Abstract: The present invention relates to a system used for inspecting the position of a compressor rotor within a compressor rotor case. A compressor rotor blade is moved about the rotor blade path of the compressor rotor case, a probe holder attached to the rotor blade has a scanning device as part of the holder used for gathering information relative to the compressor rotor case. A fixture attached to the compressor rotor gathers information about the position of the compressor rotor with respect to the compressor rotor case to determine the relative position of both the compressor rotor in relation to the compressor rotor case.

Abstract: A fan system includes a motor, a rotatable hub, and a plurality of fan blades. The motor is coupled with the hub by a hollow drive shaft, such that the drive system of the fan system is gearless. The motor is controlled by a PFC-based control module, which is in communication with sensors that are configured to sense parameters associated with operation of the fan system. The control module is configured to react in certain ways to certain conditions detected by the sensors, such that the fan system uses feedback-based control algorithms. A remote control panel is in communication with the control module. The remote control panel is operable to display fault conditions detected by the sensors. Blade retainers prevent fan blades from falling when a fan blade breaks free from the hub. Pins prevent the hub from falling when the hub breaks free from the rotor.

Abstract: An inspection system for locating multiple features on an exterior of an object includes a fixture, a camera, a computer and software. The fixture secures the object and includes a plurality of nest points for mating with specific positions on the exterior of the object, and a reference point located at a specific position relative to the nest points and within a best-plane of the object. The camera is positioned normal to the best-plane of the object and obtains video imaging of a plurality of the features and the reference point. The computer communicates with the camera and collects the video imaging. The software determines the actual parameters of the features relative to the reference point based on the video imaging.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotor of a non-positive-displacement machine which, when exposed, has an inspection area which is visible from the outside and inside of which a comparatively uncritical load occurs during the operation of the non-positive-displacement machine. In addition, the rotor, when exposed, has a monitoring area which is not visible from the outside and inside of which a comparatively critical load occurs during the operation of the non-positive-displacement machine. The rotor also has a weak point provided in the form of a predetermined breaking point having the shape of a notch and located in inspection area. In order to improve the reliability of the non-positive-displacement machine, a recess, particularly a release bore hole, is provided for delimiting the weak point, and the uncritical defect can terminate inside said release bore hole.

Abstract: A method of determining fatigue load of at least one operative wind turbine, comprising: providing a transfer function that associates an obtained at least one measurement value of a first sensor to an obtained at least one measurement value of a second sensor the at least one measurement value of the first sensor and the at least one measurement value of the second sensor being obtained by use of a reference wind turbine at which the first sensor and the second sensor are located; obtaining at least one measurement value of a third sensor, wherein the third sensor is located at the at least one operative wind turbine, and wherein the third sensor corresponds in type and position to the first sensor at the reference wind turbine; calculating at least one transfer function value corresponding to the obtained at least one measurement value of the third sensor by use of the provided transfer function; calculating the fatigue load of the at least one operative wind turbine based on the calculated transfer functio

Abstract: A foundation for supporting a structure is provided. The foundation includes a foundation body, at least one anchor bolt connecting a lower anchor plate and the structure, a magnetostrictive load measuring sensor for measuring loads on the at least one anchor bolt, the magnetostrictive load measuring sensor being positioned within the foundation body.

Abstract: A method for correcting offsets in sensors includes mounting, on a rotating machine, a first set of sensors in locations selected to measure vector loads in a first set of coordinates. The method further includes mounting, on the rotating machine, a second set of sensors in locations selected to measure vector loads in a second set of coordinates, wherein the first set of coordinates and the second set of coordinates rotate with respect to one another when the rotating machine is operating. The method also includes utilizing measurements from either or both of the two sets of sensors to correct offset errors in vector loads measured by the other set of sensors.

Abstract: A wind turbine rotor blade root load sensor is provided. The sensor is configured to be internally mounted within an insert of a root portion of a wind turbine rotor blade. The sensor comprises a carrier member which is configured to be fixedly connected to the insert so that loads can be transmitted therebetween and the sensor further comprises a sensing element, supported by the carrier member.

