A wind turbine mixed tower tower drum water seepage monitoring system and method and wind turbine

By arranging a water seepage sensing unit and a control unit inside the hybrid tower of a wind turbine, a monitoring system can monitor and locate water seepage in real time, solving the problem of uncertain water seepage location in existing technologies and enabling convenient water seepage detection and maintenance.

CN118728657BActive Publication Date: 2026-04-28GUANGDONG MINGYANG WIND POWER IND GRP CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
GUANGDONG MINGYANG WIND POWER IND GRP CO LTD
Filing Date
2024-06-18
Publication Date
2026-04-28

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing technologies have failed to effectively monitor water seepage in concrete towers, resulting in uncertain seepage locations that affect tower safety and the lifespan of electrical equipment.

Method used

The monitoring system, consisting of a seepage sensing unit, a control unit, and an alarm unit, uses sensing lines spirally arranged on the inner wall of the tower to monitor seepage in real time and calculates the seepage distance and location using changes in current.

Benefits of technology

It enables real-time monitoring and location of water seepage in the tower, timely alarm, facilitates maintenance, reduces costs, and improves system reliability and coverage.

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Abstract

The application discloses a kind of wind turbine mixed tower tower cylinder water seepage monitoring system, method and wind turbine, including water seepage sensing unit, control unit, alarm unit and server, the water seepage sensing unit is arranged in spiral shape on tower cylinder inner wall from bottom to top, the control unit is electrically connected with water seepage sensing unit, the alarm unit and server are electrically connected with control unit respectively, utilize control unit real-time acquisition water seepage sensing unit inside current, when tower cylinder inner wall appears water seepage, short circuit occurs in water seepage sensing unit inside, control unit judges water seepage according to the loop current change of water seepage sensing unit and outputs alarm signal to alarm unit, and then according to the current size calculates water seepage distance, by server according to water seepage distance, tower cylinder and sensing line arrangement model is positioned to tower cylinder water seepage position.The application can long-term, comprehensive and effective real-time monitoring to tower cylinder rain water seepage situation, if water seepage is found, timely alarm and positioning water seepage position, it is convenient to check rectification.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of wind power generation, and in particular to a system and method for monitoring water seepage in the tower of a wind turbine generator set, as well as the wind turbine generator set itself. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of wind power and technological advancements, hybrid tower turbines have become a crucial solution for adapting to complex terrain, reducing costs, maximizing wind energy utilization, and enabling flexible expansion. The concrete tower is a vital component of a hybrid tower turbine, typically located at the bottom, and its safety and reliability directly impact the entire turbine's lifespan. However, due to manufacturing processes and material properties, concrete towers are prone to water seepage during rain, and the location of these seepage areas is often unpredictable and random. Since water seepage affects tower safety and the lifespan of electrical equipment within the tower, effective monitoring of tower seepage, timely detection and alarm functions, and accurate location of seepage points are essential for facilitating maintenance and rectification.

[0003] Currently, the industry commonly conducts regular on-site observations and assessments, but effective monitoring is not yet implemented. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The primary objective of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies and provide a wind turbine hybrid tower water seepage monitoring system that can monitor the water seepage of the tower in a long-term, comprehensive, and effective manner in real time. If water seepage is detected, an alarm will be triggered in time and the location of the seepage will be located, facilitating inspection and rectification.

[0005] The second objective of this invention is to provide a method for monitoring water seepage in the tower of a wind turbine generator set.

[0006] A third objective of this invention is to provide a wind turbine generator set.

[0007] The first objective of this invention is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0008] A wind turbine tower seepage monitoring system includes a seepage sensing unit, a control unit, an alarm unit, and a server. The seepage sensing unit is arranged in a spiral shape from bottom to top on the inner wall of the tower. The control unit is electrically connected to the seepage sensing unit, and the alarm unit and the server are respectively electrically connected to the control unit. The control unit collects the internal current of the seepage sensing unit in real time. When seepage occurs on the inner wall of the tower, a short circuit occurs inside the seepage sensing unit. The control unit judges the seepage based on the change in the loop current of the seepage sensing unit and outputs an alarm signal to the alarm unit. Then, the seepage distance is calculated based on the current magnitude. The server locates the seepage position in the tower based on the seepage distance, the tower structure, and the sensor line layout model.

