Abstract: The invention concerns a method of operating a wind turbine, wherein for a reduction of a wind load impacting on the wind turbine the rotational speed of the rotor and/or the electrical power output of the wind turbine are reduced depending on a deviation of the wind speed from the average wind speed. Moreover the invention concerns a wind turbine comprising a calculating unit adjusted for executing the inventive method.

Abstract: A system and method are provided to increase efficiency of turbines in wind farms. A sensor is configured to generate a wind map of an inflow of wind. A controller is configured to generate a control signal based the wind map. A pitch adjustment device configured to adjust pitch of a blade of the turbine based on the control signal.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an optical portion disposed on a carrier portion. The optical portion includes an optical path of and a magneto-sensitive element within the optical path. A light source is disposed on the carrier portion in operative communication with a first end of the optical path, and a photo-detector is disposed on the carrier portion in operative communication with a second end of the optical path.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a system for monitoring an ephemeral event on a vane impeller (3) of an aircraft engine (5), including: acquisition means (7) for acquiring a time signal (S1) relating to movable vanes (31) of the vane impeller (3), processing means (11) for detecting a disturbance in said time signal (S1) with respect to a reference time signal (S0) corresponding to a same flight phase, the disturbed time signal being indicative of an ephemeral event on said vane impeller (3).

Abstract: A method for configuring blades of a wind turbine for low noise generation. The method includes providing at least one noise measuring device. The noise measuring device is arranged and disposed in a position to measure noise of the blades during rotation. The wind turbine is configured to include a rotational trigger, the rotational trigger being arranged to provide a signal at a predetermined rotational position of the wind turbine blades. One or more of the blades is configured with an aerodynamic modifying device. Noise level is measured with the noise measuring device during wind turbine operation. The noise produced by each of the blades is determined. The blades are configured in response to the noise determined for each of the blades. A method for measuring the noise level generated by an individual blade and a wind turbine configured for desired noise level are also disclosed.

Abstract: A monitoring system and associated operational method are operatively configured with a wind turbine for detecting separation of shell members along an edge of a wind turbine rotor blade. The system includes any configuration of sensors disposed within an internal cavity of the rotor blade, with the sensor oriented relative to a leading or trailing edge of the blade and configured to detect a physical characteristic within the blade that is indicative of onset of a separation between the shell members along the monitored edge. A controller is configured to receive signals from the sensor and to initiate an automatic response to a detected separation.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for detecting loads transmitted through a blade root of a rotor blade of a wind turbine is disclosed. The system may include a root attachment assembly configured to couple the blade root to a hub of the wind turbine. The root attachment assembly may include a barrel nut mounted within a portion of the blade root and a root bolt extending from the barrel nut. In addition, the system may include a sensor associated with the root attachment assembly. The sensor may be configured to detect loads transmitted through at least one of the barrel nut and the root bolt.

Abstract: A system for detecting loads in a wind turbine is disclosed. In one aspect, the system may generally include a shaft, first and second pillow blocks receiving portions of the shaft and a bedplate supporting the first and second pillow blocks. The second pillow block may be spaced axially apart from the first pillow block. Additionally, the system may include at least one sensor configured to directly or indirectly detect loads transmitted through the bedplate.

Abstract: A lightning strike detector that can promptly detect a lightning strike to ensure safety and can accurately determine the position struck by the lightning with a simple, inexpensive, and highly reliable structure, is provided. The lightning strike detector includes an environment-detecting sensor member that detects a change in the environment of the internal space of a wind turbine blade, serving as a hollow structure, when the wind turbine blade is struck by lightning and is damaged, converts the environmental change into an electrical signal, and outputs the electrical signal; and a control unit (nacelle-side control system and ground-side control system) that receives the electrical signal, judges whether a lightning strike has occurred, and takes countermeasures against the lightning strike.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for a propeller assembly component includes a monolithic piece having a housing and a mounting pad. An auxiliary component is directly mounted to the mounting pad of the monolithic piece.

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

Abstract: Wind turbine with a rotor blade relatively insensitive to turbulence because it is more slender than prior blades and is nevertheless able to generate sufficient lift by virtue of the fact that flow enhancing elements such as vortex generators combat flow separation. The slenderness is defined by the chord numbers C and D of which C is defined as C=Ncrclr?2/R2, in which N is the number of blades, cr is the local chord, cl the lift coefficient, r the radial position, ? the tip speed ratio and R the rotor radius. Subsequently, the chord should be less than what follows from the equation C=M in which M=?1.19+9.74Cp?21.01Cp2+17.50Cp3 and Cp is the power coefficient. This wind turbine is subject to about 2-12% less operational loads and to about 5-40% reduced survival wind speed loads compared to classical designs.

