Hydrogen leakage safety monitoring system and method of distributed Raman optical fiber sensor

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of distributed optical fiber sensing, and particularly relates to a hydrogen leakage safety monitoring system and method of a distributed Raman optical fiber sensor. Comprising an optical fiber sensor which adopts a distributed Raman optical fiber sensor and is used for being wound on the surface of a hydrogen storage tank, and optical fiber hydrogen loss conditions are monitored by detecting Raman scattering light intensity changes; the signal processing unit is used for receiving the optical signal returned by the optical fiber sensor and converting the optical signal into an electric signal, and analyzing the electric signal through an algorithm to judge the accurate position and severity of hydrogen leakage; the data analysis unit is used for receiving the hydrogen loss data transmitted by the signal processing unit, estimating the leakage amount and the leakage position through an algorithm and providing leakage trend analysis; and the alarm system is used for receiving the hydrogen loss data of the signal processing unit and triggering an alarm when the hydrogen loss exceeds a preset threshold value. Through the application of the system, the safety of hydrogen storage and transportation can be effectively improved, the safe use of hydrogen is guaranteed, and reliable technical support is provided for the development of the hydrogen industry.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of distributed optical fiber sensing, and in particular relates to a hydrogen leakage safety monitoring system and method of a distributed Raman optical fiber sensor. Background Art

[0002] Hydrogen is a colorless and odorless gas that is widely used in the fields of chemical industry, energy, metallurgy, etc. Due to its advantages such as high energy density and clean combustion, hydrogen plays an increasingly important role in modern industry. However, the storage and transportation of hydrogen are highly dangerous. Hydrogen molecules are extremely small and easy to leak. In addition, their flammable and explosive properties mean that once leaked, it will not only cause economic losses, but may also cause major safety accidents.

[0003] At present, the main methods used for hydrogen leakage monitoring in the market include: gas detectors, electrochemical sensors, etc. However, these methods have certain limitations, such as the inability to conduct large-scale real-time monitoring, the need for regular maintenance and calibration, and unstable operation in harsh environments. In particular, when electrical sensors work in a hydrogen environment, there is a potential spark risk, which increases safety hazards. Summary of the invention

[0004] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention proposes a hydrogen leakage safety monitoring system and method of a distributed Raman optical fiber sensor. The leakage of hydrogen storage tanks is monitored by optical fiber hydrogen loss measurement technology, and detailed data is provided for optimization of storage tank design and sealing performance. Through the application of this system, the safety of hydrogen storage and transportation can be effectively improved, the safe use of hydrogen can be guaranteed, and reliable technical support can be provided for the development of the hydrogen industry.

[0005] The technical solution of the present invention is as follows: One of the purposes of the present invention is to provide a hydrogen leakage safety monitoring system of a distributed Raman optical fiber sensor, comprising: Optical fiber sensor, using distributed Raman optical fiber sensor, is used to wrap around the surface of hydrogen storage tanks and monitor the hydrogen loss of optical fiber by detecting the change of Raman scattered light intensity; A signal processing unit is used to receive the optical signal sent back by the optical fiber sensor and convert it into an electrical signal, and analyze the electrical signal through an algorithm to determine the exact location and severity of the hydrogen leak; The data analysis unit is used to receive the hydrogen loss data transmitted by the signal processing unit, estimate the leakage amount and leakage location through the algorithm, and provide leakage trend analysis; The alarm system is used to receive the hydrogen loss data from the signal processing unit and trigger an alarm when the hydrogen loss exceeds a preset threshold.

[0006] Furthermore, the optical fiber sensor is tightly and evenly wound around the surface of the hydrogen storage tank.

[0007] Furthermore, the optical fiber sensor and the hydrogen storage tank are fixed by an epoxy resin structural adhesive.