[0009] Furthermore, the seepage sensing unit includes sensing wire a, sensing wire b, sensing wire c, sensing wire d, and insulating core e. Sensing wire b and sensing wire c are separated by insulating core e. Sensing wire a and sensing wire d are spirally wound around the outside of sensing wire b and sensing wire c, and sensing wire a and sensing wire b form a loop, as do sensing wire c and sensing wire d. When the tower is not seeping water, the loops between sensing wire a and sensing wire b, and between sensing wire c and sensing wire d are respectively conductive, with a constant current. The loop between sensing wire b and sensing wire c is disconnected, and there is no current. The seepage sensing unit works normally. When the tower seeps water, sensing wire b and sensing wire c short-circuit upon encountering water, and a loop is formed between sensing wire b and sensing wire c.

[0010] Furthermore, the specific process of calculating the seepage distance based on the current magnitude is as follows:

[0011] The control unit outputs a positive DC voltage to induction wires a and c, and collects the current between induction wires a and b, c and d, and b and c. When the seepage sensing unit encounters water, a short circuit occurs between induction wires b and c, generating current. The control unit calculates the loop resistance based on the current and voltage between induction wires b and c, and then calculates the seepage distance L of the seepage sensing unit based on the set cable resistivity. The calculation formula is as follows:

[0012] The seepage distance L ≈ loop resistance ÷ cable resistivity.

[0013] Furthermore, the specific process by which the server locates the water seepage point in the tower based on the seepage distance, the tower structure, and the sensor line layout model is as follows:

[0014] The seepage sensing units are arranged in a spiral shape from bottom to top, and the linear lengths between each screw pitch are L1, L2, L3...L from bottom to top. n Each pitch corresponds to a tower height zone of h1, h2, h3...h n ;

[0015] Subtract the calculated seepage distance L from the linear length between each pitch in order from bottom to top until the result is less than or equal to 0. At this point, the result is determined by the linear length L of the last pitch subtracted. m Positioned at the corresponding height h of the tower m Location, where m and n are positive integers, and m ≤ n, then combined with h m The tower diameter and preset pitch are used to locate the water seepage point in the tower and the area to be investigated.

[0016] The second objective of this invention is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0017] A method for monitoring water seepage in the mixed-tower section of a wind turbine is implemented using the aforementioned wind turbine mixed-tower water seepage monitoring system, comprising:

[0018] The control unit collects the internal current of the seepage sensing unit in real time.

[0019] When water seepage occurs on the inner wall of the tower, a short circuit occurs inside the seepage sensing unit. The control unit determines the seepage based on the change in the loop current of the seepage sensing unit and outputs an alarm signal to the alarm unit. Then, the seepage distance is calculated based on the magnitude of the current.

[0020] The server locates the water seepage point in the tower based on the seepage distance, the tower structure, and the sensor wire layout model.

[0021] Furthermore, the specific process of calculating the seepage distance based on the current magnitude is as follows:

[0022] The control unit outputs a positive DC voltage to induction wires a and c, and collects the current between induction wires a and b, c and d, and b and c. When the seepage sensing unit encounters water, a short circuit occurs between induction wires b and c, generating current. The control unit calculates the loop resistance based on the current and voltage between induction wires b and c, and then calculates the seepage distance L of the seepage sensing unit based on the set cable resistivity. The calculation formula is as follows:

[0023] The seepage distance L ≈ loop resistance ÷ cable resistivity.

[0024] Furthermore, the specific process by which the server locates the water seepage point in the tower based on the seepage distance, the tower structure, and the sensor line layout model is as follows:

[0025] The seepage sensing units are arranged in a spiral shape from bottom to top, and the linear lengths between each screw pitch are L1, L2, L3...L from bottom to top. n Each pitch corresponds to a tower height zone of h1, h2, h3...h n ;

[0026] Subtract the calculated seepage distance L from the linear length between each pitch in order from bottom to top until the result is less than or equal to 0. At this point, the result is determined by the linear length L of the last pitch subtracted. m Positioned at the corresponding height h of the tower m Location, where m and n are positive integers, and m ≤ n, then combined with h m The tower diameter and preset pitch are used to locate the water seepage point in the tower and the area to be investigated.

[0027] The third objective of this invention is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0028] A wind turbine generator set includes the aforementioned wind turbine generator set mixed tower water seepage monitoring system.

[0029] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages and beneficial effects:

[0030] 1. Real-time monitoring: Enables real-time monitoring and early warning of water seepage. If water seepage is detected in the tower, it will be reported in a timely manner and the seepage area will be located, which will facilitate inspection and rectification.

