A method and apparatus for maintaining an axial flow fan

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of wind turbine technology and discloses a maintenance method and device for axial flow fans. The method includes: adjusting the wind turbine to a shutdown maintenance state and removing the pre-installed cover plate for the axial flow fan mounting port; confirming the rotation direction and wind direction of the axial flow fan rotor and fixing shock-absorbing rings on both sides of the axial flow fan; fixing the axial flow fan with the shock-absorbing rings to the pre-installed axial flow fan mounting port; electrically connecting the axial flow fan and checking whether the axial flow fan can operate normally; after confirming that the axial flow fan can operate normally, importing the control program to control the start and stop of the axial flow fan. This invention enables the fan assembly to remain in an appropriate position, thereby improving the on-site maintainability of the axial flow fan. It can improve the utilization rate of motor cooling air, significantly enhance the cooling effect, extend the service life of the motor, save motor maintenance costs, ensure continuous, stable, and safe production, and reduce production costs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of wind turbine technology, and in particular to a method and apparatus for maintaining an axial flow fan. Background Technology

[0002] Axial fans are a crucial component of wind turbines, converting wind energy into mechanical energy. They are fundamental to achieving high wind energy utilization efficiency and economic benefits. The condition of the axial fan directly impacts the overall performance and power generation efficiency of the turbine, and should be given high priority by wind power companies. Axial fans operate at high altitudes in extremely harsh environments. Various media in the air constantly corrode the fan blades. Spring, summer, autumn, and winter, extreme heat and cold, lightning, hail, rain, snow, and dust storms can all potentially damage axial fans, and potential hazards could escalate into accidents daily. Therefore, regular cleaning and maintenance of axial fans, or maintenance using other methods, are essential. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention provides a method and apparatus for maintaining an axial flow fan, which adds shock-absorbing components, limits the fan assembly, and imports a control program to control the start and stop of the axial flow fan, thereby improving the on-site maintainability of the fan.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following solution: The present invention provides a maintenance method for an axial flow fan, comprising:

[0005] Adjust the wind turbine to the shutdown and maintenance state and remove the reserved axial fan installation port cover;

[0006] Confirm the rotation direction and airflow direction of the axial fan rotor, and fix shock-absorbing rings on both sides of the axial fan;

[0007] Fix the axial fan with the shock-absorbing ring to the reserved axial fan mounting port;

[0008] Electrically connect the axial fan and check whether the axial fan is operating normally;

[0009] After verifying that the axial fan is operating normally, import the control program to control the start and stop of the axial fan.

[0010] In one embodiment, when performing axial fan maintenance, a warning message is set based on the relationship between real-time wind speed and preset wind speed;

[0011] A preset wind speed matrix P0 is set in advance, and P0 = (P1, P2, P3, P4), where P1 is the first preset wind speed, P2 is the second preset wind speed, P3 is the third preset wind speed, and P4 is the fourth preset wind speed, where P1 < P2 < P3 < P4.

[0012] A preset early warning information matrix G0 is set in advance, and G0 = (G1, G2, G3, G4), where G1 is the first preset early warning information, G2 is the second preset early warning information, G3 is the third preset early warning information, and G4 is the fourth preset early warning information.

[0013] Based on the relationship between the wind speed P and various preset wind speeds, the warning information G is set:

[0014] When P < P1, the first preset warning information G1 is selected as the warning information G;

[0015] When P1≤P<P2, the second preset warning information G2 is selected as the warning information G;

[0016] When P2≤P<P3, the third preset warning information G3 is selected as the warning information G;

[0017] When P3≤P<P4, the fourth preset warning information G4 is selected as the warning information G.

[0018] In one embodiment, the cable is pre-treated before electrical connections are made.

[0019] In one embodiment, the conditions for determining normal operation of the axial fan are: the axial fan rotates normally, the axial fan rotates in the correct direction, and the axial fan rotates without any abnormal noise.

[0020] In one embodiment, the import control program, which controls the start and stop of the axial fan, includes:

[0021] Real-time monitoring of wind turbine nacelle temperature;

[0022] Start-up and shutdown operations will commence once the average cabin temperature reaches the preset temperature threshold within a preset time period.