Abstract: A method of detecting rubs during operation of a turbomachine comprising at least one rotating object having a tip and a shelf is provided. The method includes generating signals representative of a sensed parameter and processing the signals to generate height versus time data for the tip. The height of the tip corresponds to the distance between the tip and the shelf. The method further includes monitoring the height versus time data, in order to determine whether a change in the height data exceeds a threshold value, and detecting a rub of the rotating object(s) on a second object, when the change in the height data exceeds the threshold value. A rub detection system for a turbomachine and a turbine engine system with rub detection are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure is related to a method and a measuring device adapted for determining a rotational position of at least one rotor blade of a wind turbine. The method includes a step of measuring a gravity induced blade moment of the at least one rotor blade. Then, an actual rotational position of the rotor blade is determined from the measured gravity induced blade moment.

Abstract: A method for adjusting a pivotally mounted rotor blade of a wind energy converter includes controlling a first drive and a second drive to collectively turn the rotor blade into an operating position; detecting whether a failure of the first drive has occurred; activating, when the failure of the first drive has occurred, a first activatable lockout connected to the rotor blade, which prevents turning of the rotor blade into the operating position while allowing turning of the rotor blade into a feathered position; and controlling, when the failure of the first drive has occurred, the second drive to turn the rotor blade into the feathered position.

Abstract: Operations of a turbine to generate energy from a relatively slow fluid flow, such as wind and water, are described. The turbine has a plurality of foils rotating about a central axis at a rotational velocity, each of the foils having a length and a foil axis parallel to the length and the central axis with each of the foils rotatable about its foil axis. From determinations of a velocity of the fluid flow, and angular location of each foil and the rotational velocity about the central axis, an attack angle of each foil is controlled with respect to the direction of fluid flow about the foil axis responsive to the velocity of the fluid flow, the angular location of the foil and the rotational velocity as the foil rotates about the central axis.

Abstract: Disclosed a horizontal axis wind turbine including: a rotor; a nacelle; a tower; an independent pitch control device; and a yaw control device, wherein the horizontal axis wind turbine is an up-wind type one including a waiting mode, wherein (1) the independent pitch control device performs a first step of changing all the blades to be in feathering states when the wind speed exceeds the predetermined value, a second step of changing the blades to be in reverse feathering states one by one sequentially, and a third step of holding all the blades in the reverse feathering states, and (2) the yaw control device controls a yaw brake to take a braking value allowing the yaw rotation when the wind speed exceeds the predetermined value, wherein the rotor is allowed to swing a leeward of the tower by executing the control operations (1) and (2) as the waiting mode.

Abstract: A rotary wing aircraft including a vehicle vibration control system. The vehicle vibration control system includes a rotating hub mounted vibration control system, the rotating hub mounted vibration control system mounted to the rotating rotary wing hub with the rotating hub mounted vibration control system rotating with the rotating rotary wing hub.

Abstract: Methods of registering events in a wind power system comprising at least two data processors. The data processors of said wind power system are mutually time synchronized. Events are registered in said at least two data processors. The timing of said events registered in different of said at least two data processors is established according to said time synchronization. Events may be registered and preferably analyzed according to a common timing. The event analysis makes it possible to establish an analysis where events of different wind turbines are basically interrelated and where information regarding such interrelation may be important or crucial for establishment of control or fault detection based on correctly timed events from different wind turbines.

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: The invention relates to a method for the operation of a wind energy plant (10), wherein the wind energy plant (10) has a rotor (11) with a rotor axis and at least one rotor blade (15, 15?) arranged on the rotor (11), wherein the rotor blade (15, 15?) is adjustable or adjusted around a rotor blade axis with a predetermined rotor blade pitch angle. Further, at least one rotor blade (15, 15?) is rotated into an idle position, the rotation of the rotor blade (15, 15?) is braked after a first predetermined rotational position of the rotor blade (15, 15?) is reached and the stand-still position of the rotor blade (15, 15?) reached as a result of the braking procedure is captured. Furthermore, the invention relates to a wind energy plant (10) with a rotor (11) and at least one angle-adjustable rotor blade (15, 15?) arranged on the rotor (11).

