We conducted feasibility study on detection system for unexpected lightning damage (puncture of
blade skin) for wind turbine blade. When puncture of blade skin by lightning strike occurs elastic waves
may be generated and propagate on the blade. The elastic wave (longitudinal wave) is measured by
acceleration sensors at root part of the blade to detect puncture of the blade skin. The detection system
was validated by simulation test of lightning damage. We fabricated blade model for experiment. The
blade model was made from GFRP (Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastics), and the length is about 4 m.
Experiment was conducted at SHODEN Co., Ltd. by using a high voltage test device. The influence of the
electromagnetic noise on acceleration measurement can be negligible. In the experiment simulating
lightning strike on receptor, propagation of elastic wave was not observed clearly. On the other hand, in
the experiment simulating lightning strike on wind turbine blade, propagation of elastic wave was clearly
observed as a fluctuation of the acceleration. The propagation velocity was estimated about 2865 m/s by
using least-squares method. We concluded that the detection system might be feasible.
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