A wind turbine blade clearance protection system and method

Abstract

The present application belongs to the technical field of blade clearance protection, and particularly relates to a wind turbine generator unit blade clearance protection system and method. The technical scheme is as follows: a wind turbine generator unit blade clearance protection system, comprising a clearance protection control box and a blade tip deformation alarm sensor, the blade tip deformation alarm sensor is arranged corresponding to the blade tip of a fan, the blade tip deformation alarm sensor is electrically connected with the clearance protection control box, a fan control system and a wireless receiver are further installed on the fan, the clearance protection control box is in communication connection with the wireless receiver, and the wireless receiver is electrically connected with the fan control system. The present application provides a wind turbine generator unit blade clearance protection system and method for measuring whether the blade clearance is within a safe range by using a deformation switch sensor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of blade clearance protection technology, and specifically relates to a wind turbine blade clearance protection system and method. Background Technology

[0002] The blade clearance of a wind turbine refers to the minimum distance between the blade tip and the tower surface during turbine operation, and it is crucial for the safety of the wind turbine. Currently, wind turbines are becoming increasingly powerful, and their blades are also becoming longer. With the increase in blade length, blade stiffness decreases accordingly. At higher wind speeds, the deformation at the blade tip is significant, and under extreme turbulence conditions, this can lead to serious accidents such as blade tip swiping the tower, affecting the safe operation of the wind turbine. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor the blade clearance in real time to ensure it remains within a safe range.

[0003] Traditional methods for monitoring blade clearance include lidar ranging, millimeter-wave radar ranging, multi-head laser ranging, and image recognition ranging. However, the results are easily affected by dust, moisture, and dense fog, leading to low reliability and poor cost-effectiveness. Other methods use clearance rangefinders and eddy current sensors to measure blade clearance, but these are susceptible to electromagnetic interference, and wiring external sensors to the tower is extremely difficult, making them practically impossible. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems in the prior art, the purpose of this invention is to provide a wind turbine blade clearance protection system and method that uses a deformation switch sensor to measure whether the blade clearance is within a safe range.

[0005] The technical solution adopted in this invention is as follows:

[0006] A wind turbine blade clearance protection system includes a clearance protection control box and a blade tip deformation alarm sensor. The blade tip deformation alarm sensor is set corresponding to the blade tip of the wind turbine. The blade tip deformation alarm sensor is electrically connected to the clearance protection control box. The wind turbine is also equipped with a wind turbine control system and a wireless receiver. The clearance protection control box is communicatively connected to the wireless receiver, and the wireless receiver is electrically connected to the wind turbine control system.

[0007] When the tip deformation alarm sensor of this invention deforms under external force at its front end, the state of the switch sensor in its rear end changes. This deformation switch signal is sent to the air clearance protection control box, which then transmits the deformation switch signal to the wind turbine control system via a wireless receiver. Upon receiving this signal change, the wind turbine control system immediately issues a shutdown command, causing the wind turbine to retract its propellers and stop, thus preventing further deformation and the risk of tip sweeping against the tower, and protecting the wind turbine's safety.

[0008] This invention enables the measurement of whether the blade clearance is within a safe range using a deformation switch sensor. The measurement signal is purely mechanical and is not affected by weather, environment, or electromagnetic interference, thus reliably ensuring the blade clearance safety of the unit.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the air clearance protection control box includes a controller and a wireless transmitter. A blade tip deformation alarm sensor is electrically connected to the controller, the controller is electrically connected to the wireless transmitter, and the wireless transmitter is communicatively connected to a wireless receiver. The blade tip deformation alarm sensor sends a deformation signal to the controller, which then sends the deformation signal to the wireless receiver via the wireless transmitter. The wireless receiver interacts with the wind turbine control system.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the airspace protection control box further includes a solar panel, which is electrically connected to a battery. The battery is electrically connected to a power distribution switch. A control unit is installed inside the airspace protection control box, and the control unit is electrically connected to the power distribution switch. The solar panel charges the battery, and the battery provides power to the airspace protection control box through the power distribution switch.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the blade tip deformation alarm sensor is at the same height as the lowest point of the wind turbine blade tip. According to the definition of wind turbine blade clearance, the minimum distance from the blade tip to the tower surface during turbine operation is the wind turbine blade clearance. Since the blade tip deformation alarm sensor is located within the clearance area, it can promptly detect when the clearance decreases to a set dangerous value, and the wind turbine control system can then control the wind turbine to shut down, ensuring safe wind turbine operation.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the air clearance protection control box further includes a drive mechanism, the output end of which is connected to a roller, a ring track is provided on the tower of the wind turbine, the roller is located in the ring track, and the blade tip deformation alarm sensor is installed on the air clearance protection control box.

