Lightning stroke protection device for wind power equipment

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of wind power generation, in particular to a wind power equipment lightning stroke protection device which comprises a supporting plate and a cloud server, the bottom surface of the supporting plate is fixedly connected with two supporting seats, the upper surfaces of the two supporting seats are both provided with electric-hydraulic push rods, and the telescopic ends of the two electric-hydraulic push rods are jointly connected with a lifting plate; the lifting plate is fixedly connected with a threaded connection seat, and an inner ring of the threaded connection seat is in threaded connection with a lightning arrester. According to the lightning protection device for the wind power equipment, through upward movement of the lifting plate and the lightning arresters, the height of the lightning arresters can be increased, so that the lightning arresting range is remarkably expanded, the risk that fan blades are located in a lightning protection blind area is effectively reduced, the overall lightning protection performance of the wind power equipment is improved, and the stability and reliability of operation of the wind power equipment are guaranteed; and after thunder and lightning occur, the lightning arrester can move downwards to be stored, the size of the lightning arrester can be reduced, and the wind driven generator can better receive wind energy for power generation work.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of wind power generation technology, and in particular to a lightning protection device for wind power equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Wind power generation, with its environmental and sustainable advantages, has become an important part of the power supply sector. my country, as a major wind power country, boasts one of the world's largest installed capacities. However, lightning strikes pose a significant challenge to the stable operation and efficient power generation of wind turbines. Most wind turbines are located in open areas such as mountaintops, plains, and near-shore areas, where the average number of thunderstorm days per year far exceeds that of other regions. For example, in a coastal wind farm in my country, the peak current of a single lightning strike can reach tens of thousands of amperes or even higher. From a technical perspective, the damage caused by lightning strikes to wind turbines is multi-dimensional. In terms of electrical systems, the instantaneous overvoltage generated by lightning strikes can reach millions of volts, far exceeding the withstand voltage of the internal electrical equipment of the wind turbine. Taking a common doubly-fed asynchronous generator as an example, its rated operating voltage is generally around 690V. Lightning overvoltage can easily break down the generator's insulation layer, leading to short circuits in the windings, resulting in high maintenance costs and long repair cycles. In terms of mechanical components, the thermal and electrodynamic effects of lightning strikes can cause severe damage to the wind turbine blades. When lightning strikes a blade, the instantaneous temperature can reach thousands of degrees Celsius, causing the surface material of the blade to rapidly vaporize, forming pits, cracks, and even causing parts of the blade to fall off.

[0003] Currently, the lightning protection methods used for wind turbines mainly include installing lightning rods on the blades and small lightning rods on the nacelle roof. However, these two types of lightning protection facilities have revealed significant shortcomings in practical applications. Due to their own structural and design limitations, the protection range of traditional lightning rods and small lightning rods is relatively narrow. Faced with the huge swept area of ​​wind turbine blades, it is difficult to achieve full coverage. This results in many parts of the wind turbine blades remaining in the blind spot of lightning protection during lightning activity, greatly weakening the overall lightning protection performance of the wind turbine. In addition, under the existing lightning protection system, wind turbines lack an effective lightning warning mechanism before a lightning strike occurs. Because it is impossible to detect the approach of lightning in advance, it is difficult for staff to quickly take targeted protective measures such as shutdown for maintenance and enhanced monitoring. This leaves the wind turbine facing the threat of lightning without any protection, reducing the protective effect of existing lightning protection measures on the equipment and affecting the stability and reliability of wind turbine operation. Therefore, this invention provides a lightning protection device for wind turbines. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a lightning protection device for wind power equipment to address the problem that existing technologies such as traditional lightning rods and small lightning arresters have relatively narrow protection ranges. Given the large swept area of ​​wind turbine blades, they cannot achieve complete coverage, leaving many parts of the turbine blades in blind spots during lightning activity. This significantly weakens the overall lightning protection performance of the wind power equipment. Furthermore, the lack of an effective lightning warning mechanism makes it difficult for personnel to quickly take targeted protective measures such as shutdown for maintenance and enhanced monitoring due to the inability to detect approaching lightning. This leaves the wind power equipment vulnerable to lightning strikes, reducing the protective effect of existing lightning protection measures and affecting the stability and reliability of wind power equipment operation.

[0005] This application provides a lightning protection device for wind power equipment, comprising:

[0006] Support components;

[0007] Lightning arrester, mounted on the support assembly, is movable along the height of the support assembly;

[0008] Grounding component, connected to the lightning arrester, is used to conduct lightning current into the earth;

[0009] The detection component, mounted on the support component, is used to monitor lightning and meteorological information in the environment surrounding the lightning arrester.