Abstract: Wind turbine blade subdivided transversely into two or more sections made up of a number of sensors, preferably load cells and ultrasound sensors, assembled into the mechanical joining elements between blade sections and characterised in that their measurements allow the loads to be reduced and the forces to be controlled during the entire life of the blade. They also allow damages to be detected (stopping the machine if necessary) and an optimised design for real loads.

Abstract: A supply current control circuit controls the voltage of a low-voltage direct-current power source so that the average current of an inverter circuit detected by a current detecting circuit becomes constant at a specified current value. Accordingly, characteristics that are little in the amount of change of air volume are obtained.

Abstract: A wind turbine blade, includes a sensor, arranged upstream from a trailing edge of the blade for measuring an airflow characteristic near a surface of the blade; and an actuator, arranged downstream from the sensor, for adjusting the airflow in response to the measured characteristic.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting structural anomalies in the body of rotating members of an engine involves establishing an electric circuit in the body of the rotating members by embedding a network of electrically conductive fibers. Upon rotation of the members in the presence of a magnetic field, an electric current flows in the electrically conductive fibers of the rotating members. Detection of a structural anomaly in any of the rotating members results from detecting a break of the electric circuit.

Abstract: An elongated member of a wind turbine is disclosed which is potentially subject to strain and which comprises a sensor unit for determining the deflection and/or strain of the elongated member between a first point and a second point, which are assigned to the same side of the elongated member, and the sensor unit comprises a proximity sensor for determining the distance between the second point and a third point, the third point being connected to the first point by an inflexible support, the distance between the first point and the third point being considerably longer than the distance between the second point and the third point, wherein the sensor unit comprises a compressible and/or stretchable element located between the second point and the third point. Moreover, a wind turbine rotor blade and a tower of a wind turbine, each comprising a previously described elongated member, are disclosed.

Abstract: A method to introduce a deliberate mismatch into a turbomachine bladed wheel so as to reduce vibration amplitudes of the wheel in forced response. The method includes a step of determining an optimum value of the standard deviation for the mismatch as a function of operating conditions of the wheel inside the turbomachine, with respect to the maximum vibration amplitude response required on the wheel. The method further includes a step of at least partly placing blades with different natural frequencies on the wheel such that the standard deviation of the frequency distribution of all blades is equal to at least the mismatch value, the mismatch value being determined statistically.

Abstract: A method and system for providing backup electrical power to at least one wind turbine is provided. The method may include monitoring a first power system. The method may also include enabling a second power system when the first power system may no longer provide sufficient electrical power to the wind turbine. The method may also disable the second power system when the first power system can again provide sufficient electrical power to the wind turbine.

Abstract: A method of determining at least one rotation parameter of a wind turbine rotor rotating with a rotation speed and a phase is provided. The method comprises the steps of: measuring an effective centrifugal force acting in a first pre-determined direction, which is defined in a co-ordinate system rotating synchronously with the rotor, on at least one reference object located in or at the rotor, establishing a first angular frequency representing the rotation speed of the rotor on the basis of variations in the measured effective centrifugal force due to gravitational force, establishing a second angular frequency representing the rotation speed of the rotor by use of at least one yaw rate gyro, and establishing the value of the rotation speed as the rotational parameter by correcting the second angular frequency by comparing it to the first angular frequency.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for reducing fatigue loads in the components of a wind turbine subjected to asymmetrical loading of its rotor, comprising the steps of: repeatedly collecting and storing load data of the rotor, determining a load distribution function for the rotor from said stored data, deriving a plurality of periodic functions from said load distribution function, determining actions for the wind turbine control means for reducing the fatigue load of the wind turbine components from said derived plurality of periodic functions, and implementing of said determined actions on the wind turbine control means. The invention also relates to a control system as well as a wind turbine and wind park.