[0013] The wind turbine control system controls the direction of the turbine head based on the wind direction detected by the wind direction sensor, ensuring that the wind turbine makes full use of wind power. At this time, the drive mechanism can drive the clearance protection control box and the blade tip deformation alarm sensor to rotate, so that the blade tip deformation alarm sensor is perpendicular to the impeller surface, and the blade tip deformation alarm sensor is always located within the clearance area of ​​the wind turbine blade.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the wind turbine control system is electrically connected to a wind direction sensor and a wind turbine yaw system for controlling the impeller direction; the controller is electrically connected to the drive mechanism. When the wind turbine control system issues a wind turbine yaw command, it simultaneously issues a start command to the air clearance protection control box, thereby driving the drive mechanism to drive the air clearance protection control box to run at the same speed and in the same direction as the wind turbine head, facilitating automatic control of the blade tip deformation alarm sensor to maintain perpendicularity to the impeller surface.

[0015] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a proximity switch is also installed on the wind turbine tower. The proximity switch is located on the moving path of the air clearance protection control box and is electrically connected to the wind turbine control system. When the air clearance protection control box moves to the position of the proximity switch, the proximity switch sends a signal to the wind turbine control system. At this time, the wind turbine control system performs deviation calibration on the air clearance protection control box to eliminate the cumulative error between the air clearance protection control box and the wind turbine nacelle caused by long-term operation. Thus, the blade tip deformation alarm sensor always corresponds to the blade tip.

[0016] A method for protecting the air clearance of wind turbine blades includes the following steps:

[0017] When the blade tip deformation alarm sensor is subjected to external force and deforms, it sends a deformation switch signal to the air clearance protection control box.

[0018] The air clearance protection control box sends the deformation switch signal to the fan control system via a wireless receiver;

[0019] The wind turbine control system issued a shutdown command, and the wind turbine stopped by retracting its propellers.

[0020] This invention enables the measurement of whether the blade clearance is within a safe range using a deformation switch sensor. The measurement signal is purely mechanical and is not affected by weather, environment, or electromagnetic interference, thus reliably ensuring the blade clearance safety of the unit.

[0021] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the following steps are also included:

[0022] When the wind turbine control system issues a yaw command based on the wind direction signal from the wind direction sensor, it simultaneously sends a start command to the air clearance protection control box to maintain the blade tip deformation alarm sensor and the wind turbine head running at the same speed and in the same direction. The blade tip deformation alarm sensor operates synchronously with the wind turbine head, ensuring that the sensor is always in a position capable of detecting blade tip deformation.

[0023] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the following steps are also included:

[0024] A proximity switch is installed on the wind turbine tower. When the air clearance protection control box moves to the proximity switch position, the wind turbine control system performs deviation calibration on the air clearance protection control box. This deviation calibration eliminates the cumulative error between the air clearance protection control box and the wind turbine nacelle caused by long-term operation, preventing the blade tip deformation alarm sensor from misaligning with the wind turbine head.

[0025] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0026] 1. When the tip deformation alarm sensor of this invention deforms under external force, the deformation signal is sent to the air clearance protection control box. The air clearance protection control box then transmits the deformation signal to the wind turbine control system via a wireless receiver. Upon receiving the signal change, the wind turbine control system immediately issues a shutdown command, and the wind turbine retracts its propellers and stops to prevent further deformation and the risk of tip sweeping the tower, thus protecting the wind turbine's safety. This invention achieves the measurement of whether the blade clearance is within a safe range using a deformation switch sensor. The measurement signal is purely mechanical and unaffected by weather, environment, or electromagnetic interference, reliably ensuring the blade clearance safety of the unit.

