SYSTEM AND METHODOLOGY FOR DETECTING STRUCTURAL DAMAGES OF WIND TURBINE ROTOR BLADES

摘要

The present invention relates in one aspect to a damage detection system for a wind turbine rotor blade. The damage detection system comprises a first actuator configured for attachment to a first actuator position on a wall surface of the wind turbine rotor blade and injecting mechanical energy into the wall surface. A first vibration sensor, such as an accelerometer, is configured for measuring mechanical waves propagating through the wall of the rotor blade at a first sensor position. A second vibration sensor, such as an accelerometer, is configured for measuring mechanical waves propagating through the wall of the rotor blade at a second sensor position. The first and second sensor positions are spaced apart with a predetermined distance along the wall surface of the rotor blade. The damage detection system further comprises a damage detector configured for receipt of first and second vibration signals generated by the first and second vibration sensors, respectively, and detecting structural damage of the rotor blade based on phase and/or magnitude differences between the first and second vibration signals.