An automatic inspection system suitable for offshore wind farms

Abstract

The present application relates to offshore wind farm wind turbine inspection technology field, more specifically, a kind of automatic inspection system suitable for offshore wind farm, set in the wind turbine equipped with data acquisition and monitoring control system inside or outside, the automatic inspection system includes at least one subsystem, the subsystem includes unmanned aerial vehicle, charging bin, the charging bin is built into the wind turbine or externally hung on wind turbine, the charging bin is connected with the data acquisition and monitoring control system, the unmanned aerial vehicle can be built into charging bin and electrically connected with charging bin, and the charging mode is contact charging.The automatic inspection system suitable for offshore wind farm provided by the present application does not need to be carried by operation and maintenance ship, which can realize unmanned aerial vehicle automatic patrol on offshore wind farm, and ensure the safe take-off and operation of unmanned aerial vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of offshore wind turbine inspection technology, and more specifically, to an automatic inspection system suitable for offshore wind farms. Background Technology

[0002] Offshore wind turbines are located far from shore, making traditional manual visual inspections or tower climbing inspections costly and risky. Furthermore, the harsher offshore environment increases the likelihood of problems with turbine blades and nacelles. To maximize annual power generation, turbine maintenance time must be minimized; therefore, turbine monitoring is essential for timely detection and repair of malfunctions. Typically, offshore wind farm maintenance personnel, aboard maintenance vessels, approach the turbines and visually inspect the blade surfaces using binoculars. Some turbine maintenance requires personnel to climb the towers. While some newer offshore wind farms utilize drones for turbine defect inspection, the lack of pre-flight wind condition data and the inherent safety risks of long-distance flights necessitate drone inspections only near the wind farm. During or after extreme weather events, maintenance vessels are unable to operate from offshore. This results in high labor costs and hinders real-time, on-demand maintenance for large offshore wind farms, leading to low efficiency. In addition, relying on maintenance personnel to carry out wind turbine maintenance poses personnel safety risks. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide an automatic inspection system suitable for offshore wind farms. It does not require a maintenance vessel to carry it, and can enable UAVs to automatically inspect offshore wind farms while ensuring the safe take-off, landing and operation of UAVs.

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0005] An automatic inspection system suitable for offshore wind farms is provided, which is installed on a wind turbine equipped with a data acquisition and monitoring control system. The automatic inspection system includes at least one subsystem, which includes a drone and a charging compartment. The charging compartment is built into the wind turbine or attached to the wind turbine. The charging compartment is communicatively connected to the data acquisition and monitoring control system. The drone can be built into the charging compartment and electrically connected to the charging compartment.

[0006] The automatic inspection system for offshore wind farms of this invention may include one subsystem or two or more subsystems, wherein one wind turbine may be equipped with one or more subsystems. The charging compartment is connected to the wind turbine by being built into or attached externally. The charging compartment is electrically connected to a drone, allowing the drone to charge while docked, ensuring its endurance. The charging compartment also provides a platform for takeoff and landing, protecting the drone from external wind and rain when not in inspection mode. By directly connecting the charging compartment to the wind turbine, the distance the drone needs to fly from shore is reduced, providing the shortest inspection route and allowing for direct bypass inspections of the wind turbine. The data acquisition and monitoring control system is installed on the wind turbine and communicates with the charging compartment, enabling the wind turbine's control system and the drone's control system to be integrated and linked. As an important part of the smart wind farm, it shares offshore wind turbine operating data and wind condition data, providing sufficient information for the drone carried inside the charging compartment to ensure its safe takeoff, landing, and operation.

