Optimal design and operational monitoring of wind turbine blades

Ochieng, F. X., Hancock, C. M., Roberts, G. W. and Le Kernec, J. (2020) Optimal design and operational monitoring of wind turbine blades. In: Maalawi, K. Y. (ed.) Optimization of Wind Energy Conversion Systems. IntechOpen. ISBN 9781789844085 (doi: 10.5772/intechopen.90258)

Abstract

The wind turbine blade is a critical component of any wind energy system. Its design, testing, and performance monitoring play a key role in power generation. With the increased use of composites and longer blades, a need to review existing monitoring sensors and use emergent novel ones is urgent among industry practitioners. In addition, an overview relating blade testing to Campbell diagrams and non-contact sensors have not been addressed as part of blade optimization. Based on design loads under IEC 61400-23 standards, the chapter explores various contact and non-contact sensors for design validation as well as their exploratory use in a three-tier structural health monitoring (SHM) framework for blade’s operational performance monitoring. The chapter also includes a case study in the non-contact use of ground-based radar (GBR) in the optimal design of blades and real-time in-field monitoring using condition parameters. Lastly, the chapter addresses the lack of practical guidelines in the complementary use of GBR within a 3-tier SHM framework. Such use has the intent of building a cohesive understanding of GBR use for blade optimization and operational monitoring.

• Item Type: Book Sections
• Status: Published
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Le Kernec, Dr Julien
• Authors: Ochieng, F. X., Hancock, C. M., Roberts, G. W., and Le Kernec, J.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Systems Power and Energy
• Publisher: IntechOpen
• ISBN: 9781789844085
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2020 The Author(s)
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons license