Wind turbine tower monitoring device
AssigneeVestas Wind Systems A/S
InventorsKhoon Peng Lim, Tieling Zhang, Pey Yen Siew, Xiao Qian Li
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Abstract
A wind turbine installation monitoring device, for detecting relative movement between two adjacent components of a wind turbine installation is provided. The device comprises a deformable member together with securing means. The securing means is configured to enable the device to be connectable to a wind turbine installation, in use. The deformable member is located across an interface between the adjacent components of a wind turbine installation. Further, detection means are provided and are configured to detect deflection of the deformable member and thereby to detect relative movement between the two components.
Claims23
A monitoring device for detecting relative movement between adjacent first and second components of a wind turbine installation, the monitoring device comprising:
- a deformable member;
- securing means configured to enable the device to be connectable to the wind turbine installation, in use, such that the deformable member is located across an interface between the adjacent first and second components of the wind turbine installation;
- and
- detection means configured to detect deformation of the deformable member and thereby to detect relative movement between the adjacent first and second components.
A monitoring device for detecting relative movement between flanges of adjacent sections of a tower of a wind turbine, the device comprising:
- a deformable member;
- securing means configured to enable the device to be connectable to the tower, in use, such that the deformable member is located across an interface between the flanges of the tower;
- and
- detection means configured to detect deformation of the deformable member and thereby to detect relative movement between the flanges.
A wind turbine installation comprising:
- a tower;
- a hub mounted atop the tower;
- a rotor blade connected to the hub;
- and,
- a monitoring device configured for detecting relative movement between adjacent first and second components of the wind turbine installation, the monitoring device including a deformable member, securing means configured to enable the device to be connectable to the wind turbine installation, in use, such that the deformable member is located across an interface between the adjacent first and second components of the wind turbine installation, and detection means configured to detect deformation of the deformable member and thereby to detect relative movement between the adjacent first and second components,
- wherein the adjacent first and second components are connected to one another by a bolt.
A wind turbine tower comprising:
- a first substantially cylindrical section;
- a second substantially cylindrical section configured to be assembled adjacent to the first substantially cylindrical section, each of the first and second substantially cylindrical sections having a flange formed thereon, the flanges being configured to be located adjacent one another upon assembly of the tower, the sections being secured to one another with one or more bolts each bolt being located through cooperating holes formed in each respective flange;
- and
- a monitoring device configured for detecting relative movement between the flanges, the monitoring device including a deformable member, securing means configured to enable the device to be connectable to the tower, in use, such that the deformable member is located across an interface between the flanges of tower, and detection means configured to detect deformation of the deformable member and thereby to detect relative movement between the flanges.
A method for determining the status of a bolt installed between two components of a wind turbine installation, the method comprising:
- monitoring load experienced by the bolt over time;
- collating a time dependent loading characteristic for the bolt;
- assessing a status of the bolt;
- and
- raising an alarm if the assessing step indicates a failure of the bolt.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.