[0007] Preferably, the charging compartment includes a compartment body with internal storage space and a charging platform, a recyclable power supply, a battery controller, and an industrial control computer all built into the compartment body. A door assembly is movably connected to the compartment body. The recyclable power supply, the battery controller, and the industrial control computer are all located at the bottom of the charging platform, preferably with the battery controller and the recyclable power supply positioned beside the industrial control computer. The charging platform, the recyclable power supply, the battery controller, and the door assembly are all communicatively connected to the industrial control computer, which is also communicatively connected to a data acquisition and monitoring control system. The drone is electrically connected to the charging platform. Specifically, a contact-type electrical connection can be used, where metal pins are installed at the bottom of the drone's landing gear, allowing for rapid charging upon landing on the charging platform.

[0008] Preferably, the charging compartment further includes a fairing, which is located on the top of the compartment and extends outward from both sides of the compartment. The compartment door assembly is located below the fairing and is slidably connected to the fairing.

[0009] Preferably, the door assembly includes a door panel and a drive mechanism. Both the door panel and the drive mechanism are installed at the bottom of the fairing or inside the fairing. The door panel is slidably connected to the fairing, and the drive mechanism is connected to the door panel and communicates with the industrial control computer.

[0010] Preferably, the driving mechanism is a pneumatic cylinder or an electric cylinder.

[0011] Preferably, the fairing is an airfoil shell.

[0012] Preferably, the recyclable power source is a storage battery.

[0013] Preferably, the charging compartment further includes a heat dissipation system, which is installed inside the compartment and connected to the industrial control computer.

[0014] Preferably, the charging platform is provided with visual guidance patterns for guiding the precise take-off and landing of the drone.

[0015] Preferably, the bottom of the chamber is provided with a soft base.

[0016] Preferably, the base is made of rubber.

[0017] Preferably, there are multiple subsystems, and the charging compartments of multiple subsystems are all interconnected with the data acquisition and monitoring control system.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0019] (1) The number of drones and charging compartments can be arranged according to the size and type of wind field. This can be achieved by setting up multiple subsystems, so that the drones and charging compartments can be arranged efficiently and reasonably.

[0020] (2) By using a fairing to minimize wind resistance, and by optimizing the windward surface of the device, turbulence can be reduced while avoiding disruption of the wake. A smooth aluminum windward shell is preferred to reduce friction between the wind and the shell surface, thereby reducing drag. Simultaneously, a rounded front end on the fairing allows air to bypass it as much as possible. Furthermore, the regularized surface of the fairing also minimizes turbulence. The advantage of placing the fairing at the top of the cabin is that it reduces air resistance and avoids instability caused by high wind speeds and turbulence affecting the takeoff and landing of the UAV. At the same time, it prevents instability in the wind turbine wake from affecting the power generation of the wind turbine located below the cabin within the wind farm.

[0021] (3) A soft base is set at the bottom of the charging compartment, preferably made of rubber, and fixed to the top of the outer shell of the wind turbine nacelle of different models and curvatures using nano glue and fixing bolts. The design of the compartment can be changed according to the shape of the upper surface of the wind turbine nacelle to suit different application environments and maintain stability. The soft base makes the drone charging compartment suitable for wind turbines of different models and sizes, and allows it to be installed without any changes to the external design of the nacelle, which is convenient for installation and maintenance. The nano glue can also be removed by heat treatment with specific chemical solvents, thus bringing convenience to installation and maintenance.

[0022] (4) Integrate the control system of the wind turbine and the control system of the UAV to achieve linkage, share the operation data and wind condition data of the offshore wind turbine, and provide sufficient information for the UAV carried in the charging pod to ensure safe take-off, landing and operation. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a first-view structural diagram of the charging compartment of the present invention with the door assembly open.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of the charging compartment of the present invention with the door assembly open, viewed from a second perspective.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the charging compartment of the present invention with the door assembly open and the fan and charging platform hidden.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the charging compartment of the present invention in the closed state of the compartment door assembly;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of an automatic inspection system for offshore wind farms according to the present invention.

