PROFI-WIND

The role of IMST in the PROFI-WIND project focuses on two main tasks. In the first task an existing radar system with sensor at 24 GHz, a video camera and mini-PC are adapted for the installation at a wind turbine. The measurement and evaluation of the reflected radar signals from the rotor blades in combination with the pictures from the camera give a good prove of concept. The second task concentrates on the development of a 35 GHz radar sensor. Due to the lack of integrated radar chips at 35 GHz on the market a distributed approach with single components has to be chosen. The sensor is separated into a frontend and a backend. The frontend covers the complete analogue part of the radar functionality at 35 GHz including one transmit and two receive antennas. The backend controls the frontend, calculates the radar data and provides the digitalized information to a data interface for further examination by the project partners. The pictures below show the first installation and results of the 24 GHz radar sensor with integrated camera. The photos have been made by IMST and Goethe University Frankfurt (GUF).

The photo with the 35 GHz radar developed by IMST shows the patch antennas on top of the frontend. On the right side is the transmit antenna and on the left side are two receive antennas. The lower antenna is rotated by 90deg to detect polarisation rotation from the reflected radar signal which could occur if i.e. ice covers the rotor blades. The examination of both polarisations could also improve the detection of damages in the rotor blade material. The 35 GHz radar module was manufacted in May 2022. Afterwards it will be installed and tested in practice.