[0023] In one embodiment, the start-up and shutdown operation after the average temperature of the cabin reaches a preset temperature value within a preset time includes:

[0024] The axial fan is activated when the average temperature of the cabin exceeds the first preset temperature threshold within a first preset time period.

[0025] The axial fan stops when the average temperature of the cabin is lower than the second preset temperature threshold within a second preset time period.

[0026] The first preset temperature value is greater than the second preset temperature value.

[0027] In one embodiment, after the axial fan is electrically connected, the connection wiring is checked to ensure it is connected correctly and to ensure it can be used normally.

[0028] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention also provides an axial fan maintenance device, comprising: a nacelle, wherein the nacelle has an installation port for fixing the axial fan; and a cover plate is fixed to the installation port.

[0029] Several mounting holes are provided around both ends of the cabin.

[0030] The axial fan is electrically connected to the controller.

[0031] In one embodiment, a shock-absorbing ring is also included, wherein a through hole is provided on the shock-absorbing ring, and the diameter of the through hole is the same as the diameter of the mounting hole in the nacelle.

[0032] In one embodiment, the controller is used to set early warning information based on the relationship between real-time wind speed and preset wind speed when performing axial fan maintenance;

[0033] Used to control the start and stop of axial fans.

[0034] The technical advantages of this invention are: reduced on-site maintenance time; and improved on-site maintainability of the fan assembly by limiting its position, thus ensuring it remains in the appropriate location. It also saves on motor maintenance costs, ensures continuous, stable, and safe production, and reduces production costs. Attached Figure Description

[0035] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0036] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of the axial fan maintenance method provided in the embodiments of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the electrical installation of an axial fan provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of controlling the start and stop of an axial fan provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 4 This is a front view of the axial fan maintenance device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 5 This is a left view of the axial fan maintenance device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the shock-absorbing ring provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Among them, 1. engine compartment; 2. mounting port; 3. axial fan; 4. mounting hole; 5. shock absorber ring; 6. through hole. Detailed Implementation

[0043] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0044] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0045] 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. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0046] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0047] Axial fans are a crucial component of wind turbines, converting wind energy into mechanical energy. They are fundamental to achieving high wind energy utilization efficiency and economic benefits. The condition of the axial fan directly impacts the overall performance and power generation efficiency of the turbine, and should be given high priority by wind power companies. Therefore, regular maintenance of axial fans is necessary.

[0048] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment discloses a maintenance method for an axial flow fan, including:

[0049] Step S1: Adjust the wind turbine to the shutdown maintenance state and remove the reserved axial fan installation port cover.

[0050] Step S2: Confirm the rotation direction and wind direction of the axial fan rotor, and fix shock-absorbing rings on both sides of the axial fan;

[0051] Step S3: Fix the axial fan with the shock-absorbing ring installed onto the reserved axial fan mounting port;

[0052] Step S4: Electrically connect the axial fan and check whether the axial fan can operate normally;

[0053] Step S5: After verifying that the axial fan can operate normally, import the control program to control the start and stop of the axial fan.

[0054] Understandably, in the above embodiments, step S1 involves adjusting the unit to a shutdown maintenance state before operation, and removing the pre-reserved installation port cover of the axial flow fan using a 17mm open-end wrench. The fan is then placed in a safe position within the nacelle. Step S2 involves confirming the rotation direction and airflow direction of the axial flow fan rotor to ensure that, upon startup after installation, the airflow is from inside the nacelle to the outside. Step S3 involves confirming the installation direction of the axial flow fan, placing a shock-absorbing ring on each side of the axial flow fan, transporting it above the nacelle crane, aligning it with the pre-reserved axial flow fan installation holes, and ensuring the junction box is horizontal and facing right (facing the nacelle cabinet side when viewed from front to back). Specifically, it is secured using 24 M10×45 bolts, 24 M10 lock nuts, and 48 large washers, and tightened evenly with a wrench. Step S4 involves electrically connecting the axial flow fan and testing whether it can operate normally. Step S5 involves, after confirming that the axial flow fan can operate normally, importing the control program to control the start and stop of the axial flow fan.

