ModulBlitz

Lightning strikes are among the most frequent causes of damage to wind turbine rotor blades. Even with lightning protection systems in place, structural damage can occur and often remains undetected for a long time, leading to high repair costs and extended downtime. ModulBlitz addresses this challenge with a holistic approach to post-lightning structural health monitoring.

The project combines data from different measurement sources: lightning current measurements capture the timing and characteristics of a strike, vibration-based sensors detect changes in the blade’s dynamic behaviour, and airborne sound analysis provides additional indications of local damage. These data are jointly analysed to detect lightning damage, determine its location and assess its structural relevance.

Tasks performed by Wölfel

Wölfel develops and integrates vibration-based analysis methods based on its established SHM.Blade system. By linking this system with lightning monitoring solutions and acoustic approaches, an enhanced monitoring concept is created, which is tested both in laboratory environments and on onshore and offshore wind turbines under real operating conditions. The goal is a demonstrator that proves practical applicability and can later be integrated into existing monitoring solutions.