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Novel flexible membrane for structural health monitoring of wind turbine blades - Feasibility study

  • S. Laflamme
  • , H. Saleem
  • , B. Vasan
  • , R. Geiger
  • , S. Chaudhary
  • , M. Kollosche
  • , K. Rajan
  • , G. Kofod
  • Iowa State University
  • University of Potsdam

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Several sensing systems have been developed over the last decade for structural health monitoring (SHM) of wind turbine blades,and some have shown promise at damage detection. Yet,thereexist several challenges in establishing links between sensor signal,damagestate (diagnosis),andresidual life (prognosis) of a wind turbine blade. In order to create a complete SHM system capable of damage diagnosis, localization,andprognosis for wind turbine blades,theauthors propose a novel sensing method capable of distributed sensing. The sensor is a flexible membrane composed of several soft capacitors arranged in a matrix,withthe advantages of being robust,easyto install, inexpensive,capableof covering large surfaces,andinvolving relatively simple signal processing. By measuring changes in capacitance,itis possible to determine local strains on a structural member at pre-defined levels of precisions. To demonstrate the promise of the smart material at SHM of blades,thesensing system is tested for quasi-static and dynamic loads. Test results show the great potential of the proposed sensing technology at damage diagnosis, localization,andprognosis of wind turbine blades. The latest state of research on the sensing solution is also discussed,anda new measurement method is demonstrated on a fiberglass plate.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationMaterials Challenges in Alternative and Renewable Energy II - A Collection of Papers Presented at the Materials Challenges in Alternative and Renewable Energy Conference
Pages315-323
Number of pages9
StatePublished - 2013
Event2nd Materials Challenges in Alternative and Renewable Energy, Energy 2012 - Clearwater, FL, United States
Duration: Feb 26 2012Mar 1 2012

Publication series

NameCeramic Transactions
Volume239
ISSN (Print)1042-1122

Conference

Conference2nd Materials Challenges in Alternative and Renewable Energy, Energy 2012
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityClearwater, FL
Period02/26/1203/1/12

Keywords

  • Area strain gauges
  • Flexible membrane sensor
  • Soft capacitors
  • Structural health monitoring
  • Wind turbine blades

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