[0055] In some specific embodiments, when performing axial fan maintenance, early warning information is set based on the relationship between real-time wind speed and preset wind speed;

[0056] A preset wind speed matrix P0 is set in advance, and P0 = (P1, P2, P3, P4), where P1 is the first preset wind speed, P2 is the second preset wind speed, P3 is the third preset wind speed, and P4 is the fourth preset wind speed, where P1 < P2 < P3 < P4.

[0057] A preset early warning information matrix G0 is set in advance, and G0 = (G1, G2, G3, G4), where G1 is the first preset early warning information, G2 is the second preset early warning information, G3 is the third preset early warning information, and G4 is the fourth preset early warning information.

[0058] Based on the relationship between the wind speed P and various preset wind speeds, the warning information G is set:

[0059] When P < P1, the first preset warning information G1 is selected as the warning information G;

[0060] When P1≤P<P2, the second preset warning information G2 is selected as the warning information G;

[0061] When P2≤P<P3, the third preset warning information G3 is selected as the warning information G;

[0062] When P3≤P<P4, the fourth preset warning information G4 is selected as the warning information G.

[0063] It is understood that in the above embodiments, the warning information G is set according to the relationship between the wind speed P and each preset wind speed, thereby improving the accuracy of the determination of the warning information G.

[0064] Specifically, a preset wind speed matrix P0 is set in advance, with P0 = (18m / s, 12m / s, 10m / s, P4), where 18m / s is the first preset wind speed, 12m / s is the second preset wind speed, 10m / s is the third preset wind speed, and 8m / s is the fourth preset wind speed, where 18m / s < 8m / s < 8m / s < 8m / s;

[0065] A preset early warning information matrix G0 is set in advance, and G0 = (G1, G2, G3, G4), where G1 is the first preset early warning information, G2 is the second preset early warning information, G3 is the third preset early warning information, and G4 is the fourth preset early warning information.

[0066] Based on the relationship between the wind speed P and various preset wind speeds, the warning information G is set:

[0067] When P < 18 m / s, the first preset warning information G1 is selected as the warning information G to remind staff that it is strictly forbidden to go up the wind turbine.

[0068] When 18m / s≤P<12m / s, the second preset warning information G2 is selected as the warning information G, reminding staff that they are strictly prohibited from leaving the cabin.

[0069] When 12m / s≤P<10m / s, the third preset warning information G3 is selected as the warning information G, reminding the staff that hoisting operations and wheel hub operations are strictly prohibited.

[0070] When 10m / s≤P<8m / s, the fourth preset warning information G4 is selected as the warning information G, reminding the staff that it is strictly forbidden to work outside the wheel hub.

[0071] It should be noted that the preset wind speed and warning information G can be selected by those skilled in the art based on the actual situation, and this does not affect the scope of protection of this application.

[0072] It should be noted that, in order to protect the safety of the staff, a safety detection system can also be set up to check whether the wind turbine operators are certified to work, and whether they wear safety helmets, safety belts, safety sliders and soft-soled safety shoes and other safety protective equipment during operation. The system also requires the staff to check and confirm the integrity of the safety equipment before use and to ensure compliance with the wind farm operation safety regulations.

[0073] like Figure 2 As shown, in some specific embodiments, the cable is pre-treated when making electrical connections.

[0074] Understandably, in the above embodiments, the cable pretreatment includes stripping the cable according to the cable process requirements, crimping the lugs, and fitting the number tubes (note: the cable at both ends needs to be confirmed with the continuity function of a multimeter before accurately fitting the number tubes). One end of the cable is connected to the nacelle cabinet and the PE ground wire; the other end of the cable needs to first pass through the cable outlet hole of the nacelle cabinet to the cable tray below the nacelle cabinet, and then follow the wiring of the anemometer until the cable end reaches the junction box of the axial flow fan. The middle of the cable needs to be fixed with cable ties. Then, the junction box of the axial flow fan is opened, and the wiring is connected according to the corresponding numbers in the junction box.

[0075] In some specific embodiments, in step S4, the conditions for determining normal operation of the axial fan are: the axial fan rotates normally, the axial fan rotates in the correct direction, and the axial fan rotates without any abnormal noise.