Abstract: There is provided a wind turbine generator and a method of controlling the same which can prevent the decline in power generation efficiency even when the generator is located where the wind is not always strong. The wind turbine generator mainly includes an anemometer, an anemoscope, a nacelle swiveling mechanism which turns a nacelle, and a control unit which controls the nacelle swiveling mechanism. The control unit controls the nacelle swiveling mechanism so as to swivel the nacelle based on the wind direction obtained from the measurement result of the anemoscope when the wind speed obtained from the measurement result of the anemometer is greater than a first threshold Vth1 which is smaller than a cut-in wind speed Vcut—in, and controls the nacelle swiveling mechanism so as to stop the swiveling of the nacelle when the wind speed obtained from the measurement result of the anemometer is not greater than a first threshold Vth1.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method for the determination of a nacelle-inclination is provided. A first difference-signal is formed from the difference of a measured nacelle acceleration and an offset-value from a calibration. A second difference-signal is formed from a difference of the first difference-signal and a feedback signal. A first sum-signal is formed from adding an integrated second difference-signal with the product of the second difference signal and a factor. A second sum signal is formed from adding an integrated first sum-signal with the product of the first-sum-signal and the factor. A corrected signal is formed by a product of the second sum-signal and an equivalent tower height. A first nacelle-signal is formed by the arc-tangent of the corrected signal. A nacelle inclination is obtained from filtering the first nacelle-signal by a low-pass-filter. The feedback-signal is formed by multiplying the acceleration of gravity with the sine of the first nacelle-signal.

Abstract: A wind turbine active damping arrangement for damping forces exerted on a component connected to a main shaft of a wind turbine is proposed. The damping arrangement comprises a smart fluid damper and a control device for controlling a field generator of the smart fluid damper to control the extent of damping according to a performance parameter of the wind turbine. The smart fluid damper comprises a closed chamber containing a smart fluid and a piston. The piston travels along a direction in the chamber and comprises a channel through which the smart fluid can flow. The smart fluid damper comprises a field generator for generating a field across the smart fluid and an input for a field generator control signal for controlling the field generator to alter the field according to the performance parameter of the wind turbine.

Abstract: A method of operating a wind turbine having a bearing assembly, a shaft received therein, and at least one sub-system capable of altering a dynamic state of the wind turbine includes monitoring at least one parameter indicative of a load on the shaft; comparing the at least one parameter to a threshold criteria; and when the at least one parameter meets the threshold criteria, altering the dynamic state of the wind turbine to reduce the load on the shaft; and/or altering the state of the bearing assembly to better accommodate the load on the shaft. A control system for the wind turbine includes a controller operatively coupled to the bearing assembly and the at least one sub-system, and at least one sensor for monitoring at least one parameter indicative of a load on the shaft. The controller signals the sub-system or the bearing assembly when the threshold criteria is met.

Abstract: An assembly includes a first member and a second member, the first member including a first material composition and the second member including a second material composition. The first and second material compositions each include one or more isotopes of the same element, which are arranged to permit distinguishing between the first and second members or 0 parts thereof.

Abstract: A machine includes a static member and a moving member. The moving member includes a central hub and a moving component. The moving component includes a first end portion fixedly connected to the central hub, a second end portion and an intermediate portion. The second end portion of the moving member is spaced from the static member so as to form a gap. A transmitting element is mounted to one of the static member and the moving member. The transmitting element emits an acoustic wave having a predetermined frequency across the gap. A receiving element is mounted to the other of the static member and the moving member. The receiving element receives the acoustic wave from the transmitting element. The machine further includes a controller that determines a clearance distance extending between the moving member and the static member based on the acoustic wave passing across the gap.

Abstract: A method of operating a wind turbine above a predefined wind velocity comprising the step of operating a control parameter of the wind turbine within a tolerance band from a reference set-point curve of that control parameter. A wind turbine and a cluster of wind turbines is also contemplated.

Abstract: A sensor system monitors deflection of turbine blades of a wind turbine. The system includes a first component configured on the turbine blades. A second component is configured on the tower at a height so as to detect the presence of the first component as the blades rotate past the tower. The second component generates a corresponding measurable parameter or value that is indicative of distance between the blades and tower. The second component is disposed substantially completely around the circumference of the tower so as to detect the first components at any rotational position of the turbine nacelle relative to the tower.

