수치해석 활용 대용량 풍력발전시스템 유지보수 시 타워 및 블레이드 후류에 따른 드론 블레이드 간섭 연구

Abstract

The aim of this study is to develop guidelines for predicting interference between drones and wakes during non-destructive blade inspections in wind power systems. The wake generated by wind towers and blades can affect the stability of drone flights, necessitating the establishment of guidelines to ensure safe and efficient inspections. In order to predict the interference between drones and blades, environmental variables must be considered, including quantification of turbulence intensity in the wake generated by the tower and blades, as well as determining the appropriate distance between the drone and the tower/blades for flight stability. To achieve this, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis was performed using cross-sectional geometries corresponding to the main wind turbine blade and tower span locations. Based on the CFD analysis results, a safe flight path for drones is proposed, which minimizes the risk of collision and interference with towers and blades during maintenance operations of wind power systems. Implementation of the proposed guidelines is expected to enhance the safety and efficiency of maintenance work.