of less than 220 kg/m3. The simulator rotor disc is manufactured from a foamed plastic material with a closed cell structure. The simulator rotor disc is provided with a cavity in flow communication with a source of simulator coolant fluid, at least one flow outlet, at least one heater unit and at least one thermocouple mounted within said cavity for the measurement of simulator coolant fluid temperature within said cavity.

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 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 method for determining a bearing of a wind turbine comprising, receiving a signal from a satellite at a first antenna disposed on a wind turbine, receiving the signal from the satellite at a second antenna disposed on the wind turbine, determining a position of the first antenna responsive to receiving the signal, determining a position of the second antenna responsive to receiving the signal, calculating a line of bearing intersecting the position of the first antenna and the position of the second antenna, determining an angle of the line of bearing relative to a reference bearing, and defining the bearing of the wind turbine as the angle of the line of bearing relative to the reference bearing.

Abstract: A device to convert the kinetic energy of wind into kinetic energy in the form of a rotating mass (FIG. 9) and to then selectively harvest and convert the kinetic energy of the rotating mass into electrical energy using both permanent magnet and electromagnet generators (FIG. 33). The conversion of the kinetic energy of wind into mechanical kinetic energy of the rotating mass is maximized through mechanical means by varying the physical moment of inertia of the rotating mass programatically based upon real time sensor data (FIG. 27A,27B). The conversion of the kinetic energy of the rotating mass into electrical energy is maximized through the programatical control of the field coil current of the electromagnet generator based upon real time sensor data (FIG. 62).

Abstract: It is described a method of determining a quality of an initial value for a blade pitch angle. An initial power captured by a wind turbine is measured, while the blade pitch angle has the initial value. The blade pitch angle is changed from the initial value to a first value in a first direction. A first power captured by the wind turbine is measured and the blade pitch angle is changed to a second value in a second direction being opposite to the first direction. Further, a second power captured by the wind turbine is measured, a power difference between the first power and the second power is calculated, and the quality of the initial value based on the calculated power difference is determined. Further, a control system, a wind turbine and a computer program are described.

Abstract: A wind power generation system includes a wind turbine at a wind turbine location, a measuring device for providing a wind condition signal at a test location, a sensor for providing a wind condition signal at the wind turbine, and a controller. The controller is configured for receiving the wind condition signals, using a wind correlation database and the wind condition signal at the test location for providing a wind condition estimation at the wind turbine location, obtaining a difference between the wind condition signal at the wind turbine location and the wind condition estimate at the wind turbine location, and using the difference for adjusting the wind condition signal at the wind turbine location.

Abstract: A wind turbine includes a first vibration sensor for producing a first vibration signal; a second vibration sensor, displaced from the first vibration sensor, for producing a second vibration signal; and a processor for comparing the first vibration signal to the second vibration signal and controlling the wind turbine in response to the comparison.

Abstract: A method of controlling blade pitch angle, comprising the steps of: comparing demanded and measured blade pitch angle and calculating any difference therebetween, in a primary electrical control system, where there is a difference, applying torque to a blade pitch regulator to reduce the magnitude of the difference to zero, and in a secondary electrical control system, where the difference is greater than a pre-determined threshold, applying torque to a blade pitch regulator to reduce the magnitude of the difference to the threshold. Also an electrical system of blade pitch angle control for a set of blades comprising: primary and secondary electrical control systems, means for comparing demanded and measured blade pitch angle and calculating any difference therebetween, a look-up function having the difference as its input and outputting a required torque, and a torque regulator to apply the required torque to the set of blades.

Abstract: A predictive maintenance system for wind parks, the wind park comprising a group of wind turbines (Ai), a communications network (RS), and a supervision and control system (ST). The predictive maintenance system comprises a monitoring and processing equipment (SMP) connected to the control system (PLC) of the wind turbine (Ai), such that the monitoring and processing equipment sends alarms through the control system of the wind turbine to the supervision and control system. A monitoring and processing equipment (SMP) for wind turbines is also disclosed.