Abstract: A system for monitoring mechanical stress on a turbine blade is disclosed. The system includes a ferromagnetic blade mount, a magnetic sensor, and a processor. The ferromagnetic blade mount includes a magnetically encoded region. The magnetic sensor is configured to measure magnetic flux linked with the magnetically encoded region. The processor is communicably coupled with the magnetic sensor to compute a blade health indicator based, at least in part, on the measured magnetic flux.

Abstract: Methods, systems and computer program products for assessing residual life of an airfoil, which would experience high cycle fatigue failure under at- or near-resonance vibration condition, are provided. The method includes receiving, at a processing system, at least one vibration response parameter associated with the airfoil. The method processes at least one cracked airfoil finite element model. Processing the cracked airfoil finite element model includes accessing the cracked airfoil finite element model, computing a modal stress intensity factor (SIF) of the cracked airfoil finite element model using fracture mechanics based finite element analysis, and computing a vibratory SIF based, at least in part, on the modal SIF and the at least one vibration response parameter. The method then computes a residual life indicator of the airfoil based, at least in part, on the vibratory SIF.

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 for monitoring a condition of a rotor blade of a wind turbine is provided. The method includes transmitting, from a sensor to a controller, at least one monitoring signal indicative of a vibration of the rotor blade. The condition of the rotor blade is calculated by the controller based on the monitoring signal.

Abstract: A method of operating installations (10), in particular wind energy installations (10), having a component (22) which endangers flying animals, in which the component assumes a first state which endangers animals to a greater extent and a second state which endangers animals to a lesser extent. The physical environment around the installation (10), in particular the environment around the component (22), is monitored at least in regions by a suitable detection device. The detection device produces a signal when an animal of a specific type, in particular a bat, a bird or the like, enters the monitored region, and in which case the component of the installation is moved from the state which endangers animals to a greater extent to the state which endangers animals to a lesser extent depending on the signal.

Abstract: A vertical axis windmill is disclosed which includes a set of frames attached via horizontal bars to a vertical axis of rotation, each frame comprising a plurality of swinging windows, each swinging window comprising an upper horizontal bar, vertical side bars, and a plurality of additional horizontal bars; a plurality of blinking sails comprising sheets of lightweight material, wherein the upper edge of each blinking sail is fixed at a horizontal bar, each blinking sail being allowed to move by pivoting or bending relative to the horizontal bar; a gap control rod for each of the frames, connected to each of the swinging windows in the frame such that all swinging windows in the frame move synchronously as the gap control rod is moved; and one or more electronically controlled actuators capable of moving the gap control rods.

Abstract: A wind turbine blade inspection system includes a frequency modulated continuous wave radar system configured to be movable with respect to a wind turbine blade while transmitting reference microwave signals and receiving reflected microwave signals and a processor configured for using a synthetic aperture analysis technique to obtain a focused image of at least a region of the wind turbine blade based on the reflected microwave signals.

Abstract: A method of operating variable pitch fans in series to cool an operating computer system. The method comprises running a first variable pitch fan with blades positioned at an operational pitch to induce airflow through the computer system and through a second variable pitch fan disposed in series with the first fan, and, simultaneously, not running the second variable pitch fan with blades positioned for minimal impedance to the airflow. In response to detecting a failure condition of the first fan, the method includes running the second fan with blades positioned at an operational pitch to induce airflow through the computer system and through the first fan, and, simultaneously, not running the first fan with blades positioned for minimal impedance to the airflow. Preferably, the method includes locking the rotor of a fan that is not running, and locking the blades of the non-running fan in a minimal impedance position.

Abstract: A method of adjusting the speed of blades rotating in a rotor plane on a wind turbine, wherein the angle between at least two blades in the rotor plane is changed, whereby the tip speed of each individual blade can be optimised relative to the current speed of the wind experienced by the blade. Hereby it is possible to take into consideration the variation of the wind as a function of the height above ground level, and the yield of the wind turbine can be increased. The angular displacement of each blade can be changed individually independently of the remainder of the blades and cyclically. The method also comprises that each blade is accelerated on its way upwards in the rotation cycle and decelerated on its way down. Further details are provided about a system for controlling blades in a wind turbine comprising one or more wind speed meters, position meters, and/or acceleration meters, based on which parameters control of the angular displacement of each blade in the rotor plane is performed.

