Coherent millimeter-wave radar tracking rotating wind turbine blades, measuring internal composite delamination and icing.
Radar towers positioned 200 meters from giant 100-meter offshore wind turbine blades capture blade tip speed and flexure in real time, detecting aerodynamic unbalance caused by blade pitch motor failure.
Ice buildup alters surface electromagnetic reflectivity and dielectric permittivity. The radar detects ice layers as thin as 2 mm on rotating blades, commanding automated de-icing heaters to prevent catastrophic blade shedding.