Abstract: A rotor blade of a wind energy installation has a wall forming an outer shell, and at least one pressure measurement device arranged inside the rotor blade. The pressure measurement device includes a hollow body that is closed in a gastight fashion and has at least one pressure-dependent deformable diaphragm. At least one optical strain sensor is non-positively connected to each diaphragm. In a method using the pressure measurement device, the wind force is determined at wind energy installations by an evaluation unit which determines a comparison value indicating the difference between the pressure at the side of the outer shell facing the wind and the pressure at the side of the outer shell averted from the wind. A measured value for the wind force acting on the rotor blade is determined from the comparison value. The method can be used for optimized operation and/or protection of wind energy installations.

Abstract: A modular multi-turbine unit of fixed toroidal support structures having a rail system designed to allow each of the plurality of turbines to rotate to a most efficient position relative to the wind for generating power, a computer control system capable of positioning each of the plurality of turbines to most effectively generate power from the wind, preventing damage to the turbines, and providing a wind predictive model based on the wind characteristics for the area in which the wind turbine is located.

Abstract: A rotary-wing aircraft rotor blade (23) includes (semi)conductive loops (10) extending along axes (19A to 19C, 19W to 19Z) that are oblique relative to the longitudinal axis (26) of the blade. Impedance changes in the loops are sensed that indicate a location of damage to the blade.

Abstract: The Wind Drum is a cylinder shaped wind utilization machine primarily used for electricity generation. Instead of a solid wall attaching the top and bottom circular plates are eight rods spaced equally around the circumference of the top and bottom circular plates. Now you have a drum shape you can see through from the elongated side. Attached to these rods are boards, or flat rectangular pieces, which make-up the vanes of the Wind Drum. Through mechanical manipulation of the angles of the eight vanes compared to the center, or pivotal spot, of the top and bottom circular plates the vanes are positioned so as to be pushed by wind energy, directing wind energy into other vanes of the Wind Drum, or to become neutral to wind energy allowing minimal resistance to wind energy. These changes of the wind vane angles allows for maximum efficiency in converting wind energy into mechanical energy.

Abstract: A blade-pitch-angle control device includes a memory unit in which predetermined parameters that affect the load fluctuation of blades, azimuth angles, and pitch-angle command values are stored in association with each other; an azimuth-angle detecting unit that detects the azimuth angle of each of the blades; a parameter-detecting unit that detects the predetermined parameters; a command-value receiving unit that receives pitch-angle command values for each of the blades from the memory unit, the pitch-angle command values being selected on the basis of the azimuth angle of each blade detected by the azimuth-angle detecting unit and the predetermined parameters detected by the parameter-detecting unit; and a pitch-angle-control command-value generating unit that generates pitch-angle-control command values for individually controlling the pitch-angle of each blade on the basis of the pitch-angle command values and a common-pitch-angle command value.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wind turbine comprising at least one gearbox. The gearbox comprises one or more sensors for measuring condition values of the wind turbine, and is characterized in that the one or more sensors are mounted on one or more rotating parts of the gearbox. The invention further relates to an epicyclic gearbox comprising a gearbox housing, one or more gearbox parts rotating in relation to the housing, and one or more sensors for measuring condition values of the gearbox. The epicyclic gearbox is characterized in that, the one or more sensors are mounted on one or more of the rotating parts of the gearbox.

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: Disclosed is a method of reducing a structural unbalance in a wind turbine rotor with pitch control and a control device for performing the method are provided. The method comprises the steps of: detecting a magnitude of the structural unbalance and its phase in relation the rotor's azimuth (?) on the basis of a measurement of the rotor's azimuth (?) and a measurement of the rotor speed or the generator speed (?), establishing individual pitch angle offsets for each blade of the rotor on the basis of the magnitude and the phase, and adding the individual pitch angle offsets to the respective pitch angles of the blades of the rotor.

