Faster than a formula-1 racecar: The new pluvial erosion test bench of the Fraunhofer Institute for Wind Energy and Energy System Technology (IWES) accelerates a model rotor blade to as much as 550 km/h for testing the abrasive effect of raindrops on the surface. Rotor blades are exposed to powerful environmental influences: rain, hail, sand, salty seawater and dirt strike the surfaces resulting in accumulations of dirt and rough spots on the paint and coating systems, especially on the leading edges of the blades. Changes in temperature and UV radiation further intensify these effects.
To operate the test bench efficiently, a measurement and control system was needed that would not only allow for fast configuration but also have the necessary measuring accuracy and interference resistance. Given these criteria, the PMX measurement and control platform from HBK was used. PMX has various measurement and signal output modules that were used to match the number of required input and output signals in the basic device. Image: PMX as a central measurement and automation system
Wind energy is the backbone of our future energy supply - whether as electricity or hydrogen. Our focus is on validating the necessary technologies and developing methods for their use. Testing and validating wind turbines and electrolysers as well as measuring and characterizing wind and sub-surface for the planning of offshore wind farms are therefore our main research areas.
Fraunhofer Institute for Wind Energy and Energy System Technology (IWES)
All signals were resolved individually and synchronously at 24 bits and at a rate of 19,200 per second. This makes it possible to process measured values in real time. Use of the integrated Ethernet interface ensures that all relevant measured values are saved on a test bench PC. Raw data is saved and the subsequent analysis is performed by the catman DAQ software from HBK.
Another decisive criterion for the use of PMX was the possibility of operating the device via the integrated web server on all commonly used web browsers. This eliminated the need to install PC software and provided the opportunities for remote maintenance and remote operation via existing network technology. The integrated CODESYS Soft PLC also has web visualization, which has now been adapted precisely to the application. That makes all relevant signals and control elements available to operate the test bench including control for the operator. Benjamin Buchholz from IWES is coordinating the project as part of the joint "Rain Erosion on Rotor Blades" project.
The test conditions are variable – rotational speeds and climatic conditions can be adjusted individually according to actual conditions of the relevant rotor blades,recorded weather and operating data provide us with the necessary basis. In this manner we would like to ensure both the quality of the test bench and the validity of the final results. With the integrated PMX measurement and control system from Hottinger Baldwin Messtechnik, we were able to implement all the necessary measurement and control tasks efficiently and cost-effectively.
This will bring together HBM, Brüel & Kjær, nCode, ReliaSoft, and Discom brands, helping you innovate faster for a cleaner, healthier, and more productive world.
This will bring together HBM, Brüel & Kjær, nCode, ReliaSoft, and Discom brands, helping you innovate faster for a cleaner, healthier, and more productive world.
This will bring together HBM, Brüel & Kjær, nCode, ReliaSoft, and Discom brands, helping you innovate faster for a cleaner, healthier, and more productive world.
This will bring together HBM, Brüel & Kjær, nCode, ReliaSoft, and Discom brands, helping you innovate faster for a cleaner, healthier, and more productive world.
This will bring together HBM, Brüel & Kjær, nCode, ReliaSoft, and Discom brands, helping you innovate faster for a cleaner, healthier, and more productive world.