[0031] 2. Simple and Reliable: The principle of water seepage monitoring and alarm is simple. It detects water seepage by short-circuiting the circuit when it encounters water. The sensing wire is a cable, and the materials and manufacturing process are mature, making the sensing wire durable and reliable.

[0032] 3. Economical and practical: The induction wires are arranged in a spiral shape on the inner wall of the mixing tower, which can fully cover the test area, but the number of induction wires and control units is small, which reduces costs and increases reliability.

[0033] 4. Reusable: After a water leakage alarm is detected and dealt with, the device can be reused once the water has dried. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the seepage monitoring system of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 2 This is a communication diagram of the seepage monitoring system of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the seepage monitoring system of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the location of the seepage monitoring system of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the unfolded shape of the single-pitch induction wire in this invention. Detailed Implementation

[0039] 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 some embodiments of the present invention, but not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0040] Example 1:

[0041] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, this embodiment provides a wind turbine tower seepage monitoring system. The wind turbine mainly consists of a tower 1, a nacelle 2, and blades 3. The seepage monitoring system is located inside the tower 1 and includes a seepage sensing unit 4, a control unit 5, an alarm unit 6, and a server 7. The seepage sensing unit 4 is arranged in a spiral shape from bottom to top on the inner wall of the tower. The control unit 5 is electrically connected to the seepage sensing unit 4, and the alarm unit 6 and the server 7 are respectively electrically connected to the control unit 5. The control unit 5 collects the internal current of the seepage sensing unit 4 in real time. When seepage occurs on the inner wall of the tower, a short circuit occurs inside the seepage sensing unit 4. The control unit 5 judges the seepage based on the change in the loop current of the seepage sensing unit 4 and outputs an alarm signal to the alarm unit 6. Then, the seepage distance is calculated based on the current magnitude. The server 7 locates the seepage position in the tower based on the seepage distance, the tower, and the sensor line arrangement model. The server 7 displays the status information of the seepage monitoring system and monitors the tower status.

[0042] Specifically, the seepage sensing unit includes sensing wires a, b, c, and d, and an insulating core e. Sensing wires b and c are separated by the insulating core e. Sensing wires a and d are spirally wound around the outside of sensing wires b and c, forming the outer core with an insulating sleeve. Sensing wires b and c are the exposed inner core. Sensing wires a and b form a loop, and sensing wires c and d form a loop. When the tower is not seeping water, the loops between sensing wires a and b, and between sensing wires c and d, are conductive with a constant current. The loop between sensing wires b and c is disconnected with no current, and the seepage sensing unit operates normally. When the tower seeps water, sensing wires b and c short-circuit upon contact with water, forming a loop between them.

[0043] Specifically, the process by which the control unit calculates the seepage distance based on the current magnitude is as follows:

[0044] The control unit outputs a positive DC voltage to induction wires a and c, and collects the current between induction wires a and b, c and d, and b and c. When water is encountered at the seepage sensing unit K, a short circuit occurs between induction wires b and c, generating current. The control unit calculates the loop resistance R based on the current and voltage between induction wires b and c, and then calculates the seepage distance L of the seepage sensing unit based on the set cable resistivity. The calculation formula is as follows:

[0045] The seepage distance L ≈ loop resistance ÷ cable resistivity.

[0046] Specifically, the process by which the server locates the water seepage point in the tower based on the seepage distance, the tower structure, and the sensor wire layout model is as follows:

[0047] The seepage sensing units are arranged in a spiral shape from bottom to top, and the linear lengths between each screw pitch are L1, L2, L3...L from bottom to top. n Each pitch corresponds to a tower height zone of h1, h2, h3...h n ;

[0048] Subtract the calculated seepage distance L from the linear length between each pitch in order from bottom to top until the result is less than or equal to 0. At this point, the result is determined by the linear length L of the last pitch subtracted. m Positioned at the corresponding height h of the tower m Location, where m and n are positive integers, and m ≤ n, then combined with h m The tower diameter and preset pitch are used to locate the water seepage point in the tower and the area to be investigated.

[0049] Example 2:

[0050] This embodiment provides a method for monitoring water seepage in the mixed-tower section of a wind turbine, implemented using the aforementioned wind turbine mixed-tower water seepage monitoring system, including the following steps.