[0027] 2. This invention can realize the synchronous action of the blade tip deformation alarm sensor with the yaw of the wind turbine, and at the same time, the accumulated error is eliminated according to the proximity switch signal during the action to ensure that the blade tip deformation alarm sensor is perpendicular to the wind turbine surface.

[0028] 3. This invention enables wireless transmission of signals both outside and inside the tower, solving the extremely difficult problem of wiring and routing of equipment outside the tower. It eliminates system failures caused by cable issues and greatly improves system reliability. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a partial structural diagram of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the blade tip deformation alarm sensor.

[0032] In the diagram: 1- Blade tip deformation alarm sensor; 2- Clearance protection control box; 3- Wireless receiver; 4- Fan control system; 5- Circular track; 6- Proximity switch. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0034] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the invention. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in the embodiments of the invention can be combined with each other.

[0035] The wind turbine includes a tower base, on which a tower is installed. The other end of the tower is connected to the turbine head via a bearing. Blades are installed on the turbine head, and the turbine head's shaft is perpendicular to the tower.

[0036] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the wind turbine blade clearance protection system of this embodiment includes a clearance protection control box 2, on which rollers are installed. A circular track 5 is installed on the wind turbine tower, and the rollers are installed within the circular track 5. A blade tip deformation alarm sensor 1 is installed on the clearance protection control box 2, and the blade tip deformation alarm sensor 1 is installed corresponding to the blade tip of the wind turbine. A wireless receiver 3 is installed outside the wind turbine tower base, and a wind turbine control system 4 is installed on the nacelle or tower base. The wind turbine control system 4 is the main control system built into the wind turbine. The clearance protection control box 2 is communicatively connected to the wireless receiver 3, and the wireless receiver 3 is electrically connected to the wind turbine control system 4.

[0037] When the tip deformation alarm sensor 1 of this invention deforms under external force at its front end, the state of the switch sensor in its rear end changes. This deformation switch signal is output to the air clearance protection control box 2 via a cable embedded in the tip deformation alarm sensor 1. The air clearance protection control box 2 then transmits the deformation switch signal to the wind turbine control system 4 via a wireless receiver 3. Upon receiving this signal change, the wind turbine control system 4 immediately issues a shutdown command, and the wind turbine retracts its propellers and stops to prevent further deformation and the danger of tip sweeping the tower, thus protecting the wind turbine's safety.

[0038] Among them, such as Figure 3 As shown, the blade tip deformation alarm sensor 1 is made of insulating material and includes a front section and a rear section. The front section of the blade tip deformation alarm sensor 1 faces the direction of the wind turbine blades and serves as the sensor's trigger. The rear section of the blade tip deformation alarm sensor 1 is mounted on the air clearance protection control box 2, and a switch sensor is pre-embedded within the rear section. The length of the blade tip deformation alarm sensor 1 is set according to the safe air clearance distance of the wind turbine to be protected.

[0039] The circular track 5 is made of H-shaped steel and is fixed to the outer wall of the wind turbine tower by welding, providing a motion track for the air clearance protection control box 2.

[0040] Specifically, the air clearance protection control box 2 includes a box body, a blade tip deformation alarm sensor 1 mounted on the box body, a controller and a wireless transmitter installed inside the box body, the blade tip deformation alarm sensor 1 being electrically connected to the controller, the controller being electrically connected to the wireless transmitter, and the wireless transmitter being communicatively connected to the wireless receiver 3. The blade tip deformation alarm sensor 1 sends a deformation signal to the controller, the controller then sends the deformation signal to the wireless receiver 3 via the wireless transmitter, and the wireless receiver 3 interacts with the fan control system 4.

[0041] To enable the blade tip deformation alarm sensor to rotate with the turbine head, the clearance protection control box 2 also includes a drive mechanism. A roller is connected to the output end of the drive mechanism, and the controller is electrically connected to the drive mechanism. The wind turbine control system 4 is electrically connected to a wind direction sensor, which is mounted on the top of the wind turbine nacelle. The wind turbine control system 4 is also electrically connected to a wind turbine yaw system for controlling the impeller direction. The wind turbine control system 4 controls the turbine head direction based on the wind direction detected by the wind direction sensor, ensuring that the wind turbine fully utilizes wind power. At this time, the drive mechanism can drive the clearance protection control box 2 and the blade tip deformation alarm sensor 1 to rotate, making the blade tip deformation alarm sensor 1 perpendicular to the impeller surface, and ensuring that the blade tip deformation alarm sensor 1 is always within the clearance area of ​​the wind turbine blades.

