New tech permits wind turbines be operated from afar

Image via Fraunhofer IOSB

A research team from the Fraunhofer Institute of Optronics, System Technologies and Image ExploitationIOSB has developed remote information technology to monitor the oscillatory patterns of wind turbines. Even though the rotor and mast of a wind turbine can move normally when operated, it is extraordinary that these devices can be effectuated from great distances. Before the team at ISOB researched this technology, wind turbines could only be operated from specific points on the equipment itself. Now, these movements can be analyzed and manipulated from miles away.

The lead researcher, Dr. Ilja Kaufmann from the Optronics Department of IOSB in Ettlingen, has determined that by installing sensors onto the wind turbine and the rotor blades, the possibility of damaged equipment could be diminished. Kaufmann stated, “Wind turbines oscillate with displacements of up to a meter in magnitude, even at normal wind speeds. This represents a large load for the material, which can lead to damage and worst case to failure of an installation.”

The group of researchers has constructed a system where oscillation analysis can be observed from all points up to hundreds of miles away.  There is a laser that directs itself at the installation, and can measure oscillations from all points at a distance. The laser tracks all motion of the rotor blades.

The middle centerpiece of this device is an IT-based tracking system that contains a camera and laser. These parts are placed on a device that can tilt and move, following the rotor blades. When it is up-and-running, the camera records images of the installation and sends this data to the software that processes the images. The movements and tilting positions are manipulated so the laser will follow the rotor blades and the camera will capture all necessary data from the laser spot. Then, the rotor blade will be steadied on the rotating surface.  For measurements, the slower that the rotations occur, the longer it will take to receive a measurement.

The prototype of this technological system will be debuted at the CeBIT in Hanover from March 10 to 14. The presentation will be interactive as guests will be able to trace the path of the laser beam’s green dot on the rotor blades of the wind turbine’s sample machinery. The results recorded by the camera will be shown on two accompanying monitors for the CeBIT attendees to view.

Story via Fraunhofer IOSB, Phys.org