[0008] Further, the signal processing unit includes a light detector, a signal converter and a data analyzer; The optical detector is used to receive the optical signal transmitted by the optical fiber sensor, and the signal conversion is performed to convert the optical signal into an electrical signal; the data analyzer uses algorithms and models to analyze the changes in optical fiber loss in the electrical signal, and the hydrogen leakage is determined based on the analysis results. If the loss exceeds a preset threshold, the alarm system is triggered and the relevant data is transmitted to the data analysis unit.

[0009] Furthermore, the data analysis unit establishes data transmission with the signal processing unit via Ethernet or RS-232.

[0010] 6. The hydrogen leakage safety monitoring system of the distributed Raman optical fiber sensor according to claim 1 is characterized in that different levels of hydrogen loss thresholds are pre-set inside the alarm system, and when the received hydrogen loss data exceeds the threshold, the alarm system triggers an alarm of the corresponding level.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for a hydrogen leakage safety monitoring system using a distributed Raman optical fiber sensor, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: The optical fiber sensor is wound around the surface of the hydrogen storage tank; The signal processing unit receives the optical signal sent back by the optical fiber sensor and converts it into an electrical signal; The signal processing unit analyzes the electrical signal to determine the exact location and severity of the hydrogen leak; The data analysis unit receives hydrogen loss data, estimates the leakage amount and leakage location, and provides leakage trend analysis; When the hydrogen loss exceeds the preset threshold, the alarm system will be triggered.

[0012] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: First, high-precision leakage monitoring is achieved. The distributed Raman fiber optic sensor can accurately locate the hydrogen leakage position, and the signal processing unit can accurately determine the leakage degree, overcoming the defect that the traditional method is difficult to determine the leakage point and degree. Secondly, the system has real-time monitoring and analysis capabilities. The units work together, the signal processing unit analyzes the data in real time, the alarm system triggers the alarm and records it in time, and the data analysis unit provides trend analysis and improvement suggestions, which improves the safety and reliability of hydrogen storage tanks, helps to optimize the storage tank design, and reduces the risk of leakage from the source. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1A schematic diagram of the installation structure of a hydrogen leakage safety monitoring system and method using a distributed Raman optical fiber sensor; DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0015] like Figure 1 As shown, a schematic diagram of the installation structure of a hydrogen leakage safety monitoring system and method of a distributed Raman optical fiber sensor of the present invention is shown. The hydrogen leakage safety monitoring system includes an optical fiber sensor, a signal processing unit, a data analysis unit and an alarm system.

[0016] The individual units are described below: 1. Fiber Optic Sensor Distributed Raman fiber optic sensors are used. Distributed Raman fiber optic sensors are based on the principle of Raman scattering. When light is transmitted in the optical fiber and interacts with molecules, Raman scattered light is generated, including Stokes scattering with reduced frequency and anti-Stokes scattering with increased frequency. It can realize distributed measurement. Light pulses generate Raman scattered light at different positions of optical fiber transmission. The position is determined by measuring the return time, so that physical quantities at different positions along the optical fiber can be monitored. In the hydrogen leakage monitoring system, the hydrogen loss of the optical fiber is monitored by detecting the change in the intensity of Raman scattered light. When hydrogen leaks and penetrates into the optical fiber, the optical properties are changed, which in turn affects the intensity of Raman scattered light.

[0017] The winding method of the distributed Raman fiber sensor is to wrap around the surface of the hydrogen tank in a tight and uniform way. During the winding process, first of all, it is necessary to ensure that the starting position of the winding is accurate, and choose to start winding from a fixed point at the bottom or top of the tank. In order to ensure tight winding, some auxiliary tools, such as winding clamps, are used. In order to ensure uniform winding, the tension of the optical fiber is controlled by using a tension adjustment device to ensure the uniformity of winding.

[0018] The distributed Raman fiber optic sensor is combined with the hydrogen storage tank using an epoxy resin structural adhesive fixing process.

[0019] The distributed Raman fiber optic sensor wrapped around the surface of the hydrogen storage tank has only one fiber optic head left for connecting to the signal processing unit.

