A power supply and converter valve thyristor assembly fastening force sensor

Abstract

The application discloses a power supply and a commutation valve thyristor assembly fastening force sensor. The power supply comprises a magnetic field energy-taking module, a selection module and an energy storage module. The magnetic field energy-taking module obtains an induced voltage by using the principle of electromagnetic induction and stores the induced voltage. The selection module judges whether the energy storage voltage of the magnetic field energy-taking module is higher than a preset voltage threshold. When the energy storage voltage is higher than the preset voltage threshold, the magnetic field energy-taking module is connected with a load, and the magnetic field energy-taking module supplies power to the load after boosting the energy storage voltage. When the energy storage voltage is not higher than the preset voltage threshold, the energy storage module is connected with the load, and the energy storage module supplies power to the load after discharging and boosting.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the fields of intelligent sensing and the Internet of Things, and in particular to a fastening force sensor for a power supply and a thyristor assembly of a converter valve. Background Art

[0002] The construction of an ultra-high voltage direct current (UHVDC) transmission backbone grid is a crucial foundation for achieving the strategic shift in energy development and promoting clean and green solutions to meet global electricity demand. China has already commissioned dozens of DC converter stations. With the increasing number of HVDC transmission lines coming online, higher standards are being placed on the safe and reliable operation of core equipment in these stations. Converter valves are expensive and crucial components of UHVDC converter stations. Failure in these valves can not only halt DC transmission but, in severe cases, can also lead to major safety incidents. To address this challenge, embedded micro-intelligent sensors can be used to monitor key physical quantities within the converter valves.

[0003] The tightening force (or pressure) of the converter valve assembly's pressing mechanism is a critical physical quantity. Reduced tightening force can lead to insufficient tightening between thyristor assembly components, such as between the heat sink and the thyristor. This increases contact resistance, causing component temperature rise that could damage the thyristor components and even cause a fire. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the defect in the prior art that the tightening force of the thyristor assembly cannot be detected, thereby providing a power supply and a tightening force sensor for the thyristor assembly of a converter valve.

[0005] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0006] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a power supply, comprising: a magnetic field energy harvesting module, an energy storage module, and a selection module, wherein the magnetic field energy harvesting module, having a first end and a second end connected to the first end and the second end of the selection module respectively, is used to obtain an induced voltage using the principle of electromagnetic induction, and store the induced voltage after rectification; the energy storage module, having an output end connected to the third end of the selection module; the selection module, having an output end connected to a load, is used to determine whether the energy storage voltage of the magnetic field energy harvesting module is higher than a preset voltage threshold. When the preset voltage threshold is exceeded, the magnetic field energy harvesting module is connected to the load, and the magnetic field energy harvesting module boosts the energy storage voltage to supply power to the load; when the preset voltage threshold is not exceeded, the energy storage module is connected to the load, and the energy storage module discharges and boosts the voltage to supply power to the load.

[0007] In one embodiment, the magnetic field energy harvesting module includes: a magnetic field energy harvesting circuit, a rectifier circuit, a supercapacitor and a first boost circuit, wherein the magnetic field energy harvesting circuit, the rectifier circuit, the supercapacitor and the first boost circuit are connected in series in sequence and then connected to the selection module; when the voltage of the supercapacitor is higher than a preset voltage threshold, the selection module connects the first boost module to the load.

[0008] In one embodiment, the energy storage module includes: an energy storage battery and a second boost circuit, wherein the energy storage battery and the second boost circuit are connected in series in sequence and then connected to the selection module; when the voltage of the supercapacitor is lower than a preset voltage threshold, the selection module connects the second boost circuit to the load.

[0009] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a tightening force sensor for a thyristor assembly of a converter valve. The thyristor assembly comprises a current guide busbar, multiple thyristors, and multiple heat sinks. The thyristors and heat sinks are alternately connected in series, and ultimately current flows out of the current guide busbar. A pressing mechanism applies a pressing force on both sides of the thyristor assembly. The tightening force sensor comprises: a pressure sensor and a self-energy sensing module. The self-energy sensing module comprises the power supply of the first aspect, wherein the pressure sensor is disposed on the current guide busbar and embedded in the pressing mechanism to sense the pressing force applied by the pressing mechanism; the self-energy sensing module is mounted on the surface of the heat sink near the current guide busbar. The power supply within the self-energy sensing module utilizes the strong magnetic field changes generated by the periodic opening and closing of the valve section current, and uses a non-invasive coil to convert the magnetic energy to achieve self-energy extraction and power the pressure sensor. The self-energy sensing module also converts the pressing force into an electrical signal, processes the electrical signal, and sends it to a host computer. The host computer determines the magnitude of the tightening force of the thyristor assembly based on the processed electrical signal.

[0010] In one embodiment, the self-energy sensing module also includes: a signal processing and analog-to-digital conversion unit, and a processor, wherein the signal processing and analog-to-digital conversion unit has a first end connected to the pressure sensor, a second end connected to the first end of the processor, and a third end connected to the power supply, and is used to convert the top pressure into an electrical signal, and obtain a top pressure digital signal after analog-to-digital conversion of the electrical signal; the processor has a second end connected to the host computer, and a third end connected to the power supply, and is used to process the top pressure digital signal and send it to the host computer.

[0011] In one embodiment, the self-energy sensing module further includes: a data storage unit connected to the processor and configured to store the processed top pressure digital signal.

[0012] In one embodiment, the self-energy sensing module further includes: a wireless communication unit connected between the processor and the host computer, and used to realize communication between the processor and the host computer.

[0013] The technical solution of the present invention has the following advantages:

[0014] 1. The power supply provided by the present invention utilizes the principle of electromagnetic induction. The magnetic field energy harvesting module obtains and stores an induced voltage. The selection module determines whether the energy storage voltage of the magnetic field energy harvesting module is higher than a preset voltage threshold. When the preset voltage threshold is exceeded, the magnetic field energy harvesting module is connected to the load, and the magnetic field energy harvesting module boosts the energy storage voltage to supply power to the load. When the preset voltage threshold is not exceeded, the energy storage module is connected to the load, and the energy storage module discharges and boosts the voltage to supply power to the load, thereby achieving continuous power supply to the load.

[0015] 2. The tightening force sensor provided by the present invention is configured by placing a pressure sensor on the guide busbar and embedding it within the top-pressing mechanism. The pressure sensor senses the top pressure applied by the top-pressing mechanism in real time. The self-powered sensing module, installed on the surface of the radiator near the guide busbar, uses a non-invasive coil to convert magnetic energy to achieve self-powered operation, thereby reducing dependence on battery power and even achieving battery-free operation. This provides a new energy supply solution for flexible sensor deployment and long-term reliable operation. The self-powered sensing module also converts the top pressure into an electrical signal, processes the electrical signal, and sends it to the host computer. The host computer determines the size of the tightening force of the thyristor assembly based on the processed electrical signal, thereby achieving real-time detection of the tightening force of the thyristor assembly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] In order to more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the specific embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0017] Figure 1 A diagram showing a specific example of a power supply according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 A composition diagram of another specific example of a power supply provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 3 A composition diagram of another specific example of a power supply provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a thyristor assembly of a power supply provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 5 A diagram showing a specific example of a tightening force sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 6A diagram showing the composition of another specific example of a fastening force sensor provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 7 A diagram showing the composition of another specific example of a fastening force sensor provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 8 A composition diagram of another specific example of the fastening force sensor provided by an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The technical solution of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the embodiments described are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field based on the embodiments of the present invention without making any creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0026] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientations or positional relationships, are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are intended solely to facilitate and simplify the description of the present invention. They are not intended to indicate or imply that the devices or components referred to must have, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0027] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "installed," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; internal connections between two components; wireless connections or wired connections. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on specific circumstances.

[0028] In addition, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of the present invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0029] Example 1

[0030] The embodiment of the present invention provides a power supply 11, such as Figure 1 As shown, it includes: a magnetic field energy acquisition module 111, an energy storage module 112 and a selection module 113.

[0031] like Figure 1As shown, the magnetic field energy acquisition module 111 of the embodiment of the present invention has its first end and second end connected to the first end and second end of the selection module 113 respectively, and is used to obtain an induced voltage using the principle of electromagnetic induction and store the induced voltage after rectification.

[0032] Specifically, the magnetic field energy harvesting module 111 of the embodiment of the present invention is placed in an alternating magnetic field, and can utilize a non-invasive coil to sense magnetic energy, and convert the magnetic energy into electrical energy for storage.

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, the output end of the energy storage module 112 according to the embodiment of the present invention is connected to the third end of the selection module 113 .

[0034] Specifically, in order to prevent the magnetic field energy from being too weak to establish the supply voltage, the embodiment of the present invention further provides an energy storage module 112 to replace the magnetic field energy extraction module 111 to supply power to the load.