Abstract: A wind turbine (100) comprising an electrical generator (108) that includes a rotor assembly (112). A wind rotor (104) that includes a wind rotor hub (124) is directly coupled to the rotor assembly via a simplified connection. The wind rotor and generator rotor assembly are rotatably mounted on a central spindle (160) via a bearing assembly (180). The wind rotor hub includes an opening (244) having a diameter larger than the outside diameter of the central spindle adjacent the bearing assembly so as to allow access to the bearing assembly from a cavity (380) inside the wind rotor hub. The spindle is attached to a turret (140) supported by a tower (136). Each of the spindle, turret and tower has an interior cavity (172, 176, 368) that permits personnel to traverse therethrough to the cavity of the wind rotor hub. The wind turbine further includes a frictional braking system (276) for slowing, stopping or keeping stopped the rotation of the wind rotor and rotor assembly.

Abstract: A process for determining a remaining life of a part, such as an airfoil in a gas turbine engine, comprising the steps of establishing the boundary conditions that act on the part, determining the material properties of the part, creating a 3D finite element model of the part and determining the residual stresses on the part, observing the actual part for at least one crack, and comparing the location of the crack to the residual stresses determined on the model at the crack location. If the residual stress at the crack location passes into the wall of the part beyond a predetermined length, then the part is rejected for further use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for monitoring the state of rotor blades on wind power installations. According to the invention, structure-borne noise is measured by means of at least one displacement sensor arranged on the rotor blade, the output signals of said sensors determine a frequency spectrum in an evaluation unit by means of suitable methods, the frequency spectrum is compared to reference spectra corresponding to defined states of damage and other particular states and stored in the evaluation unit, and the state of the rotor blade is determined therefrom. The aim of the invention is to provide a method and a device which enable existing local inner and outer damage, and other particular damage-causing states of the rotor blades, to be rapidly identified and evaluated, in order to take into account the effect thereof on the operation of the installation in an automatic manner.

Abstract: Methods and systems for ordering blades in a rotatable machine is provided. The method includes receiving at least one geometric parameter measurement of each blade in a row of blades, determining a root sum squared value of a difference of a selected one of the received geometric parameter measurements between adjacent blades in the row of blades, determining a vector sum of a selected other one of the received geometric parameter measurements, determining a moment weight vector sum of each blade to be positioned on the rotor, and determining, using a computer, a sequence map of each blade using the root sum squared value of the difference of the geometric parameter measurement between adjacent blades in the row of blades, the vector sum of a selected other one of the received geometric parameter measurements, and the moment weight vector sum.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wind turbine including at least two blade units. Each blade unit has a pitch controlled wind turbine blade and at least one pitch bearing including at least one outer ring, at least one centre ring and at least one inner ring. The wind turbine further includes a hub comprising a mount area for each of the blade units (31). The mount area comprises at least two concentric load transferring surfaces for attaching the blade unit, via the at least one pitch bearing. The invention further relates a hub and a use hereof.

Abstract: Transponder technology is incorporated into the blades of a wind turbine to make it possible to transfer data wirelessly from each said blade to the associated tower. By providing a transponder including an RFID device in or on each of the blades and providing a reader/receiver in or on the tower support of the wind turbine, the reader/receiver can detect the operative RFID devices and/or read data from the RFID devices as the blades pass the tower.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotor of a non-positive-displacement machine which, when exposed, has an inspection area which is visible from the outside and inside of which a comparatively uncritical load occurs during the operation of the non-positive-displacement machine. In addition, the rotor, when exposed, has a monitoring area which is not visible from the outside and inside of which a comparatively critical load occurs during the operation of the non-positive-displacement machine. The rotor also has a weak point provided in the form of a predetermined breaking point having the shape of a notch and located in inspection area. In order to improve the reliability of the non-positive-displacement machine, a recess, particularly a release bore hole, is provided for delimiting the weak point, and the uncritical defect can terminate inside said release bore hole.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wind power current generator comprising a bearing, a tubular stator that carries a race of the bearing, a tubular rotor coaxial with the tubular stator that can rotate in relation to the stator, a hub connected to the rotor, and at least two blades radially extending away from the hub. According to the invention, the stator and the rotor are formed with substantially tubular cross sections and are concentric to one another. The opposing surfaces of the rotor and stator carry permanent magnets and windings. The stator and rotor extend beyond either side of the magnets and the windings in order to accommodate an antifriction bearing on at least one side. The tubular nature of the rotor and stator allows easy passage of workers within the generator for maintenance thereof and of the blades. Additionally, the tubular nature facilitates air flow through the structure and out the blades, cooling equipment within the structure and aiding de-icing of the blades.