[0042] To automatically control the blade tip deformation alarm sensor to follow the turbine head rotation, the controller is electrically connected to the drive mechanism. When the fan control system 4 issues a fan yaw command, it simultaneously issues a start command to the air clearance protection control box 2, thereby driving the drive mechanism to drive the air clearance protection control box 2 to run at the same speed and in the same direction as the fan head, facilitating automatic control of the blade tip deformation alarm sensor 1 to remain perpendicular to the impeller surface.

[0043] Furthermore, the airspace protection control box 2 also includes a solar panel mounted on the top of the box. The solar panel is electrically connected to a battery, which is electrically connected to a power distribution switch. The power distribution switch is electrically connected to the controller, the wireless transmitter, and the drive mechanism, respectively. The solar panel charges the battery, and the battery provides power to the equipment inside the airspace protection control box 2 through the power distribution switch.

[0044] It is important to note that the annular track 5 is set at the same height as the lowest position of the wind turbine blade tip, meaning the blade tip deformation alarm sensor 1 is at the same height as the wind turbine blade tip when it rotates to its lowest position. According to the definition of wind turbine blade clearance, the minimum distance from the blade tip to the tower surface during turbine operation is the wind turbine blade clearance. Since the blade tip deformation alarm sensor 1 is located within the clearance area, it can promptly detect when the clearance decreases to a set dangerous value, and the wind turbine control system 4 will then control the wind turbine to shut down, ensuring safe wind turbine operation.

[0045] To calibrate the blade tip deformation alarm sensor 1, a proximity switch 6 is installed on the wind turbine tower. The proximity switch 6 is located on the moving path of the air clearance protection control box 2 and is electrically connected to the wind turbine control system 4. When the air clearance protection control box 2 moves to the position of the proximity switch 6, the proximity switch 6 sends a signal to the wind turbine control system 4. At this time, the wind turbine control system 4 calibrates the air clearance protection control box 2 to eliminate the accumulated error between the air clearance protection control box 2 and the wind turbine nacelle caused by long-term operation. Thus, the blade tip deformation alarm sensor 1 always corresponds to the blade tip.

[0046] The wind turbine blade clearance protection method of this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0047] S1: When the blade tip deformation alarm sensor 1 is deformed by an external force, it sends a deformation signal to the airspace protection control box 2.

[0048] S2: The air clearance protection control box 2 sends the deformation signal to the fan control system 4 through the wireless receiver 3;

[0049] S3: The wind turbine control system 4 issues a shutdown command, and the wind turbine stops by retracting its blades;

[0050] S4: When the wind turbine control system 4 issues a yaw command to the wind turbine based on the wind direction signal from the wind direction sensor, it simultaneously issues a start command to the air clearance protection control box 2 to keep the blade tip deformation alarm sensor 1 running at the same speed and in the same direction as the wind turbine head.

[0051] S5: A proximity switch 6 is installed on the tower of the wind turbine. When the air clearance protection control box 2 moves to the position of the proximity switch 6, the wind turbine control system 4 performs deviation calibration on the air clearance protection control box 2.

[0052] During the rotation of the impeller, changes in wind load cause the blade tip to come into contact with the flexible section of the blade tip deformation alarm sensor 1. The switch sensor inside the blade tip deformation alarm sensor 1 will change its signal state. This signal change is transmitted to the wind turbine control system 4 through the air clearance protection control box 2. After receiving the signal change, the wind turbine control system 4 will immediately issue a shutdown command, and the wind turbine will stop by retracting the blades to prevent greater deformation and the danger of blade tip sweeping the tower, thus protecting the safety of the wind turbine.

[0053] When the wind turbine control system 4 issues a yaw command to the wind turbine, it will simultaneously issue a start command to the airspace protection control box 2 to keep the airspace protection control box 2 running at the same speed and in the same direction as the wind turbine head, so that the blade tip deformation alarm sensor 1 is perpendicular to the impeller surface. When the yaw ends, the wind turbine control system 4 will simultaneously stop the operation of the airspace protection control box 2.