Abstract: A turbo machine airfoil, such as a blade or a vane in a compressor, in which the airfoil root portion includes screw threads having a dove tail cross sectional shape, and the rotor disk includes holes having similar screw threads such that a blade or vane can be easily replaced by unscrewing the old blade or vane and screwing in a new blade or vane. A locking pin biased by a spring is located in the root of the airfoil to lock the airfoil in the threaded hole to prevent the airfoil from loosening due to vibrations and to lock the airfoil in place at a desired angle of attack for maximum efficiency of the turbo machine. The removable cover plate is located on the casing and over the rotor disk such that the blade can be removed through the opening without the need to disassemble the turbo machine.

Abstract: The present patent application concerns a wind turbine comprising a hub and at least one rotor blade connected to the hub, the hub and the at least one rotor blade forming a wind rotor that is rotatable about a rotor axis that converts kinetic energy of the wind into another form of energy and rotatable about a yaw axis that changes the yaw of the rotor, the wind turbine further comprising at least one sensing device that senses a yaw moment of the wind rotor and the wind turbine being adapted to control the yaw of the wind rotor depending on a signal of the sensor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a connecting device adapted for connecting a hub and a main shaft of a wind turbine. The connecting device comprises at least one sensor bolt connecting the hub and the main shaft, wherein a stress detection element is mounted inside the sensor bolt. The stress detection element is adapted to detect a length variation of the sensor bolt and to output a sensor signal indicative of the length variation of the sensor bolt. A signal output device is used for outputting the sensor signal which is indicative of a stress applied to the sensor bolt.

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.

Abstract: An engine fan has fan blades capable of switching between a sucking and blowing operation when the fan is not in operation. An internal mechanism allows for blade pitch adjustment of all fan blades by twisting one blade about its own axis. End positions of the blade rotation may be held by forces generated by the rotating blades or held by a locking mechanism.

Abstract: A system for determining the position of at least a part of a wind turbine blade by wireless transmission of a signal includes a transmitter arrangement attached to a wind turbine blade, a receiving arrangement, and at least one position calculation computer, wherein the signal is wirelessly transmitted from the at least one transmitter arrangement to the receiving arrangement, and wherein the position calculation computer calculates position indicative data on the basis of the signal received by the receiving arrangement and wherein the position indicative data indicates a position of at least a part of the wind turbine blade.

Abstract: A dual, counter-rotating, coaxial rotor system provides individual control of an upper rotor system and a lower rotor system. The lower rotor control system and the upper rotor control system provide six controls or “knobs” to minimize or theoretically eliminate airframe vibration. In a dual, counter-rotating, coaxial rotor system, application of a HHC system to the two rotor systems individually but located on the common axis, will yield essentially complete vibration reduction because the 6 controls will suppress the 6 loads.

Abstract: A cooling fan includes a frame, a stator, a rotor and a display panel. The frame includes a base. The stator is mounted on a bottom surface of the base. The rotor is rotatably installed on the stator and received in the frame. The display panel is attached to a top surface of the base and electrically connected to the stator. The display panel can show a lot of useful information such as a logo of the cooling fan, a rotating speed of the cooling fan and an environment temperature.

Abstract: A method of monitoring mechanical characteristics of helicopter rotor blades 1 comprises mounting at least one strain sensor 2 to at least one rotor blade 1 and measuring the mechanical load on the rotor blade as indicated by the strain sensor 2.

Abstract: A wind turbine including a control system and at least one wind turbine blade having a pressure measurement system is disclosed. The pressure measurement system includes a pressure probe that provides a measurement of inflow angle to the control system. The control system adjusts the blade pitch angle of the at least one turbine blade in response to the inflow angle measurement to improve energy capture. The pressure probe is mounted by a probe support structure at a predetermined position from the leading edge of the at least one wind turbine blade.