[0028] The markings in the diagram are explained below:

[0029] 1. Fan; 2. Drone; 3. Charging compartment; 31. Compartment body; 32. Charging platform; 33. Recyclable power supply; 34. Battery controller; 35. Industrial computer; 36. Compartment door assembly; 37. Fairing; 4. Base. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The present invention will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only, representing schematic diagrams rather than actual physical objects, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this patent. To better illustrate the embodiments of the present invention, some components in the drawings may be omitted, enlarged, or reduced, and do not represent the actual dimensions of the product. It is understandable to those skilled in the art that some well-known structures and their descriptions may be omitted in the drawings.

[0031] In the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention, the same or similar reference numerals correspond to the same or similar components. In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, they are only for the convenience of describing the present invention 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, the terms used to describe positional relationships in the drawings are only for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting the present patent. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0032] Example 1

[0033] like Figures 1 to 5The figure shows a first embodiment of an automatic inspection system for offshore wind farms according to the present invention, which is installed on a wind turbine 1 equipped with a data acquisition and monitoring control system. The automatic inspection system includes at least one subsystem, which includes a drone 2 and a charging compartment 3. The charging compartment 3 is built into the wind turbine 1 or externally attached to the wind turbine 1. The charging compartment 3 is communicatively connected to the data acquisition and monitoring control system. The drone 2 can be built into the charging compartment 3 and electrically connected to the charging compartment 3.

[0034] The automatic inspection system for offshore wind farms of the present invention may include one subsystem or two or more subsystems. A wind turbine 1 may be equipped with one or more subsystems as needed. The charging compartment 3 is internally mounted to the wind turbine 1, thus connecting the charging compartment 3 to the wind turbine 1. The charging compartment 3 is electrically connected to a drone 2, allowing the drone 2 to charge while docked in the charging compartment 3, ensuring its endurance. Simultaneously, the charging compartment 3 provides a platform for the drone 2 to take off and land. The drone 2 can be housed within the charging compartment 3, protecting it from external wind and rain when not in inspection mode. By directly connecting the charging compartment 3 to the wind turbine 1, the distance the drone 2 needs to fly off shore is reduced, obtaining the shortest inspection route and allowing for direct bypass inspection of the wind turbine 1. The data acquisition and monitoring control system is installed on the wind turbine 1 and communicates with the charging compartment 3. It enables the control system of the wind turbine 1 and the control system of the drone 2 to be integrated and linked. As an important part of the smart wind farm, it shares the operating data and wind condition data of the offshore wind turbine 1, and provides sufficient information for the drone 2 carried inside the charging compartment 3 to ensure the safe take-off, landing and operation of the drone 2.

[0035] By integrating the charging compartment 3 into or attaching it to the fan 1, the installation and fixation of the charging compartment 3 and the fan 1 can be facilitated. Wireless charging of the drone 2 can be achieved through a contact-type electrical connection between the drone 2 and the charging compartment 3. Of course, the charging compartment 3 and the fan 1 can also be connected in other ways.

[0036] In one embodiment of the present invention, the charging compartment 3 includes a compartment body 31 with internal storage space and a charging platform 32, a recyclable power supply 33, a battery controller 34, and an industrial control computer 35 all built into the compartment body 31. The compartment body 31 is movably connected to a compartment door assembly 36. The recyclable power supply 33, the battery controller 34, and the industrial control computer 35 are all located at the bottom of the charging platform 32, and the battery controller 34 and the recyclable power supply 33 are located next to the industrial control computer 35. The charging platform 32, the recyclable power supply 33, the battery controller 34, and the compartment door assembly 36 are all communicatively connected to the industrial control computer 35. The industrial control computer 35 is also communicatively connected to a data acquisition and monitoring control system. The drone 2 is electrically connected to the charging platform 32.