[0010] In one possible design, the support components include:

[0011] A support plate, on which a sliding rod extending along its height direction is provided;

[0012] The lifting platform slides in conjunction with the sliding rod, and the lightning arrester is installed on the lifting platform.

[0013] The support base is fixed on both sides of the support plate. An electro-hydraulic actuator is installed on the support base, and the drive end of the electro-hydraulic actuator is connected to the lifting plate.

[0014] In one possible design, the lifting plate is provided with a threaded connection seat, the lightning arrester is installed on the threaded connection seat, and a conductive element is installed at the bottom of the threaded connection seat.

[0015] In one possible design, the grounding components include:

[0016] Connect the lead wire, with one end connected to a conductive component;

[0017] The conductive plate is connected to the other end of the lead wire;

[0018] The grounding rod is connected to the conductive plate at its upper end.

[0019] The grounding grid is connected to the bottom of the grounding rod.

[0020] In one possible design, two support bases are fixedly connected to a fixed base on opposite sides, and the fixed base has a through hole running vertically through it, through which the lead wire passes.

[0021] In one possible design, a protective cover is also included, which is mounted on the support plate and located around the lightning arrester. The protective cover has clearance holes for the lifting plate to pass through.

[0022] In one possible design, the detection component includes a detection board on which a lightning locator and / or an electric field monitor and / or a weather sensor are mounted.

[0023] One possible design also includes:

[0024] Cloud server;

[0025] The wireless communication module is connected to the cloud server, and it is also connected to the electro-hydraulic actuator, lightning locator, electric field monitor, and meteorological sensor.

[0026] In one possible design, the wireless communication module is also connected to the mobile app and the unit control system signals, respectively.

[0027] In one possible design, the cloud server is wirelessly connected to a detection display screen and an early warning release platform, which in turn is wirelessly connected to an audible and visual alarm.

[0028] The beneficial effects of this application are as follows:

[0029] The wind turbine lightning protection device of this application, through its detection components, can accurately capture lightning and meteorological information by utilizing the coordinated monitoring of lightning locators, electric field monitors, and meteorological sensors. The data is then rapidly transmitted to a cloud server for analysis via a wireless communication module. Once lightning activity is detected to be approaching, a warning signal can be quickly sent to a mobile APP, the turbine control system, and the early warning release platform. The early warning release platform will also control an audible and visual alarm to alert personnel, allowing them to take precautions such as stopping operation or adjusting the blades to a safe position to prevent damage to the turbine from lightning strikes and improve the overall lightning protection performance of the wind turbine.

[0030] This lightning protection device for wind turbines, through an electro-hydraulic actuator mounted on a support base and in conjunction with a lifting plate, allows for flexible raising and lowering of the lifting plate and lightning arrester by extending the electro-hydraulic actuator. It provides power for the raising and lowering of the lightning arrester. Therefore, before a lightning strike, the device receives an induction signal via a wireless communication module, controlling the extension of the electro-hydraulic actuator to move the lifting plate and lightning arrester upwards, increasing the height of the lightning arrester and significantly expanding the lightning protection range. This effectively reduces the risk of wind turbine blades being in lightning protection blind zones, improves the overall lightning protection performance of the wind turbine, and ensures the stability and reliability of the wind turbine's operation. Furthermore, after a lightning strike, the lightning arrester can be moved downwards for storage, reducing its size and allowing the wind turbine to better receive wind energy for power generation. Attached Figure Description

[0031] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the specific embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the lightning protection device for wind power equipment provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0033] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the internal structure of the wind power equipment lightning protection device provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 1 ;

[0034] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the internal structure of the wind power equipment lightning protection device provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 2 ;

[0035] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the internal structure of the wind power equipment lightning protection device provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 3 ;

[0036] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the grounding assembly of the wind power equipment lightning protection device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0037] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the system structure of the lightning protection device for wind power equipment provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0038] Figure label:

[0039] In the diagram: 1. Support plate; 2. Support base; 3. Electro-hydraulic actuator; 4. Lifting plate; 5. Threaded connection seat; 6. Lightning arrester; 7. Detection component; 701. Detection plate; 702. Lightning locator; 703. Weather sensor; 704. Electric field monitor; 8. Lead wire; 9. Grounding component; 901. Conductive plate; 902. Grounding rod; 903. Grounding grid; 10. Sliding hole; 11. Sliding rod; 12. Clearance hole; 13. Strip hole; 14. Protective cover; 15. Fixing base; 16. Through hole; 17. Nacelle connection seat; 18. Conductive component; 19. Early warning release platform; 20. Unit control system; 21. Mobile APP; 22. Audible and visual alarm; 23. Wireless communication module; 24. Cloud server; 25. Detection display screen. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The technical solutions of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0041] The following is combined Figures 1-6 This application describes the lightning protection device for wind power equipment provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0042] See also Figures 1-6 In this embodiment: a lightning protection device for wind power equipment includes a support plate 1 and a cloud server 24. Two support seats 2 are fixedly connected to the bottom surface of the support plate 1. Electro-hydraulic push rods 3 are installed on the upper surface of the two support seats 2. The telescopic ends of the two electro-hydraulic push rods 3 are connected to a lifting plate 4. A threaded connecting seat 5 is fixedly connected to the lifting plate 4. A lightning arrester 6 is threadedly connected to the inner ring of the threaded connecting seat 5. A detection component 7 is fixedly installed on the front of the two support seats 2. A conductive element 18 is connected to the bottom end of the lightning arrester 6. The bottom surface of the conductive element 18 is fixedly connected to the upper surface of the lifting plate 4. A lead wire 8 is fixedly connected to the bottom surface of the conductive element 18. The lightning arrester 6 is made of stainless steel. The lead wire 8 is made of multi-strand copper wire. A grounding component 9 is provided below the lead wire 8. A protective cover 14 is fixedly connected to the upper surface of the support plate 1. Two clearance holes 12 are opened on the outer surface of the protective cover 14. The inner walls of the two clearance holes 12 are slidably connected to the outer surface of the lifting plate 4.

[0043] In this embodiment, the detection component 7 includes a detection plate 701. One side of each of the two support bases 2 is fixedly connected to one side of the detection plate 701. A lightning locator 702, an electric field monitor 704, and a meteorological sensor 703 are fixedly mounted on the upper surface of the detection plate 701. The lightning locator 702 can capture the location and time of lightning occurrence in real time. The electric field monitor 704 can accurately detect changes in atmospheric electric field strength. The meteorological sensor 703 provides meteorological data such as wind speed, humidity, and air pressure. The grounding component 9 includes a conductive plate 901 fixedly mounted at the bottom of the lead wire 8. A grounding rod 902 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the conductive plate 901, and a grounding grid 903 is fixedly installed at the bottom of the grounding rod 902. The grounding rod 902 is a copper-clad steel grounding electrode driven vertically into the ground. The number of grounding electrodes is calculated and determined according to the soil resistivity and grounding resistance requirements of the wind turbine area. The grounding grid 903 is made of horizontally laid flat steel connected to the vertical grounding electrodes. The grid size of the grounding grid 903 is designed according to the soil resistivity and grounding resistance requirements. The grounding grid 903 should be reliably connected to the steel reinforcement of the wind turbine foundation to enhance the stability of the grounding system.

[0044] In this embodiment, two sliding rods 11 are fixedly connected to the upper surface of the support plate 1, and two sliding holes 10 are opened on the upper surface of the lifting plate 4. The outer surfaces of the two sliding rods 11 are slidably connected to the inner walls of the two sliding holes 10 respectively. Through the mutual cooperation of the two sliding rods 11 and the two sliding holes 10, a guiding and stabilizing function is achieved, enabling the lifting plate 4 to rise and fall vertically along the axial direction of the sliding rods 11, preventing the lifting plate 4 from deviating or swaying during the rising or falling process, ensuring that the lightning arrester 6 can be accurately adjusted to the appropriate height and stably perform its lightning arresting function. The two support seats 2 are fixedly connected to a fixed seat 15 on their adjacent sides. The upper surface of the 5 has a through hole 16, and the lead wire 8 is located inside the through hole 16. The setting of the fixing seat 15 and the through hole 16 prevents the lead wire 8 from rubbing or colliding with other components, which would cause damage to the outer sheath. This ensures that the lightning current can be stably and safely conducted to the grounding component 9 along the lead wire 8. One side of the two support seats 2 is fixedly connected to the nacelle connecting seat 17. The outer surface of the protective cover 14 has two sets of strip holes 13. It can be reliably installed on the nacelle through the nacelle connecting seat 17, and ensures that the entire device forms an organic whole with the wind turbine. During the operation of the wind turbine, the lightning protection device can work stably with the nacelle.

[0045] In this embodiment, the cloud server 24 is connected to a wireless communication module 23 via a wire. The wireless communication module 23 is connected to the electro-hydraulic actuator 3 via a wireless signal. The lightning locator 702, the electric field monitor 704, and the weather sensor 703 are all electrically connected to the wireless communication module 23 via wireless signals. The wireless communication module 23 is connected to a mobile APP 21 via a wireless signal and to the unit control system 20 via a wireless signal. The cloud server 24 is connected to a detection display screen 25 via a wireless signal and to an early warning release platform 19 via a wireless signal. The early warning release platform 19 is connected to... The device includes an audible and visual alarm 22 and a wireless communication module 23, which serves as the information hub for the entire system. This module collects various data detected by the lightning locator 702, electric field monitor 704, and meteorological sensor 703, and transmits this data wirelessly to the cloud server 24 for comprehensive analysis and processing. The cloud server 24 issues commands to control the electro-hydraulic actuator 3, adjusting the height of the lightning arrester 6. It also wirelessly transmits warning signals and other information to the mobile app 21, the unit control system 20, the monitoring display screen 25, the warning release platform 19, and other related devices, ensuring smooth information exchange throughout the entire system.