Abstract: A wind turbine blade with strain sensing functionality includes a surface structure, a block sensor unit including an optical sensor mechanism for sensing strain in the blade, and an intermediate connection plate positioned in between the optical sensor mechanism and the surface structure. The intermediate connection plate is adhesively connected to the surface structure and connected to the optical sensor mechanism. The modulus of elasticity of the intermediate connection plate is similar to or less than the modulus of elasticity of the surface structure. A wind turbine, block sensor unit and uses thereof are also contemplated.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for measuring an air flow at an airfoil surface are provided, wherein at least one pressure sensor adapted to detect an air flow associated with a rotor blade surface and a pressure transducer which converts the detected air flow into an electrical signal indicating the air flow are provided. The pressure sensor is arranged within the boundary layer of the air flow at the airfoil surface such that the boundary layer profile may be determined from the electrical signal. The air flow sensor is adapted for rotor blades of a wind turbine to assist in adjusting a pitch angle of the rotor blades.

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: Described is a rotor blade for a wind power installation having a rotor blade leading edge. A deposit sensor device is arranged in the region of the rotor blade leading edge. That deposit sensor device has a transmitter for the wireless transmission of signals by way of a transmission link and a receiver for receiving the signals wirelessly transmitted by way of the transmission link. Deposits on the surface can be detected in the region of the transmission link on the basis of the signals transmitted by way of the transmission link.

Abstract: A rotor blade of a wind power plant, comprising a rotor blade connection for connection to a hub of the rotor of a wind power plant and a blade tip disposed at the opposite end of the rotor blade. In order to provide a rotor blade in which flexing can be detected with simple means, at least one electrical conductor is laid over the length of the rotor blade, wherein the electrical conductor begins at the rotor blade connection, extends in the longitudinal direction of the rotor blade and back to the rotor blade connection, and that there is provided a detector which detects the electrical resistance of the conductor and is connected to an evaluation device which evaluates the electrical resistance.

Abstract: A deformable trailing edge section (3) of a wind turbine blade (1), at least part of said section (3) being formed in a deformable material. The blade section (3) comprises one or more cavities (5) being in connection with or connectable to a fluid source in a way that allows fluid to stream from the fluid source to the cavity or cavities (5), so that the shape of the deformable trailing edge section (3) and thereby the camber of the blade cross-section (3) is changeable by the pressure of fluid in the cavity or cavities (5) with insignificant changes of the thickness and chord wise length of the deformable trailing edge section. Furthermore a wind turbine blade (1) is described, having at least one of such trailing edge section (s) (3) and to a system (11) for mounting a blade section (3) on a main blade (2) of a wind turbine. In addition a method of manufacturing a deformable trailing edge section (3) of a wind turbine blade (1) is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for monitoring operating parameters of a rotating blade is provided. The blade includes at least one sensor thereon, the sensor operatively coupled to a data acquisition device. The method includes transferring data from the sensor to the data acquisition device, the data relating to blade acceleration measurements, transmitting a signal representative of the transferred data from the data acquisition device to a control system, and controlling blade loads using the transmitted signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the calibration of at least one sensor (11-14) of a wind power plant (10). The invention also relates to a wind power plant (10). The calibration process according to the invention is captured by the at least one sensor (11-14). The measurement value (30, 31), which is a measure for the load of a component (15-17), is evaluated, wherein the wind power plant has at least the moveable component (15, 15?, 15?, 16, 17), wherein the component (15-17) is pivoted or rotated around a predeterminable axis (19, 20). The wind power plant according to the invention is provided with a calibration module for the automatic calibration of at least one sensor (11-14), which measures the load of a movable component (15-17) of the wind power plant.

Abstract: Large flat blades are put on the ends of long lever arms to maximize the torque produced at a central vertical shaft. Pivoting each blade on its own axis allows it to be positioned to best advantage as it rotates around the central vertical shaft. The positioning is accomplished by gearing the blade to a central control gear. By simply attaching a weather vane to the central control gear, the direction of the entire windmill is controlled.