[0051] The control unit collects the internal current of the seepage sensing unit in real time.

[0052] When water seepage occurs on the inner wall of the tower, a short circuit occurs inside the seepage sensing unit. The control unit determines the seepage based on the change in the loop current of the seepage sensing unit and outputs an alarm signal to the alarm unit. Then, the seepage distance is calculated based on the magnitude of the current.

[0053] The server locates the water seepage point in the tower based on the seepage distance, tower structure, and sensor lines, and marks it on the model. Maintenance personnel then conduct inspections and maintenance based on the alarm signals and the location area displayed on the server.

[0054] Specifically, the process by which the control unit calculates the seepage distance based on the current magnitude is as follows:

[0055] The control unit outputs a positive DC voltage to induction wires a and c, and collects the current between induction wires a and b, c and d, and b and c. When the seepage sensing unit encounters water, a short circuit occurs between induction wires b and c, generating current. The control unit calculates the loop resistance based on the current and voltage between induction wires b and c, and then calculates the seepage distance L of the seepage sensing unit based on the set cable resistivity. The calculation formula is as follows:

[0056] The seepage distance L ≈ loop resistance ÷ cable resistivity.

[0057] Specifically, the process by which the server locates the water seepage point in the tower based on the seepage distance, the tower structure, and the sensor wire layout model is as follows:

[0058] The seepage sensing units are arranged in a spiral shape from bottom to top, and the linear lengths between each screw pitch are L1, L2, L3...L from bottom to top. n Each pitch corresponds to a tower height zone of h1, h2, h3...h n ;

[0059] Subtract the calculated seepage distance L from the linear length between each pitch in order from bottom to top until the result is less than or equal to 0. At this point, the result is determined by the linear length L of the last pitch subtracted. m Positioned at the corresponding height h of the tower m Location, where m and n are positive integers, and m ≤ n, then combined with h m The tower diameter and preset pitch are used to locate the water seepage point in the tower and the area to be investigated.

[0060] like Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the tower height is 80 meters, and the seepage sensing units are arranged in a spiral shape from bottom to top. The pitch is preset to 5 meters, and the linear lengths between each pitch from bottom to top are L1, L2, L3...L8, respectively. Each pitch corresponds to a tower height zone of h1, h2, h3...h8, where the tower diameter is 8m from h1 to h3, 7.5m from h4, 7m from h5, 6.5m from h6, 6m from h7, and 5.8m from h8.

[0061] The formula for the length of the single-pitch induction wire is:

[0062]

[0063] In the formula, L i h i Location sensing line length, D i h i The location corresponds to the tower diameter; S represents the preset pitch.

[0064] The lengths of each spiral line are calculated using the formula for the length of a single pitch of the induction line, as shown in the table below.

[0065] Tower location Tower diameter (m) Pitch (m) Induction line Line length (m) <![CDATA[h1]]> 8 5 <![CDATA[L1]]> 25.61277806 <![CDATA[h2]]> 8 5 <![CDATA[L2]]> 25.61277806 <![CDATA[h3]]> 8 5 <![CDATA[L3]]> 25.61277806 <![CDATA[h4]]> 7.5 5 <![CDATA[L4]]> 24.0749351 <![CDATA[h5]]> 7 5 <![CDATA[L5]]> 22.54152612 <![CDATA[h6]]> 6.5 5 <![CDATA[L6]]> 21.01352184 <![CDATA[h7]]> 6 5 <![CDATA[L7]]> 19.49219331 <![CDATA[h8]]> 5.8 5 <![CDATA[L8]]> 18.88589272

[0066] When water seeps in at point K, the control unit detects the change in current, outputs an alarm, and calculates the seepage distance L = 115m. Since L - L1 - L2 - L3 - L4 = 14m and L - L1 - L2 - L3 - L4 - L5 = -8.45m, the seepage location can be located at the tower section h5 based on the subtracted last pitch line length L5.

[0067] like Figure 5As shown, the spiral induction line in area h5 is unfolded and calculated. AC = 14m. From similar triangles, we get AB = AC / AE*AF = 14 ÷ 22.54 × 21.98 = 13.65m.

[0068] BC=AB=AC / AE*FE=14÷22.54×5=3.1m

[0069] Therefore, the location was accurately pinpointed at 13.65m around the tower's circumference and 3.1m high in the h5 area of ​​the tower. The model showed water seepage at this location. When maintenance personnel received the alarm, they checked this location and the area to be investigated, G, which is the vertical line from the detected location to the next ring of sensor lines.