[0020] 2. Signal Processing Unit The connection between the signal processing unit and the fiber optic sensor is a prerequisite for the normal operation of the signal processing unit. The signal processing unit is first responsible for receiving the weak and noisy optical signal sent back by the fiber optic sensor and converting it into a processable electrical signal. Secondly, the electrical signal is analyzed through powerful computing power and specific algorithms to determine the exact location and severity of the hydrogen leak. In addition, it also needs to work in conjunction with the alarm system and data analysis unit to ensure the effective operation of the entire monitoring system.

[0021] The workflow of the signal processing unit includes the following key steps. The first is signal reception, using a light detector to receive the light signal from the fiber optic sensor. Then, signal conversion is performed to convert the light signal into an electrical signal. Then, data analysis is performed, using algorithms and models to analyze the fiber loss changes in the electrical signal. Finally, the hydrogen leakage is judged based on the analysis results. If the loss exceeds the preset threshold, the alarm system is triggered and the relevant data is passed to the data analysis unit.

[0022] 3. Data Analysis Unit The data analysis unit first receives the hydrogen loss data from the signal processing unit and uses communication interfaces such as Ethernet and RS-232 to establish data transmission to ensure that the data can be accurately transmitted from the signal processing unit to the data analysis unit.

[0023] The data analysis unit processes the hydrogen loss data through an algorithm, estimates the leakage amount and leakage location, and provides leakage trend analysis and tank design improvement suggestions. For estimating the leakage amount, an algorithm based on a physical model is used. Exemplarily, the leakage amount is estimated based on the diffusion model of hydrogen in optical fiber and the hydrogen loss data. For estimating the leakage location, since the distributed Raman optical fiber sensor can accurately locate the location of hydrogen loss, the location information provided by the sensor is directly used. For providing leakage trend analysis, a time series analysis algorithm is used. By analyzing the hydrogen loss data over a period of time, the changing trend of the hydrogen loss data is observed, such as whether it is an upward trend, a downward trend or a stable trend. Based on these trends, the development direction of the hydrogen leakage is judged to provide a basis for taking corresponding measures.

[0024] 4. Alarm system The alarm system is connected to the signal processing unit via a communication line.

[0025] The alarm system's alarm is based on the precise judgment of the degree of hydrogen loss. When hydrogen leaks, hydrogen molecules will penetrate into the optical fiber, resulting in increased hydrogen loss in the optical fiber. Distributed Raman fiber sensors can detect this hydrogen loss and transmit relevant signals to the signal processing unit. The signal processing unit analyzes and processes the signal to obtain the specific degree and location information of the hydrogen loss, and then transmits this data to the alarm system. Different levels of hydrogen loss thresholds are pre-set in the alarm system, and the hydrogen loss threshold is determined based on factors such as the safety standards of hydrogen storage tanks and the actual application environment. When the received hydrogen loss data exceeds a certain level of threshold, the alarm system will trigger an alarm of the corresponding level. For example, if the degree of hydrogen loss is relatively light, only a low-level alarm may be triggered, such as a slight sound and light signal to alert the operator; if the degree of hydrogen loss is relatively heavy and exceeds the high-level threshold, a strong sound and light alarm will be triggered.

[0026] The working process of the alarm system is as follows: First, the alarm system is in a waiting state, ready to receive hydrogen loss data from the signal processing unit at any time. Once the data is received, it will immediately enter the analysis and comparison stage. In this stage, the alarm system will compare the received hydrogen loss data with the pre-set alarm thresholds at each level one by one. If the hydrogen loss data exceeds a certain level of threshold, the alarm system will enter the alarm triggering stage. In the alarm triggering stage, the alarm system will trigger the corresponding level of alarm according to the exceeded threshold level.

[0027] The basic principles of the present application are described above in conjunction with specific embodiments. However, it should be noted that the advantages, strengths, effects, etc. mentioned in the present application are only examples and not limitations, and it cannot be considered that these advantages, strengths, effects, etc. are required by each embodiment of the present application. In addition, the specific details disclosed above are only for the purpose of illustration and ease of understanding, not for limitation, and the above details do not limit the present application to being implemented by adopting the above specific details.