[0076] like Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment, step S5, the import control program, to control the start and stop of the axial fan, includes:

[0077] Step S51: Real-time monitoring of the nacelle temperature of the wind turbine unit;

[0078] Step S52: Start-up and shutdown operations are performed when the average temperature of the cabin reaches the preset temperature threshold within a preset time.

[0079] Specifically, in step S52, the start-up and shutdown operation after the average temperature of the cabin reaches a preset temperature value within a preset time includes:

[0080] The axial fan is activated when the average temperature of the cabin exceeds the first preset temperature threshold within a first preset time period.

[0081] The axial fan stops when the average temperature of the cabin is lower than the second preset temperature threshold within a second preset time period.

[0082] The first preset temperature value is greater than the second preset temperature value.

[0083] It is understood that in the above embodiments, the start and stop conditions for the axial flow fan are set as follows: Axial flow fan starts under the condition that the average nacelle temperature over one minute is >35°C. Axial flow fan stops under the condition that the average nacelle temperature over one minute is <25°C.

[0084] It should be noted that the first preset time, the second preset time, the first preset temperature value, and the second preset temperature value can be selected by those skilled in the art according to the actual situation, and this does not affect the scope of protection of this application.

[0085] In some specific embodiments, after the axial fan is electrically connected, it is checked whether the connection line is connected correctly and whether the line can be used normally.

[0086] It should be noted that a power outage must be performed during electrical connections. Before electrical modifications, the 690V power supply switch (200F1) and 400V power supply switch (201F3) of the engine room cabinet must be disconnected. Use a multimeter to measure the voltage at the upper end of the axial fan power supply circuit breaker 218Q1 and the lower end of the 400V power supply switch; the voltage should be 0V. Remove the upper and lower cables and auxiliary contacts of the motor protection circuit breaker 218Q1 (no wire disconnection required). Separate the auxiliary contacts, replace the circuit breaker 218Q1 with a new motor protection circuit breaker (PKZM0-6.3), and attach the original 218Q1 label to the new circuit breaker. Adjust the rated current to the 4A range and mark it with an anti-loosening mark. Assemble the auxiliary contacts onto the new circuit breaker and reinstall the new circuit breaker assembly in its original position.

[0087] After the rectification is completed, clean the work area, check for any loose or incorrect wiring, and then close the 690V power supply switch (200F1) and 400V power supply switch (201F3) of the nacelle cabinet. Use a multimeter to confirm that the single-phase-to-ground voltage at the upper end of the motor protection circuit breaker 218Q1 is 400V and that there is no short circuit to ground at the lower end. Close the circuit breaker 218Q1, and the unit returns to normal shutdown status. Force the axial flow fan to run on the main control interface, and check whether the axial flow fan is running normally, whether the rotation direction is normal (airflow from inside the nacelle to outside the nacelle), and whether there are any abnormal noises. Then, restore the program control of the axial flow fan on the main control interface.

[0088] like Figure 4-6 As shown, the embodiment also provides an axial fan maintenance device, including: a nacelle 1, wherein the nacelle 1 is provided with an installation port 2, the installation port 2 being used to fix an axial fan 3;

[0089] Several mounting holes 4 are provided around both ends of the cabin;

[0090] The axial fan is electrically connected to the controller.

[0091] It also includes a shock-absorbing ring 5, on which a through hole 6 is provided, the diameter of which is the same as the diameter of the mounting hole 4 of the cabin 1.

[0092] It is understood that in the above embodiments, a cover plate is fixed to the mounting port 2 to protect it; the installation position of the mounting port 2 can be set according to actual needs. The use of the shock-absorbing ring 5 improves the shock absorption effect and avoids vibration inside the cabin 1. The through hole 6 and the mounting hole 4 can be set to 12.

[0093] In some specific embodiments, the controller is used to set early warning information based on the relationship between real-time wind speed and preset wind speed when performing axial fan maintenance; and to control the start and stop of the axial fan.

[0094] Understandably, the above embodiments improve the field maintainability of the fan.