[0037] The housing 31 provides installation space for the charging platform 32, the recyclable power supply 33, the battery controller 34, and the industrial computer 35, and also facilitates the accommodation of the drone 2. The charging platform 32 is used to park the drone 2 and facilitates the guidance of the drone 2's take-off and landing. It adopts a contact-type electrical connection, and by setting metal pins at the bottom of the drone's landing gear, it can be quickly charged when it lands on the charging platform. The recyclable power supply 33 provides power for charging the drone 2, and the industrial computer 35 is used to control the various components as a whole, and to share operating data and wind condition data with the data acquisition and monitoring control system of the wind turbine 1, so as to ensure the safe take-off, landing and operation of the drone 2.

[0038] In one embodiment of the present invention, the charging compartment 3 further includes a heat dissipation system, which is installed inside the compartment 31 and electrically connected to an industrial control computer. The heat dissipation system may consist of an air conditioner and / or a fan, and is controlled by the industrial control computer 35 so that the heat dissipation system can cool the drone battery during the charging process.

[0039] As one embodiment of the present invention, the charging compartment 3 further includes a fairing 37, which is disposed on the top of the compartment body 31 and extends outward from both sides of the compartment body 31. The compartment door assembly 36 is located below the fairing 37 or inside the fairing 37 and is slidably connected to the fairing 37.

[0040] The fairing 37 reduces wind resistance, preventing instability caused by high wind speeds on the cabin body 31 and turbulence from affecting the takeoff and landing of the UAV 2. Simultaneously, the fairing 37 provides installation space for the door assembly 36, facilitating the opening and closing of the cabin body 31. Specifically, the door assembly 36 is slidably connected to the fairing 37, allowing the door assembly 36 to move relative to the cabin body 31, thereby enabling the opening and closing of the cabin body 31.

[0041] As one embodiment of the present invention, the door assembly 36 includes a door panel and a drive mechanism. Both the door panel and the drive mechanism are installed at the bottom of the fairing 37. The door panel is slidably connected to the fairing 37, and the drive mechanism is connected to the door panel and communicates with the industrial control computer 35.

[0042] The drive mechanism is used to drive the door panel, so that the door panel slides relative to the fairing 37, thereby allowing the door panel to move relative to the compartment 31, realizing the opening and closing of the compartment 31.

[0043] In one embodiment of the present invention, the driving mechanism is a pneumatic cylinder or an electric cylinder.

[0044] Both pneumatic cylinders and electric cylinders can be used to achieve the driving function.

[0045] In one embodiment of the present invention, the fairing 37 is an airfoil shell.

[0046] Optimizing the windward surface of the fairing 37 reduces turbulence while avoiding disruption of the wake. A smooth aluminum shell with a smooth windward surface is preferred to reduce friction between the wind and the shell surface, thus reducing drag. A rounded front end allows air to bypass the fairing 37 as much as possible. Furthermore, the regularized surface of the fairing 37 further minimizes turbulence. The advantage of placing the fairing 37 at the top of the housing 31 is reduced air resistance, preventing instability caused by high wind speeds on the housing 31 and avoiding turbulence affecting the takeoff and landing of the UAV 2. Simultaneously, it prevents instability in the wake of the wind turbine 1, thus avoiding impact on the power generation of the wind turbine located below the housing 31 within the wind farm.

[0047] In one embodiment of the present invention, the recyclable power supply 33 is a storage battery.

[0048] The battery can charge and extend the flight time of the drone 2.

[0049] As one embodiment of the present invention, the charging platform 32 is provided with a visual guidance pattern for guiding the drone 2 to take off and land accurately.

[0050] The guide pattern helps the drone 2 align itself during takeoff and landing, making it easier for the drone 2 to take off and land accurately.

[0051] Example 2

[0052] The following is a second embodiment of an automatic inspection system for offshore wind farms according to the present invention. This embodiment is similar to embodiment 1, except that a soft base 4 is provided at the bottom of the housing 31. Preferably, the base 4 is made of rubber.