[0028] The block diagrams of the devices, apparatuses, equipment, and systems involved in this application are only illustrative examples and are not intended to require or imply that they must be connected, arranged, and configured in the manner shown in the block diagram. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, these devices, apparatuses, equipment, and systems can be connected, arranged, and configured in any manner. Words such as "including", "comprising", "having", etc. are open words, referring to "including but not limited to", and can be used interchangeably with them. The words "or" and "and" used here refer to the words "and / or" and can be used interchangeably with them, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The words "such as" used here refer to the phrase "such as but not limited to", and can be used interchangeably with them.

[0029] It should also be noted that in the apparatus, device and method of the present application, each component or each step can be decomposed and / or recombined. Such decomposition and / or recombination should be regarded as equivalent solutions of the present application.

[0030] The above description of the disclosed aspects is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present application. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects without departing from the scope of the present application. Therefore, the present application is not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but rather to the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features of the present invention.

[0031] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present application shall be included in the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A hydrogen leak safety monitoring system based on a distributed Raman optical fiber sensor, characterized in that: include: Optical fiber sensor, using distributed Raman optical fiber sensor, is used to wrap around the surface of hydrogen storage tanks and monitor the hydrogen loss of optical fiber by detecting the change of Raman scattered light intensity; A signal processing unit is used to receive the optical signal sent back by the optical fiber sensor and convert it into an electrical signal, and analyze the electrical signal through an algorithm to determine the exact location and severity of the hydrogen leak; The data analysis unit is used to receive the hydrogen loss data transmitted by the signal processing unit, estimate the leakage amount and leakage location through the algorithm, and provide leakage trend analysis; The alarm system is used to receive the hydrogen loss data from the signal processing unit and trigger an alarm when the hydrogen loss exceeds a preset threshold.

2. The hydrogen leakage safety monitoring system of the distributed Raman optical fiber sensor according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The optical fiber sensor is tightly and evenly wound around the surface of the hydrogen storage tank.

3. The hydrogen leakage safety monitoring system of the distributed Raman optical fiber sensor according to claim 2 is characterized in that: The optical fiber sensor and the hydrogen storage tank are combined by using an epoxy resin structural adhesive fixing process.

4. The hydrogen leakage safety monitoring system of the distributed Raman optical fiber sensor according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The signal processing unit includes a light detector, a signal converter and a data analyzer; The optical detector is used to receive the optical signal transmitted by the optical fiber sensor, and the signal conversion is performed to convert the optical signal into an electrical signal; the data analyzer uses algorithms and models to analyze the changes in optical fiber loss in the electrical signal, and the hydrogen leakage is determined based on the analysis results. If the loss exceeds a preset threshold, the alarm system is triggered and the relevant data is transmitted to the data analysis unit.

5. The hydrogen leakage safety monitoring system of the distributed Raman optical fiber sensor according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The data analysis unit establishes data transmission with the signal processing unit via Ethernet or RS-232.

6. The hydrogen leakage safety monitoring system of the distributed Raman optical fiber sensor according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The alarm system has preset hydrogen loss thresholds of different levels. When the received hydrogen loss data exceeds the threshold, the alarm system triggers an alarm of the corresponding level.

7. A method for a hydrogen leakage safety monitoring system using the distributed Raman optical fiber sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: The optical fiber sensor is wound around the surface of the hydrogen storage tank; The signal processing unit receives the optical signal sent back by the optical fiber sensor and converts it into an electrical signal; The signal processing unit analyzes the electrical signal to determine the exact location and severity of the hydrogen leak; The data analysis unit receives hydrogen loss data, estimates the leakage amount and leakage location, and provides leakage trend analysis; When the hydrogen loss exceeds the preset threshold, the alarm system will be triggered.

Images