Development of Automated Laser Scanning System for Structural Health Monitoring of Wind Turbines

Abstract

In recent years, the growing interest and demand in wind energy requires developing new wind turbines with larger size and capacity. However, this situation also causes some new and challenging problems which have not been encountered before in design, operation and maintenance. Strong winds and severe environmental factors can cause cracks and damage on several turbine components such as blades and tower. Determination of the location and extent of this damage at early stages is essential to ensure safe and efficient operation of the turbine. This work aims at developing a new motorized laser Doppler scanning system which can rotate about two axes freely. This new device will enable structural dynamics of the turbine to be monitored remotely by using optical measurement techniques. The developed laser system will be used to take vibration measurements on the structure regularly. The acquired measurements will be compared with the reference measurements taken on the undamaged structure and be used to detect possible damage on the turbine while turbine is parked.