[0053] A soft base 4, preferably made of rubber, is set at the bottom of the charging compartment 3. It is fixed to the upper part of the nacelle shell of the fan 1 of different models and curvatures using nano-adhesive and fixing bolts. The design of the compartment 31 can be modified according to the shape of the upper surface of the fan 1 nacelle to suit different application environments and maintain stability. The soft base 4 makes the charging compartment 3 of the drone 2 suitable for different models and sizes of fans 1, and allows it to be installed without any changes to the external design of the nacelle, which is convenient for installation and maintenance. The nano-adhesive can also be removed by heat treatment with specific chemical solvents, thus bringing convenience to installation and maintenance.

[0054] Example 3

[0055] The following is a third embodiment of an automatic inspection system applicable to offshore wind farms according to the present invention. This embodiment is similar to embodiment 1, except that there are multiple subsystems, and the charging compartments 3 of the multiple subsystems are all interconnected with the data acquisition and monitoring control system.

[0056] The number of drones 2 and charging chambers 3 can be arranged according to the size and type of the wind field. This can be achieved by setting up multiple subsystems, so that the drones 2 and charging chambers 3 can be arranged efficiently and reasonably.

[0057] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make other variations or modifications based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic inspection system suitable for offshore wind farms, installed on a wind turbine (1) equipped with a data acquisition and monitoring control system; characterized in that, The automatic inspection system includes at least one subsystem, which includes a drone (2) and a charging compartment (3). The charging compartment (3) is built into the fan (1) or attached to the fan (1). The charging compartment (3) is communicatively connected to the data acquisition and monitoring control system. The drone (2) can be built into the charging compartment (3) and electrically connected to the charging compartment (3). The charging compartment (3) includes a fairing (37). The fairing (37) is located on the top of the compartment body (31) and extends outward from both sides of the compartment body (31). The compartment door assembly (36) is located below the fairing (37) and is slidably connected to the fairing (37).

2. The automatic inspection system for offshore wind farms according to claim 1, characterized in that, The charging compartment (3) includes a compartment body (31) with internal storage space and a charging platform (32), a recyclable power supply (33), a battery controller (34), and an industrial control computer (35) all built into the compartment body (31). The compartment body (31) is movably connected to a compartment door assembly (36). The recyclable power supply (33), the battery controller (34), and the industrial control computer (35) are all located at the bottom of the charging platform (32). The charging platform (32), the recyclable power supply (33), the battery controller (34), and the compartment door assembly (36) are all communicatively connected to the industrial control computer (35). The industrial control computer (35) is also communicatively connected to a data acquisition and monitoring control system. The drone (2) is electrically connected to the charging platform (32).

3. The automatic inspection system for offshore wind farms according to claim 2, characterized in that, The door assembly (36) includes a door panel and a drive mechanism. The door panel and the drive mechanism are both installed at the bottom of the fairing (37) or inside the fairing (37). The door panel is slidably connected to the fairing (37), and the drive mechanism is connected to the door panel and communicates with the industrial control computer (35).

4. The automatic inspection system for offshore wind farms according to claim 3, characterized in that, The driving mechanism is a pneumatic cylinder or an electric cylinder.

5. The automatic inspection system for offshore wind farms according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fairing (37) is an airfoil shell.

6. The automatic inspection system for offshore wind farms according to claim 2, characterized in that, The recyclable power source (33) is a storage battery.

7. The automatic inspection system for offshore wind farms according to claim 2, characterized in that, The charging compartment (3) also includes a heat dissipation system, which is installed inside the compartment (31) and electrically connected to the industrial control computer (35).

8. The automatic inspection system for offshore wind farms according to claim 2, characterized in that, The charging platform (32) is equipped with visual guidance patterns for guiding the drone (2) to take off and land precisely.

9. The automatic inspection system for offshore wind farms according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The bottom of the chamber (31) is provided with a soft base (4).

10. The automatic inspection system for offshore wind farms according to claim 9, characterized in that, The subsystems are multiple, and the charging compartments (3) of the multiple subsystems are all connected to the data acquisition and monitoring control system.

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