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An Advanced Vibrothermography Approach for Wind Turbine Applications

Award Information
Agency: Department of Energy
Branch: N/A
Contract: DE-FG02-09ER85414
Agency Tracking Number: 90639
Amount: $100,000.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: 20 b
Solicitation Number: DE-FOA-0000350
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2010
Award Year: 2009
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
130 North Main Suite 600
Butte, MT 59701
United States
DUNS: 836287680
HUBZone Owned: Yes
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Peter Lucon
 Mr.
 (406) 497-5212
 plucon@resodyn.com
Business Contact
 Lawrence Farrar
Title: Mr.
Phone: (406) 497-5252
Email: LCFarrar@resodyn.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

The reliability of wind turbine systems is greatly impacted by hidden defects. Therefore, an improved method of inspection is sought for the manufactured composite materials used in these systems. In addition, an inspection method is also needed in the field, to assure quality during and after installation. This project will develop a reliable, portable, instrumentation system that can be utilized during the manufacture of wind turbine composite members, at the time of installation, and throughout the lifetime of wind turbine systems. The system will be based on an advanced vibrothermography technique that will detect and characterize manufacturing flaws, along with the damage done to turbine blades and supporting structures thought their service life. Algorithms will be derived to distinguish and determine the types of manufacturing defects, shipping damage, and fatigue related failure flaw types. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee:: The inspection technology should increase the reliability of wind turbine systems, thereby decreasing yearly operation and maintenance costs, which are approximately 30% of the total cost of a wind turbine. An additional benefit is that the final commercial system will include software algorithms for ¿smart¿ identification of flaws; therefore, interpretation of the results would not require a high level of skill.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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