[0046] The working principle and usage process of this invention are as follows: First, the device is connected and installed to the nacelle of the wind turbine through the nacelle connector 17, and the installation area of ​​the device does not affect the rotation of the blades. Then, through the coordinated work of the lightning locator 702, electric field monitor 704 and meteorological sensor 703 in the detection component 7, the device is responsible for monitoring lightning and meteorological information in the surrounding environment. The lightning locator 702 can capture the location and time of lightning in real time, the electric field monitor 704 can accurately detect changes in atmospheric electric field intensity, and the meteorological sensor 703 provides meteorological data such as wind speed, humidity and air pressure. These data are transmitted to the cloud server 24 for analysis and processing through the wireless communication module 23. Once lightning activity is detected to be approaching, the cloud server 24 sends a warning signal to the mobile APP 21, the unit control system 20 and the early warning release platform 19 through the wireless communication module 23. The early warning release platform 19 further controls the audible and visual alarm 22 to issue an alarm to remind the staff. After receiving the warning, the staff can take timely protective measures such as stopping the machine for maintenance and strengthening monitoring.

[0047] Before a lightning strike occurs, the induction signal is transmitted to the electro-hydraulic actuator 3 via the wireless communication module 23. The extension movement of the electro-hydraulic actuator 3 can drive the lifting plate 4 and the lightning arrester 6 to move upward, thereby increasing the height of the lightning arrester 6 before the lightning strike occurs. This allows the lightning to strike the lightning arrester 6 over a wider area, preventing it from striking the wind turbine. Then, the current is conducted along the conductive component 18 to the lead wire 8. The lead wire 8 and the grounding component 9 quickly and safely conduct the powerful lightning current to the ground.

[0048] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0049] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0050] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between components; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0051] In this application, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example, which is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0052] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting this application. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A lightning protection device for wind power equipment, characterized in that, include: Support components; A lightning arrester is disposed on the support assembly, and the lightning arrester is movable along the height direction of the support assembly; A grounding component, connected to the lightning arrester, is used to conduct lightning current into the ground; A detection component, mounted on the support component, is used to monitor lightning and meteorological information in the environment surrounding the lightning arrester.

2. The wind power equipment lightning protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support components include: A support plate, wherein a slide bar extending along its height direction is provided on the support plate; A lifting plate is slidably engaged with the sliding rod, and the lightning arrester is installed on the lifting plate; A support base is fixed to the opposite sides of the support plate, and an electro-hydraulic actuator is installed on the support base. The drive end of the electro-hydraulic actuator is connected to the lifting plate.

3. The wind power equipment lightning protection device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The lifting plate is provided with a threaded connection seat, the lightning arrester is installed on the threaded connection seat, and a conductive element is installed at the bottom of the threaded connection seat.

4. The wind power equipment lightning protection device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The grounding component includes: Connect the lead wire, one end of which is connected to the conductive component; A conductive plate is connected to the other end of the lead wire; A grounding rod, the upper end of which is connected to the conductive plate; The grounding grid is connected to the bottom end of the grounding rod.

5. The wind power equipment lightning protection device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The two support bases are fixedly connected to a fixed base on their opposite sides. The fixed base has a through hole that runs vertically through it, and the lead wire passes through the through hole.

6. The wind power equipment lightning protection device according to claim 5, characterized in that: It also includes a protective cover, which is installed on the support plate and located around the lightning arrester. The protective cover has clearance holes for the lifting plate to pass through.

7. The wind power equipment lightning protection device according to any one of claims 2-6, characterized in that: The detection component includes a detection board on which a lightning locator and / or an electric field monitor and / or a weather sensor are mounted.

8. The wind power equipment lightning protection device according to claim 7, characterized in that, Also includes: Cloud server; The wireless communication module is connected to the cloud server via signal, and is also connected to the electro-hydraulic actuator, the lightning locator, the electric field monitor, and the meteorological sensor via signal.

9. The wind power equipment lightning protection device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The wireless communication module is also connected to the mobile APP and the unit control system signals respectively.

10. The lightning protection device for wind power equipment according to claim 9, characterized in that: The cloud server is wirelessly connected to a detection display screen and an early warning release platform, and the early warning release platform is wirelessly connected to an audible and visual alarm.

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