A Tool to Avoid Aerodynamic Imbalance
The accurate synchronisation of rotor blades is an important requirement for the optimal operation of wind turbines in relation to both generation and loads. Because of the lack of appropriate measurement devices that allow easy and timesaving inspection, the problem has long been underestimated and neglected at the same time. However, with the development of new, highly efficient wind turbines with extremely long rotor blades, misalignment has become a greater problem due to the substantial surplus loads caused by aerodynamical imbalance. The subject shifted into the focus of manufacturers and operators and caught growing interest as it applies to all wind energy converters.
By J. Dietrich Mayer, Managing Director, windcomp, Germany
Dynamic rotor geometry measurement (DRGM), developed by windcomp between 2008 and 2010, is a method for the verification of the aerodynamic condition and the aeroelastic behaviour of a wind turbine rotor and the turbine-tower system. DRGM is a laser‐based simultaneous distance measuring method at two profile‐sections of the blades. The system is weatherproof and can be operated in all seasons. Even so, weather conditions are a limiting factor, and heavy rain and fog in particular affect the measurement severely. The system allows the measurement of rotor blades during operation and thus downtime of the wind energy converter can be avoided. Collection and evaluation of data can be performed on site. This allows immediate action to adjust blade angles and optimise the turbine performance.