Abstract: A method of performing a functional test of at least one embedded sub-element of a wind turbine, the wind turbine being controlled by a control algorithm of a wind turbine controller, includes the steps of: executing a predefined event pattern activating at least one sub-element of the wind turbine, obtaining measure data on the basis of measurements of at least one sub-element according to the predefined event pattern, and relating the measure data to predefined reference data and establishing a test result indicating the condition of the embedded sub-element on the basis thereof. The predefined event pattern is executed by a test algorithm overriding the control algorithm of the wind turbine controller at least partly. It is a very advantageous feature according to the present invention that the sub-elements may be tested while being embedded in the wind turbine.

Abstract: A method of detecting the formation of ice on the blades of a wind turbine 1. The wind turbine has at least one turbine blade 2 mounted to a rotor and provided with at least a first strain sensor 4 for measuring mechanical strain of the turbine blade. The method comprises detecting changes in an output signal of the strain sensor 4 due to changes in the mass of the turbine blade 2 caused by the formation of ice on the turbine blade.

Abstract: A rotor blade of a wind power plant, comprising a rotor blade connection for connection to a hub of the rotor of a wind power plant and a blade tip disposed at the opposite end of the rotor blade. In order to provide a rotor blade in which flexing can be detected with simple means, at least one electrical conductor is laid over the length of the rotor blade, wherein the electrical conductor begins at the rotor blade connection, extends in the longitudinal direction of the rotor blade and back to the rotor blade connection, and that there is provided a detector which detects the electrical resistance of the conductor and is connected to an evaluation device which evaluates the electrical resistance.

Abstract: A wireless sensing device for use in a wind turbine having a sensor capable of measuring one or more parameters for wind turbine operation. The sensing device also include a transmission device capable of wirelessly transmitting one or more signals corresponding to the one or more measured parameters to a controller. An independent power source is included to power the transmission device and the sensor. A method for system for operating and monitoring wind turbine operation are also disclosed.

Abstract: A wind power installation includes a pylon and a machine housing mounted thereon. The pylon accommodates the rotor of the wind power installation and the generator for producing energy. Wind power installations can be provided with signaling devices so that the attention of air traffic is drawn to the existence of the wind power installation as a large structure. The flight lighting arrangement produces a light which is visible over a long distance, preferably a flashing light. A cover arranged with the flight lighting arrangement can substantially prevent the light from the flight lighting arrangement from being visible, from the ground, in a region around the wind power installation.

Abstract: A method for testing the brakes of a wind energy system is provided, wherein the method comprising determining the brake torque by an indirect measurement. The method contains a comparison to defined threshold values for time and generator torque as well as time and actual power. Further, a computer-readable medium is provided that provides instructions which when executed by a computing platform cause the computing platform to perform operations wherein the operations include the method according to embodiments described herein. Further, a wind energy system is provided that has a rotor with a rotor brake and a calculation unit adapted for comparing two threshold values for time and torque to the actual values of time and torque, alternatively for comparing two threshold values for time and actual power to the actual values of time and actual power.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of controlling the aerodynamic load of a wind turbine blade by controlling the tip speed ratio (TSR) and/or blade pitch setting of the wind turbine blade so as to optimize power production. A wind turbine blade undergoes an aero-elastic response including deflection and twist that is a function of the blade loading. The blade loading is dependent on the wind speed, TSR, and pitch setting. The aero-elastic response requires a different TSR and/or pitch to be selected throughout the power curve in order to maintain the optimum power production and to improve energy capture.

Abstract: A wind power system rotor blade has an inboard end and an outboard end adapted for being transported by a transport vehicle. In order to make the transport of the rotor blade possible on highways, even when it exceeds the usual profile height of underpasses and bridges (freeway bridges, etc.), a wind power system rotor blade is proposed having an inboard and an outboard end and comprising: a rotor blade root at the inboard end; an intermediate device fixedly coupled to the rotor blade root at one end provided for a rotatably coupling to a rotary support member at the other end for allowing a rotation of the rotor blade around the rotor blade's longitudinal axis in relation to the rotary support member; and locking means for captively locking the rotor blade in a support frame toward the outboard end of the rotor blade.