Drone based Inspection of Wind Energy Systems: Thermographic Flow Visualization and optical 3D-Geometry Measurement

The efficiency of wind turbines can decrease by up to 20 % due to erosion-related surface defects and their effect on the rotor blade flow, which can be detected at an early stage using thermal imaging. At BIMAQ, we are researching a drone-based measuring device with which such investigations can be carried out automatically, from closer distances than from the ground (>150 m) and also off-shore.
In order to counteract the metrological challenges of an airborne system (e.g. vibrations or relative movements), we also want to record the 3D structure of the rotor blades parallel to the acquisition of thermographic 2D images. By combining both data sets, we aim to achieve a precise localization of the flow phenomena on the rotor blade. And we understand out how far the position measurement uncertainty can be reduced.

Possible contents:
• Mapping of 2D thermography data to 3D structures
• Investigation of the applicability of existing image processing algorithms
• Consideration and identification of cross-influences on the measurement uncertainty (e.g. data synchronization, drone stability or environmental conditions)

Your profile:
• Experience in programming desirable (Python)
• Knowledge of image processing advantageous
• Independent, reliable way of working