Abstract: In a conventional technique, a shutdown sequence indicating a sequential operation from a start of the feathering of a wind turbine to the stop is started in response to an alert signal caused by an external factor. In the present invention, when the alert is called off during the shutdown sequence, the shutdown sequence is stopped, and the recovery control by which the pitch angle of the wind turbine blade is controlled toward the fine state is performed. By such a control, the stop period of the wind turbine under the shutdown can be shortened, so that the decrease in the operating rate of the wind farm can be suppressed.

Abstract: A system for monitoring wear on a brake pad of a wind turbine is disclosed. The system may include a brake assembly having a brake pad and a moveable component. The brake pad may be configured to engage a friction surface of the wind turbine. The movable component may be configured to move relative to the friction surface as the brake pad wears. Additionally, the system may include a sensor at least partially mounted within the brake assembly. The sensor may be configured to detect a position of the movable component relative to the sensor or a position of the friction surface relative to the sensor.

Abstract: A method for determining total pressure distribution across a fan entry plane of a fan situated within a fan casing provided with struts which are positioned upstream of the fan, with respect to the normal air flow direction through the fan.

Abstract: A control system for mitigating the effects of a wind turbine on a radar system is disclosed. The control system includes a sensor configured to detect an operating condition of the radar system; a processor configured to receive an operating condition of the wind turbine and determine a rotation modification sequence based on the operating condition of the radar system and the operating condition of the wind turbine; and a controller configured to apply the rotation modification sequence to the wind turbine. A method of mitigating the effects of a wind turbine on a radar system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for operating a wind turbine having a rotor with a number of wind turbine blades, wherein the rotor's axis of rotation is tilted in relation to the direction of the incoming wind, includes the steps of determining the azimuth angle (A) of the blades and adjusting the pitch angle of the blades in accordance with the azimuth angle (A) to ensure a substantially constant angle of attack (AoA) during at least a full rotation of the rotor. A wind turbine and use of the method are also contemplated.

Abstract: A wind turbine rotor blade root load sensor includes an insert secured within a root portion of a wind turbine rotor blade and including an internal bore. The sensor also includes a carrier member fixedly connected to the internal bore of the insert so that loads can be transmitted therebetween. The sensor further includes a sensing element supported by the carrier member within the internal bore of the insert. The sensing element is positioned to detect loads applied to the wind turbine rotor blade and transferred through the insert and the carrier member.

Abstract: A measurement system and a method for measuring a net deflection of a shaft in a wind turbine are disclosed. The measurement system includes at least one first sensor positioned proximate a first shaft component, the at least one first sensor configured to measure at least one first deflection of the first shaft component, and at least one second sensor configured to measure at least one reference deflection. The measurement system further includes a base, wherein the at least one first sensor and the at least one second sensor are coupled together and configured on the base, and a processor configured to calculate the net deflection of the shaft utilizing the at least one first deflection and the at least one reference deflection.

Abstract: A method of operating a wind turbine is provided. The wind turbine has at least one rotor blade and an active flow control (AFC) system. The at least one rotor blade has at least one aperture defined through a surface thereof, and the AFC system is configured to modify aerodynamic properties of the at least one rotor blade by ejecting gas through the at least one aperture. The method includes operating the wind turbine in a first mode, determining an environmental condition surrounding the wind turbine indicative of fouling of the AFC system, and operating the wind turbine in a second mode different than the first mode based on the environmental condition. The second mode facilitates reducing fouling of the AFC system.

Abstract: A method of controlling a wind turbine, where a control signal for a controllable parameter of the wind turbine is determined repeatingly at successive time steps, and a control history including respective control values derived from or included in past control signals is stored. These control values stored in the control history are then used to determine an alert parameter for the controllable parameter, the alert parameter being a function of the variations of the control signals over time. The wind turbine is then controlled according to the most recent control signal only if the alert parameter is below an alert threshold, and otherwise according to a modified control strategy. The control method may be performed on pitch reference signals for controlling the individual and/or collective pitch of the blades. The invention further relates to a control system configured to perform the above control method, and a wind turbine comprising such system.

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: A maintenance apparatus is provided for use with a wind turbine that has a tower, a hub supported by the tower, and a plurality of blades extending outwardly from the hub. The maintenance apparatus has a mounting element that is configured to be secured to the tower and to be selectively movable along the length thereof. A robotic arm is coupled to the mounting element, and a blade-engaging device is coupled to the robotic arm and is configured to engage one of the blades to effect a maintenance task thereon.