[0070] Example 3:

[0071] This embodiment provides a wind turbine, including the wind turbine mixed tower water seepage monitoring system described in Embodiment 1.

[0072] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope disclosed in the present invention, based on the technical solution and inventive concept of the present invention, shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A wind turbine hybrid tower seepage monitoring system, characterized in that: The system includes a seepage sensing unit, a control unit, an alarm unit, and a server. The seepage sensing units are arranged in a spiral pattern from bottom to top on the inner wall of the tower. The control unit is electrically connected to the seepage sensing units, and the alarm unit and server are respectively electrically connected to the control unit. The control unit collects the internal current of the seepage sensing units in real time. When seepage occurs on the inner wall of the tower, a short circuit occurs inside the seepage sensing unit. The control unit determines the seepage based on the change in the loop current of the seepage sensing unit and outputs an alarm signal to the alarm unit. Then, it calculates the seepage distance based on the current magnitude. The server locates the seepage location in the tower based on the seepage distance, the tower structure, and the sensor wire arrangement model. The specific process by which the server locates the seepage location in the tower based on the seepage distance, the tower structure, and the sensor wire arrangement model is as follows: The seepage sensing units are arranged in a spiral shape from bottom to top, and the linear lengths between each pitch are respectively from bottom to top. Each pitch corresponds to a tower height zone as follows: ; The calculated seepage distance Subtract the linear length between each pitch in ascending order from bottom to top until the result is less than or equal to 0. At this point, calculate the linear length between the last subtracted pitch. Position to the corresponding height of the tower Location, among which , It is a positive integer, and Then combine The tower diameter and preset pitch are used to locate the water seepage point in the tower and the area to be investigated.

2. The wind turbine hybrid tower seepage monitoring system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The seepage sensing unit includes sensing wires a, b, c, and d, and an insulating core e. Sensing wires b and c are separated by the insulating core e. Sensing wires a and d are spirally wound around the outside of sensing wires b and c, forming a loop with sensing wires a and b, and a loop with sensing wires c and d. When the tower is not seeping water, the loops between sensing wires a and b, and between sensing wires c and d, are conductive with a constant current. The loop between sensing wires b and c is disconnected, and no current flows. The seepage sensing unit operates normally. When the tower seeps water, sensing wires b and c short-circuit upon contact with water, forming a loop between them.

3. The wind turbine hybrid tower seepage monitoring system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The specific process for calculating the seepage distance based on the magnitude of the current is as follows: The control unit outputs a positive DC voltage to induction wires a and c, and collects the current between induction wires a and b, c and d, and b and c. When the seepage sensing unit encounters water, a short circuit occurs between induction wires b and c, generating current. The control unit calculates the loop resistance based on the current and voltage between induction wires b and c, and then calculates the seepage distance of the seepage sensing unit based on the set cable resistivity. The calculation formula is: seepage distance ≈ Loop resistance ÷ Cable resistivity.

4. A method for monitoring water seepage in the mixed-tower section of a wind turbine, implemented using the water seepage monitoring system for the mixed-tower section of a wind turbine as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, include, The control unit collects the internal current of the seepage sensing unit in real time. When water seepage occurs on the inner wall of the tower, a short circuit occurs inside the seepage sensing unit. The control unit determines the seepage based on the change in the loop current of the seepage sensing unit and outputs an alarm signal to the alarm unit. Then, the seepage distance is calculated based on the magnitude of the current. The server locates the water seepage point in the tower based on the seepage distance, the tower structure, and the sensor line layout model.

5. The method for monitoring water seepage in the hybrid tower of a wind turbine according to claim 4, characterized in that, The specific process for calculating the seepage distance based on the magnitude of the current is as follows: The control unit outputs a positive DC voltage to induction wires a and c, and collects the current between induction wires a and b, c and d, and b and c. When the seepage sensing unit encounters water, a short circuit occurs between induction wires b and c, generating current. The control unit calculates the loop resistance based on the current and voltage between induction wires b and c, and then calculates the seepage distance of the seepage sensing unit based on the set cable resistivity. The calculation formula is: seepage distance ≈ Loop resistance ÷ Cable resistivity.

6. A wind turbine generator set, characterized in that, The system includes the wind turbine tower leakage monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

Citation Information

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