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, the selection module 113 of the embodiment of the present invention has its output end connected to the load and is used to determine whether the energy storage voltage of the magnetic field energy harvesting module 111 is higher than a preset voltage threshold. When the preset voltage threshold is exceeded, the magnetic field energy harvesting module 111 is connected to the load, and the magnetic field energy harvesting module 111 boosts the energy storage voltage to supply power to the load; when the preset voltage threshold is not exceeded, the energy storage module 112 is connected to the load, and the energy storage module 112 discharges and boosts the voltage to supply power to the load.

[0036] Specifically, the embodiment of the present invention is provided with a magnetic field energy harvesting module 111 and an energy storage module 112, wherein the magnetic field energy harvesting module 111 generates an induced voltage in real time and stores electrical energy. When the energy storage voltage of the magnetic field energy harvesting module 111 is higher than a preset voltage threshold, the magnetic field energy harvesting module 111 supplies power to the load. When the energy storage voltage of the magnetic field energy harvesting module 111 is lower than the preset voltage threshold, the energy storage module 112 supplies power to the load. By utilizing the magnetic field energy harvesting module 111 and the energy storage module 112 to supply power to the load, not only is the situation of power failure of the load due to an excessively weak magnetic field avoided, but the service life of the energy storage module 112 is also extended.

[0037] Specifically, the selection module 113 of an embodiment of the present invention may include a comparison circuit and multiple switches, wherein the comparison circuit is used to collect the energy storage voltage of the magnetic field energy acquisition module 111, and compare the energy storage voltage with a preset voltage threshold, and output a comparison result. The comparison result can control each switch to be in a different switching state so that the load is connected to the magnetic field energy acquisition module 111, or to the energy storage module 112.

[0038] Specifically, the selection module 113 of the embodiment of the present invention can also be composed of a comparison chip and multiple switches, wherein the comparison chip collects the energy storage voltage and performs analog-to-digital conversion on it, and then compares the energy storage voltage in the form of a digital signal with a preset voltage threshold and outputs a comparison result. The comparison result can control each switch to be in a different switching state so that the load is connected to the magnetic field energy acquisition module 111, or to the energy storage module 112.

[0039] In a specific embodiment, if Figure 2 As shown, the magnetic field energy harvesting module 111 includes: a magnetic field energy harvesting circuit 1111 , a rectifier circuit 1112 , a super capacitor 1113 and a first boost circuit 1114 .

[0040] like Figure 2 As shown, the magnetic field energy harvesting circuit 1111 , the rectifier circuit 1112 , the super capacitor 1113 and the first boost circuit 1114 of the embodiment of the present invention are sequentially connected in series and then connected to the selection module 113 .

[0041] Specifically, the magnetic field energy harvesting circuit 1111 of the embodiment of the present invention is placed in an alternating magnetic field, which can be composed of an iron core with a wound coil. The magnetic field lines pass through the coil, and the coil generates an induced voltage, which is transmitted to the rectifier circuit 1112.

[0042] Specifically, the rectifier circuit 1112 of the embodiment of the present invention can be a bridge circuit based on a controllable switching device. The required DC power can be obtained by controlling the switching frequency of the controllable switching device. In addition, the AC side and DC side of the rectifier circuit 1112 can be connected to the filter circuit to obtain stable and smooth DC power.

[0043] Specifically, the DC power output by the rectifier circuit 1112 in the embodiment of the present invention does not directly power the load, but is stored in the supercapacitor 1113. When the voltage of the supercapacitor 1113 (energy storage voltage) exceeds the preset voltage threshold, the selection module 113 connects the first boost module to the load, and the DC power is boosted by the first boost module to power the load. In addition, the energy storage element in the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the supercapacitor 1113, but can also be other elements with the same function, and the first boost module can be a DC-DC circuit represented by a Buck boost circuit. By changing the duty cycle of the switching device in the first boost module, the required power supply voltage is obtained, which is not limited here.

[0044] In a specific embodiment, if Figure 3 As shown, the energy storage module 112 includes: an energy storage battery 1121 and a second boost circuit 1122 , wherein the energy storage battery 1121 and the second boost circuit 1122 are sequentially connected in series and then connected to the selection module 113 .

[0045] Specifically, after the selection module 113 of the embodiment of the present invention collects the voltage of the supercapacitor 1113, it compares it with a preset voltage threshold. When it exceeds the preset voltage threshold, the selection module 113 connects the first boost circuit 1114 to the load, and the discharge voltage of the supercapacitor 1113 is boosted by the first boost circuit 1114 to power the load. When it is lower than the preset voltage threshold, the selection module 113 connects the second boost circuit 1122 to the load, and the discharge voltage of the energy storage battery 1121 is boosted by the second boost circuit 1122 to power the load.