Abstract: A turbine blade includes forward and aft serpentine cooling circuits terminating in corresponding forward and aft impingement channels. Each serpentine circuit has two metered inlets for distributing primary inlet flow to the first passes thereof and supplemental inlet flow to the last passes thereof.

Abstract: The transducers are incorporated in or laminated to wind blades and electrically connected to a self-powered electrical circuit. The transducers in combination with the self-powered electrical circuit improve the wind blades' response to changing wind conditions by reducing loads, at least until the turbines pitch axis system can alter the lie of the blades. Thus, when there is a change in wind conditions, the resultant twisting or bending of the wind blade during the impact of the wind (gust) on the wind blade is used to extract energy from the transducers. This energy is then transferred to the electrical circuit which in turn sends a signal back to the transducers to actuate them so as to resist the imposed load.

Abstract: This invention relates to an impeller device for data acquisition in a flow. It comprises a support (3) with two bearing blocks (4.1, 4.2) to hold a spindle (2) around which the impeller (1) is fitted. The spindle (2) comprises two approximately conical ends (5). The bearing blocks (4.1, 4.2) are made from a material with the lowest possible coefficient of friction and each comprises an approximately conical recess (6) into which one of the ends (5) of the spindle (2) fit.

Abstract: A method for limiting loads in a wind turbine by using measured loads or wind speed to increase the minimum pitch angle for extended periods. The minimum pitch angle will be allowed to relax down to the default when load excursions diminish. The method will allow turbines to capture more energy by operating in higher wind speeds and/or utilizing larger rotors without additional loss of fatigue life.

Abstract: A monitoring system for a machine is provided. The machine includes at least one movable member including at least one sensor configured to generate at least one speed measurement of the moveable member. The machine also includes at least one processor coupled in electronic data communication to the sensor. The sensor is configured to generate at least one time stamp value for the at least one speed measurement signal. The at least one processor is configured to generate a plurality of time-stamped speed measurement signals of the at least one moveable member. The processor is further configured to determine a prioritization of the plurality of time-stamped speed measurement signals as a function of at least one predetermined temporal value.

Abstract: The claimed invention provides a blade vibration measuring system comprising a blade, a transmitter, a target with parallel edges located on the blade shroud and a receiver. The present invention also provides a blade adapted for measuring torsional blade vibration. Furthermore, the claimed invention provides a method for monitoring torsional blade vibration.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a turbine stator vane includes coupling an airfoil to a vane stem, said comprising a first sidewall and a second sidewall, said first and second sidewalls joined at a leading edge and at an axially-spaced trailing edge, and forming an opening at least partially through the vane stem, the opening sized to receive a light probe therein.

Abstract: Condition-based monitoring functionality using sensors that monitor wind turbine component movement. A main shaft flange displacement sensor system can be used to provide signals used to perform fatigue assessment of the wind turbine rotor blades as well as drive train components. Output signals from the main shaft flange displacement sensor system are used to perform fatigue assessment, failure trending, diagnostic analysis, etc.

Abstract: A ceiling fan lighting system includes a ceiling fan having motor and a plurality of blades operationally coupled to the motor to permit rotation of the blades when the motor is supplied with power. A plurality of mounting assemblies engages at least two of the blades of the fan. A plurality of light emitting members is provided. Each of the light emitters is configured to emit light and each of the mounting assemblies engages one of the light emitters to mount each of the light emitting members to an associated one of the blades.

