Feasibility of monitoring large wind turbines using photogrammetry

Photogrammetry, which is a proven measurement technique based on determination of the 3D coordinates of the points on an object by using two or more images taken from different positions, is proposed to be a promising and cost efficient alternative for monitoring the dynamic behavior of wind turbines. The pros and cons of utilizing this measurement technique for several applications such as dynamic testing or health monitoring of large wind turbines are discussed by presenting the results of the infield tests performed on a 2.5 MW - 80 m diameter - wind turbine. Within the scope of the work, the 3D dynamic response of the rotor is captured at 33 different locations simultaneously by using 4 CCD (charge coupled device) cameras while the turbine is rotating. Initial results show that the deformations on the turbine can be measured with an average accuracy of 25 mm from a measurement distance of 220 m. Preliminary analyses of the measurements also show that some of the important turbine modes can be identified from photogrammetric measurement data. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.