[0046] Specifically, the second boost module may be a DC-DC circuit represented by a Buck boost circuit. The required power supply voltage is obtained by changing the duty cycle of the switching device in the second boost module, which is not limited here.

[0047] Example 2

[0048] The embodiment of the present invention provides a fastening force sensor for a thyristor assembly of a converter valve, such as Figure 4 As shown, the thyristor assembly consists of a current conducting busbar, multiple thyristors, and multiple heat sinks. The thyristors and the heat sinks are alternately connected in series, and the final current flows out from the current conducting busbar. The top pressure mechanism applies top pressure on both sides of the thyristor assembly.

[0049] The fastening force sensor of the embodiment of the present invention includes: a self-powered sensing module 1 and a pressure sensor 2 . The self-powered sensing module 1 includes the power supply 11 of the embodiment 1.

[0050] like Figure 5 As shown, the pressure sensor 2 of the embodiment of the present invention is arranged on the guide busbar and embedded in the top pressure mechanism to sense the top pressure applied by the top pressure mechanism;

[0051] like Figure 5 As shown, the self-energy sensing module 1 is installed on the surface of the radiator near the guide busbar. The magnetic lines of force of the magnetic field around the thyristor assembly pass through the magnetic field energy acquisition module 111 of the power supply 11. The power supply 11 uses the strong magnetic field changes generated by the periodic opening and closing of the valve section current, and adopts a non-invasive coil to convert the magnetic energy to achieve self-energy acquisition and power supply for the pressure sensor. The power supply for the pressure sensor is divided into direct and indirect power supply methods. The direct power supply method refers to the output voltage of the power supply 11 directly powering the pressure sensor. The indirect power supply method refers to the power supply 11 powering the circuit inside the self-energy sensing module 1, and then powering the pressure sensor after the voltage is reduced or increased through the circuit inside the self-energy sensing module 1; the self-energy sensing module 1 also converts the top pressure into an electrical signal, and after processing the electrical signal, sends it to the host computer. The host computer determines the size of the fastening force of the thyristor assembly according to the processed electrical signal.

[0052] An embodiment of the present invention provides a tightening force sensor based on electromagnetic energy extraction for real-time monitoring of the tightening force of a thyristor assembly. Since the converter valve is a high-voltage and high-current environment, it is very challenging to obtain energy at a high potential to power the sensor node (self-energy extraction sensor module 1). The embodiment of the present invention uses a non-invasive coil to collect the changing electromagnetic energy around the thyristor assembly and power the sensor node, thereby reducing the sensor node's dependence on batteries and even achieving battery-free operation, providing a new energy supply solution for the flexible deployment and long-term reliable operation of the sensor node.

[0053] In a specific embodiment, if Figure 6 As shown, the self-energy sensing module 1 further includes: a signal processing and analog-to-digital conversion unit 12 and a processor 13 .

[0054] like Figure 6 As shown, the signal processing and analog-to-digital conversion unit 12 of an embodiment of the present invention has a first end connected to the pressure sensor 2, a second end connected to the first end of the processor 13, and a third end connected to the power supply 11, and is used to convert the top pressure into an electrical signal, and obtain a top pressure digital signal after analog-to-digital conversion of the electrical signal.

[0055] Specifically, the signal processing and analog-to-digital conversion unit 12 of the embodiment of the present invention can be a mature processing chip with an analog-to-digital conversion interface in the prior art, and its internal method for processing the top pressure is a mature method in the prior art and will not be repeated here.

[0056] like Figure 6 As shown, the processor 13 of the embodiment of the present invention has a second end connected to the host computer and a third end connected to the power supply 11, and is used to process the top pressure digital signal and then send it to the host computer.

[0057] Specifically, the processor 13 of the embodiment of the present invention can be a highly integrated microprocessor, which can process the top pressure digital signal without limitation to configuring the parameters of the signal processing and analog-to-digital conversion unit 12, controlling the operation of the signal processing and analog-to-digital conversion unit 12, pre-processing the top pressure digital signal, etc., and is not limited here.

[0058] In a specific embodiment, if Figure 7 As shown, the self-energy sensing module 1 further includes: a data storage unit 14, which is connected to the processor 13 and is used to store the processed top pressure digital signal.