[0095] In summary, this invention reduces on-site maintenance time; furthermore, it allows for the limiting of the fan assembly, ensuring it remains in an appropriate position, thereby improving on-site maintainability. It also significantly improves the utilization rate of motor cooling air, enhances cooling effect, extends motor lifespan, saves on motor maintenance costs, ensures continuous, stable, and safe production, and reduces production costs.

[0096] It should be understood that although the steps in the flowcharts of the various embodiments of the present invention are shown sequentially according to the arrows, these steps are not necessarily executed in the order indicated by the arrows. Unless explicitly stated herein, there is no strict order restriction on the execution of these steps, and they can be executed in other orders. Moreover, at least some steps in the various embodiments may include multiple sub-steps or multiple stages. These sub-steps or stages are not necessarily completed at the same time, but can be executed at different times. The execution order of these sub-steps or stages does not have to be sequential, but can be performed alternately or in turn with other steps or at least a portion of the sub-steps or stages of other steps.

[0097] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A maintenance method for an axial flow fan, characterized in that, include: Adjust the wind turbine to the shutdown and maintenance state and remove the reserved axial fan installation port cover; Confirm the rotation direction and airflow direction of the axial fan rotor, and fix shock-absorbing rings on both sides of the axial fan; Fix the axial fan with the shock-absorbing ring to the reserved axial fan mounting port; Electrically connect the axial fan and check whether the axial fan is operating normally; After verifying that the axial fan is operating normally, import the control program to control the start and stop of the axial fan; When performing axial fan maintenance, warning information is set based on the relationship between real-time wind speed and preset wind speed; A preset wind speed matrix P0 is set in advance, and P0 = (P1, P2, P3, P4), where P1 is the first preset wind speed, P2 is the second preset wind speed, P3 is the third preset wind speed, and P4 is the fourth preset wind speed, where P1 < P2 < P3 < P4. A preset early warning information matrix G0 is pre-defined, and G0 = (G1, G2, G3, G4), where G1 is the first preset early warning information, G2 is the second preset early warning information, G3 is the third preset early warning information, and G4 is the fourth preset early warning information. Based on the relationship between the wind speed P and various preset wind speeds, the warning information G is set: When P < P1, the first preset warning information G1 is selected as the warning information G; When P1≤P<P2, the second preset warning information G2 is selected as the warning information G; When P2≤P<P3, the third preset warning information G3 is selected as the warning information G; When P3≤P<P4, the fourth preset warning information G4 is selected as the warning information G; The imported control program controls the start and stop of the axial flow fan, including: Real-time monitoring of wind turbine nacelle temperature; Start-up and shutdown operations will commence once the average cabin temperature reaches the preset temperature threshold within a preset time period.

2. The axial fan maintenance method according to claim 1, characterized in that, When making electrical connections, the cables are pre-treated.

3. The axial fan maintenance method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conditions for judging the normal operation of the axial flow fan are: the axial flow fan rotates normally, the axial flow fan rotates in the correct direction, and the axial flow fan rotates without any abnormal noise.

4. The axial fan maintenance method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The start-stop operation is initiated when the average temperature of the cabin reaches a preset temperature value within a preset time period, including: The axial fan is activated when the average temperature of the cabin exceeds the first preset temperature threshold within a first preset time period. The axial fan stops when the average temperature of the cabin is lower than the second preset temperature threshold within a second preset time period. The first preset temperature value is greater than the second preset temperature value.

5. The axial fan maintenance method according to claim 1, characterized in that, After electrically connecting the axial fan, check whether the connection is correct and whether the wiring is working properly.

6. A maintenance device for an axial flow fan, characterized in that, The axial fan maintenance method according to any one of claims 1-5 includes: a nacelle, wherein the nacelle has an installation port for fixing the axial fan; and a cover plate is fixed to the installation port. Several mounting holes are provided around both ends of the cabin. The axial fan is electrically connected to the controller.

7. The axial fan maintenance device according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a shock-absorbing ring, which has a through hole with the same diameter as the mounting hole in the engine room.

8. The axial fan maintenance device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The controller is used to set early warning information based on the relationship between real-time wind speed and preset wind speed when performing axial fan maintenance; Used to control the start and stop of axial fans.

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