Estimating Real-time Angular Positions and Angular Velocities of Rotating Structures Using Edge Detection

Abstract

This work presents a novel method of estimating angular positions and angular velocities of rotating structures using edge detection and a background subtraction technique. While non-contact methods have been proposed for measuring the angular position and velocity of a rotating structure, there is an initial stage of physical interaction with the structure where a distinguishing feature is fixed on the structure's surface that facilitates object detection and tracking via image processing techniques. The algorithm described in this work eliminates this step of physical interaction and maintains zero physical contact before, during, and after measurements are performed. The methodology is develop using an experimental setup comprised of a horizontally fixed ceiling fan that simulates a three-bladed wind turbine. The lab-based methodology is extended for use outside a controlled environment, and simulations are performed on videos of large-scale wind turbines to demonstrate the algorithm's performance when used in various environmental settings.