[0054] When the air clearance protection control box 2 moves to the proximity switch 6, the proximity switch 6 will send a signal to the wind turbine control system 4. At this time, the wind turbine control system 4 will perform deviation calibration on the air clearance protection control box 2 to eliminate the cumulative error between the air clearance protection control box 2 and the wind turbine nacelle caused by long-term operation, and avoid the situation where the blade tip deformation alarm sensor 1 is misaligned with the wind turbine head.

[0055] The present invention can realize the synchronous action of the blade tip deformation alarm sensor 1 with the yaw of the wind turbine, and at the same time, the accumulated error is eliminated according to the signal of the proximity switch 6 during the action, so as to ensure that the blade tip deformation alarm sensor 1 is perpendicular to the surface of the wind turbine.

[0056] This invention enables wireless transmission of signals both inside and outside the tower, solving the extremely difficult problem of wiring and routing of equipment outside the tower. It eliminates system failures caused by cable issues and greatly improves system reliability.

[0057] This invention enables the measurement of whether the blade clearance is within a safe range using a deformation switch sensor. The measurement signal is purely mechanical and is not affected by weather, environment, or electromagnetic interference, thus reliably ensuring the blade clearance safety of the unit.

[0058] This invention is not limited to the above-described optional embodiments. Anyone can derive other various forms of products under the guidance of this invention. However, regardless of any changes made in their shape or structure, any technical solution that falls within the scope of the claims of this invention shall be protected by this invention.

Claims

1. A wind turbine blade clearance protection system, characterized in that: Includes an air clearance protection control box (2) and a blade tip deformation alarm sensor (1). The blade tip deformation alarm sensor (1) is set corresponding to the blade tip of the wind turbine. The blade tip deformation alarm sensor (1) is electrically connected to the air clearance protection control box (2). The wind turbine is also equipped with a wind turbine control system (4) and a wireless receiver (3). The air clearance protection control box (2) is communicatively connected to the wireless receiver (3). The wireless receiver (3) is electrically connected to the wind turbine control system (4). The airspace protection control box (2) includes a controller and a wireless transmitter. The blade tip deformation alarm sensor (1) is electrically connected to the controller, the controller is electrically connected to the wireless transmitter, and the wireless transmitter is communicatively connected to the wireless receiver (3). The air clearance protection control box (2) also includes a drive mechanism. The output end of the drive mechanism is connected to a roller. A ring track (5) is provided on the tower of the wind turbine. The roller is located in the ring track (5). The blade tip deformation alarm sensor (1) is installed on the air clearance protection control box (2). The wind turbine control system (4) is electrically connected to a wind direction sensor and a wind turbine yaw system for controlling the impeller direction; the controller is electrically connected to the drive mechanism. A proximity switch (6) is also installed on the tower of the wind turbine. The proximity switch (6) is located on the moving path of the air clearance protection control box (2). The proximity switch (6) is electrically connected to the wind turbine control system (4). When the air clearance protection control box (2) moves to the proximity switch (6) position, the fan control system (4) performs deviation calibration on the air clearance protection control box (2).

2. The wind turbine blade clearance protection system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The airspace protection control box (2) also includes a solar panel, which is electrically connected to a battery. The battery is electrically connected to a power distribution switch. The airspace protection control box (2) is equipped with a control unit, which is electrically connected to the power distribution switch.

3. The wind turbine blade clearance protection system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The blade tip deformation alarm sensor (1) is at the same height as the lowest position of the fan blade tip.

4. A method for protecting the airspace clearance of wind turbine blades, using the wind turbine blade airspace clearance protection system described in claim 1, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: When the blade tip deformation alarm sensor (1) is deformed by external force, it sends the deformation switch signal to the airspace protection control box (2). The airspace protection control box (2) sends the deformation switch signal to the fan control system (4) through the wireless receiver (3); The wind turbine control system (4) issues a shutdown command, and the wind turbine stops by retracting its blades.

5. A method for protecting the air clearance of wind turbine blades according to claim 4, characterized in that: It also includes the following steps: When the wind turbine control system (4) gives the wind turbine yaw command based on the wind direction signal from the wind direction sensor, it simultaneously gives the air clearance protection control box (2) a start command to keep the blade tip deformation alarm sensor (1) running at the same speed and in the same direction as the wind turbine head.

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