Abstract: A disbond resistant multi-laminate composite product is provided having, a first member; a second member of composite material bonded to the first member; a third member of composite material bonded to at least the second member and being so positioned and arranged such that when the second and third members are stressed at least a portion of the third member will have higher stress than the adjacent second member. The third member preferably has a terminal portion adjacent the second member in which terminal portion the strain energy release rate is higher than in the adjacent second member when the second and third members are stressed. The second and third members are preferably so positioned and arranged such that the third member initiates delamination from the second member before the second member initiates delamination from the first member when the first, second and third members are under stress.

Abstract: Wind turbine systems, monitoring systems, and processes for measuring stress in a wind turbine blade generally includes embedding and or disposing optical glass fibers on a surface of the wind turbine blade and monitoring light transmission through the optical glass fiber. A reduction or loss of transmission indicates that the tensile strength of the optical glass fiber has been exceeded, which directly correlates to the level of stress exposed to the wind turbine blade.

Abstract: A method, rotor assembly, and apparatus for ordering blades in a rotatable machine is provided. The rotor assembly includes a disk including a plurality of circumferentially-spaced blade root slots defined therein, and a plurality of blades, each blade including a root, a tip, and an airfoil therebetween, each blade positioned within a pre-determined slot based on a blade map, the blade map generated by a computer system configured to receive a geometric parameter measurement of each blade in a row of blades, determine a shape factor for the row of blades using the geometric parameter measurement of each blade, and determine a sequence map of each blade using the shape factor for the row of blades.

Abstract: A wind turbine is provided having a lidar wind speed measurement apparatus for achieving wind control. The lidar apparatus is arranged to scan the area in front of the wind turbine so as to generate a measurement of the wind speed across the wind field. The lidar apparatus may be located in the hub of the wind turbine and the look direction inclined away from the rotational axis so that rotation of the hub ensures scanning. Preferably the lidar apparatus has a plurality of look directions so as to increase the scanning rate. This may be achieved by having a number of dedicated lidar systems and/or by using multiplexed lidars. Measurement of the wind field allows improved control of the wind turbine giving efficiency and reduced wear benefits.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to a system for monitoring the wear of a component. A conductor can be embedded in the component at a depth from a surface of the component. In one embodiment, the conductor can be operatively connected to a power source to form an electrical circuit. The resistance across the conductor can be measured. As the component contacts a second component, the component can begin to wear. Once the wear progresses to the conductor, changes in the measured resistance can result. Thus, an operator can be alerted that the component has worn to a certain point and that service may be needed. Alternatively, impedance can be measured across the conductor. Because the dielectric permeability of the material surrounding the conductor can affect impedance, changes in impedance can occur as the surface material of the component is worn away.

Abstract: A horizontal axis wind turbine of an upwind type includes: a rotor for rotating around a rotor axis extending in a horizontal direction, the rotor being turned in a horizontal plane according to a wind direction; a nacelle having a symmetrical shape with respect to an imaginary plane including the rotor axis and extending a vertical direction; two anemometers disposed at positions of both side portions of the nacelle, the positions opposing each other across the imaginary plane; and a controller for controlling a yaw angle of the rotor based on wind speeds measured by the two anemometers.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide lighting for the rotor blade tips, which is more reliable than that proposed hitherto, wherein any damage which occurs is no longer so complicated and expensive to rectify as hitherto, but can be rectified extremely swiftly. A rotor blade of a wind power installation with a rotor blade connection to a hub of the wind power installation and a rotor blade tip at the end of the rotor blade, which is in opposite relationship to the rotor blade connection, characterized in that at least one light waveguide is laid from the rotor blade connection to the rotor blade tip. The light can be modified to be on only when the blade is at the top portion of the rotation, such as between the 9:00 and 3:00 positions, or the 10:00 and 2:00 positions.

Abstract: An airfoil for a gas turbine engine blade includes a plurality of film cooling holes extending through its outer surface. The film cooling holes are formed by defining at least a first datum structure and a second datum structure, and then forming each film cooling hole at a location on the airfoil outer surface relative to the first and second datum structures. As a result, each film cooling hole has a centerline extending therethrough that forms a compound angle with respect to a tangent to the outer surface, and the distance between the centerlines of each film cooling hole is at least a predetermined minimum distance.