[0059] Specifically, the data storage unit 14 of the embodiment of the present invention stores the top pressure digital signal in real time. When the host computer needs to retrieve the top pressure digital signal, the signal processing and analog-to-digital conversion unit 12 retrieves the required top pressure digital signal.

[0060] In a specific embodiment, if Figure 8 As shown, the self-energy sensing module 1 further includes: a wireless communication unit 15, which is connected between the processor 13 and the host computer and is used to realize communication between the processor 13 and the host computer.

[0061] Specifically, the power supply 11 of the embodiment of the present invention supplies power to the wireless communication unit 15. By providing the wireless communication unit 15, data communication between the self-powered sensing module 1 arranged at a high potential and the host computer is facilitated, thereby improving the flexible deployment of the tightening force sensor.

[0062] It should be noted that Figures 6 to 8 The pressure sensor is directly powered by the power supply 11, while the indirect power supply is that the power supply end of the pressure sensor obtains energy from the DC wire of the signal processing and analog-to-digital conversion unit, which will not be described in detail here.

[0063] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely examples for clarity of explanation and are not intended to limit the implementation methods. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is not necessary and impossible to enumerate all implementation methods here. Obvious variations or modifications arising therefrom remain within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A tightening force sensor for a thyristor assembly of a converter valve, wherein the thyristor assembly is composed of a current conducting busbar, multiple thyristors, and multiple heat sinks. The thyristors and heat sinks are alternately connected in series, and the final current flows out from the current conducting busbar. A pressing mechanism applies a pressing force on both sides of the thyristor assembly, characterized in that: The tightening force sensor includes: a pressure sensor, a self-powered sensing module, and the self-powered sensing module includes a power supply, wherein: A pressure sensor is provided on the guide busbar and embedded in the top pressure mechanism to sense the top pressure applied by the top pressure mechanism; A self-powered sensing module is installed on the surface of the radiator near the guide busbar. The internal power supply utilizes the strong magnetic field changes generated by the periodic opening and closing of the valve section current, and uses a non-invasive coil to convert the magnetic energy to achieve self-powered and power the pressure sensor. The self-powered sensing module also converts the top pressure into an electrical signal, processes the electrical signal, and sends it to the host computer. The host computer determines the size of the fastening force of the thyristor assembly based on the processed electrical signal. The power supply includes: a magnetic field energy acquisition module, an energy storage module and a selection module, wherein the first end and the second end of the magnetic field energy acquisition module are respectively connected to the first end and the second end of the selection module, and are used to obtain an induced voltage by using the principle of electromagnetic induction, and store the induced voltage after rectification; the output end of the energy storage module is connected to the third end of the selection module; the output end of the selection module is connected to the load, and is used to determine whether the energy storage voltage of the magnetic field energy acquisition module is higher than a preset voltage threshold. When the preset voltage threshold is exceeded, the magnetic field energy acquisition module is connected to the load, and the magnetic field energy acquisition module boosts the energy storage voltage to supply power to the load; when the preset voltage threshold is not exceeded, the energy storage module is connected to the load, and the energy storage module discharges and boosts the voltage to supply power to the load; the magnetic field energy acquisition module includes: a magnetic field energy acquisition circuit, a rectifier circuit, a supercapacitor and a first boost circuit, wherein the magnetic field energy acquisition circuit, the rectifier circuit, the supercapacitor and the first boost circuit are connected in series in sequence and then connected to the selection module; when the voltage of the supercapacitor is higher than the preset voltage threshold, the selection module connects the first boost module to the load; The self-energy sensing module further includes: a signal processing and analog-to-digital conversion unit and a processor, wherein the signal processing and analog-to-digital conversion unit has a first end connected to the pressure sensor, a second end connected to the first end of the processor, and a third end connected to the power supply, and is used to convert the top pressure into an electrical signal, and obtain a top pressure digital signal after performing analog-to-digital conversion on the electrical signal; the processor has a second end connected to the host computer, and a third end connected to the power supply, and is used to process the top pressure digital signal and send it to the host computer; The self-energy sensing module further includes: a data storage unit connected to the processor for storing the processed top pressure digital signal; The self-energy sensing module further includes: a wireless communication unit, which is connected between the processor and the host computer and is used to realize communication between the processor and the host computer.

2. The converter valve thyristor assembly fastening force sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The energy storage module includes: an energy storage battery and a second boost circuit, wherein: The energy storage battery and the second boost circuit are sequentially connected in series and then connected to the selection module; When the voltage of the supercapacitor is lower than a preset voltage threshold, the selection module connects the second boost circuit to a load.

Images