The Second Asia Pacific Conference on Offshore Wind Technology (APCOW 2025) recently concluded at the Southern University of Science and Technology in Shenzhen, China. As a premier event for the industry, the conference addressed critical frontiers in offshore wind, including aerodynamics, structural dynamics, hydrodynamics, and operational strategies.
Agile Device, a global leader in high-speed visual measurement technology, participated as a key exhibitor. The company showcased its flagship Revealer High Speed Camera series, alongside its industry-leading Digital Image Correlation (DIC) and Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) systems, providing high-confidence experimental data for complex engineering challenges.
In offshore wind energy, understanding the aerodynamic loads on turbine blades is vital for efficiency. During the aerodynamics session, Agile Device demonstrated how the Digital Image Correlation (DIC) system, powered by Revealer High Speed Cameras, revolutionizes blade research.
Non-Contact Measurement: By using two Revealer High Speed Cameras and speckle pattern recognition, researchers can measure full-field displacement and strain on rotating blades without the intrusive interference of traditional strain gauges.
High-Resolution Analysis: The system captures out-of-plane displacement and strain data with high spatial and temporal resolution.
Model Validation: The DIC method enables the extraction of the first four vibration modes of the blades, which is essential for validating BEM and CFD numerical models and improving aerodynamic correction models for large-scale turbines.
FIG. Digital Image Correlation (DIC) for Measuring the Strain Field of Wind Turbine Blades
Hydrodynamic sessions at APCOW 2025 focused on the motion response of floating platforms and vortex-induced vibrations (VIV). Agile Device's Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) system serves as a critical tool for visualizing these complex underwater environments.
Vortex Shedding Visualization: The PIV system reconstructs instantaneous velocity fields to observe vortex shedding from heave plates on semi-submersible turbines during vertical oscillation.
Structural Identification: It identifies flow structures such as Karman vortex streets and shear layer instabilities.
Design Guidance: This data quantifies added damping and VIV risks, providing a scientific basis for optimizing the geometric design of heave plates to ensure platform stability.
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FIG. Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) System for Measuring the Vortex Shedding Flow Field of a Semi-Submersible Wind Turbine Heave Plate
Beyond design, Agile Device is expanding the application of high-speed vision into intelligent operations and maintenance (O&M).
Using the Revealer High Speed Camera, researchers can conduct high-speed observations of icing and de-icing processes on advanced materials like Y-SLIPS. By evaluating anti-icing performance in real-time, engineers can design better protection for blades and wind-measuring equipment in cold climates, significantly reducing maintenance costs and downtime.
FIG. High-Speed Camera Study on Y-SLIPS Anti-Icing Material for Power Equipment
The integration of Revealer High Speed Cameras, Digital Image Correlation (DIC), and Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) systems provides the offshore wind industry with the high-fidelity data needed to bridge the gap between numerical simulation and real-world application. Agile Device remains committed to driving innovation in experimental mechanics and flow field measurement to support the global transition to renewable energy.
