A fan blade damage on-line monitoring device

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of fan blade damage on-line monitoring device, it is related to wind power technology field, comprising: support assembly, including the hollow structure frame body of position adjustment can be carried out;Sensor assembly is elastically connected to frame body by elastic connecting assembly, and elastic connecting assembly is configured to allow sensor assembly to make floating type movement compared with frame body;Wherein, sensor assembly includes air-coupled acoustic emission sensor with air as coupling medium, frame body is configured to be adjusted to corresponding fan blade to be monitored by position adjustment, air-coupled acoustic emission sensor is used for acoustic detection to fan blade.The application improves the reliability of detection, reduces monitoring cost, expands the application range of acoustic emission technology, effectively improves the accuracy of detection, and has strong anti-interference ability, meets the requirements of efficient, accurate detection.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of wind power technology, and in particular to a wind turbine blade damage online monitoring device. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the field of wind power generation, wind turbine blades are subjected to complex and harsh working environments for a long time, which makes them prone to external damage and fatigue failure and other problems, and thus need to be monitored by monitoring devices. Traditional wind turbine blade monitoring devices usually use coupling agents and other coupling media to achieve contact detection of acoustic emission sensors and the measured wind turbine blades. However, due to the aging and drying of the coupling agent, the acoustic emission sensor and the measured wind turbine blade may fail to be coupled, resulting in poor detection reliability. Moreover, the contact detection method has poor anti-interference ability and is easily affected by external interference signals such as vibration and noise, which may mask the blade damage signals and reduce the accuracy and reliability of the detection results. It is difficult to accurately capture the acoustic emission signals generated by the wind turbine blade damage, and it is difficult to meet the requirements of efficient and accurate detection of wind turbine blades under actual working conditions. In addition, the traditional wind turbine blade monitoring device usually needs to be equipped with multiple acoustic emission sensors and more acoustic emission channels for each wind turbine blade, which results in high monitoring cost and greatly limits the application of acoustic emission technology. SUMMARY

[0003] To solve the above technical problems, the present application provides a wind turbine blade damage online monitoring device, which solves the technical problems of poor detection reliability, poor anti-interference ability, inability to meet the requirements of efficient and accurate detection, and high monitoring cost of the existing monitoring device. The monitoring device of the present application significantly improves the detection reliability, significantly reduces the monitoring cost, expands the application range of acoustic emission technology, effectively improves the detection accuracy, and has strong anti-interference ability, meeting the requirements of efficient and accurate detection.

[0004] The present application provides a wind turbine blade damage online monitoring device, which comprises: a support assembly comprising a hollow structure frame body capable of position adjustment; a sensor assembly elastically connected to the frame body through an elastic connection assembly, the elastic connection assembly being configured to allow the sensor assembly to move floatingly relative to the frame body; wherein the sensor assembly comprises an air-coupled acoustic emission sensor using air as a coupling medium, and the frame body is configured to adjust the air-coupled acoustic emission sensor to correspond to the monitored wind turbine blade through position adjustment, and the air-coupled acoustic emission sensor is used for acoustic detection of the wind turbine blade.

[0005] In some embodiments, the support assembly comprises: a seat body; a support member connected perpendicularly to the seat body; and a connecting member, one end of the connecting member being adjustably connected to the support member at an angle, and / or the other end of the connecting member being adjustably connected to the frame body at an angle.

[0006] In some embodiments, one end of the connecting member is connected with the support member through a ball head seat and a connecting ball head in cooperation; and / or, the other end of the connecting member is connected with the frame body through a ball head seat and a connecting ball head in cooperation.

[0007] In some embodiments, the ball head seat comprises: a first clamping part and a second clamping part, which are oppositely arranged and configured to be close to or away from each other; the connecting ball head is clamped between the first clamping part and the second clamping part; the support assembly further comprises a locking member for adjusting the distance between the first clamping part and the second clamping part, so that the ball head seat clamps or releases the connecting ball head.

[0008] In some embodiments, the elastic connecting assembly comprises: a first elastic support cable in a ring structure, which is connected to the axial first end of the frame body and the axial first end of the sensor assembly through a plurality of point positions on the circumference; and a second elastic support cable in a ring structure, which is connected to the axial second end of the frame body and the axial second end of the sensor assembly through a plurality of point positions on the circumference.

[0009] In some embodiments, the sensor assembly further comprises: a sensor body, inside which the air-coupled acoustic emission sensor is arranged; an elastic clamping member, which elastically clamps the sensor body; and an opening and closing control member, which is connected to the elastic clamping member and is used for controlling the opening and closing of the elastic clamping member; wherein the first elastic support cable is connected to the axial first end of the frame body and the axial first end of the elastic clamping member through a plurality of point positions on the circumference; and the second elastic support cable is connected to the axial second end of the frame body and the axial second end of the elastic clamping member through a plurality of point positions on the circumference.

[0010] In some embodiments, the sensor assembly further comprises: a hanging member, which is fixedly connected to the elastic clamping member and is uniformly distributed around the axis of the sensor assembly; the axial first end of each hanging member is provided with a first hanging part, and the axial second end of each hanging member is provided with a second hanging part; and / or, the support assembly further comprises: a hooking member, which is fixedly connected to the frame body and is uniformly distributed around the axis of the frame body; the axial first end of each hooking member is provided with a first hooking part, and the axial second end of each hooking member is provided with a second hooking part; wherein the first elastic support cable is connected to the first hanging part and the first hooking part through a plurality of point positions on the circumference, and the second elastic support cable is connected to the second hanging part and the second hooking part through a plurality of point positions on the circumference.

[0011] In some embodiments, the sensor assembly further includes a flexible pad clamped between the elastic clamp and the sensor body.

[0012] In some embodiments, the air-coupled acoustic emission sensor is a MEMS air-coupled acoustic emission sensor.

[0013] In some embodiments, the MEMS air-coupled acoustic emission sensor includes: a sensing element configured to sense an acoustic emission signal and convert the acoustic emission signal into a physical change signal of capacitance, resistance, or voltage; a signal conversion element, in conjunction with the sensing element, for converting the physical change signal into an electrical signal; and a matching circuit electrically connected to the signal conversion element for amplifying, filtering, and digitizing the converted electrical signal.

[0014] In some embodiments, the monitoring device further includes: a host computer, which is electrically connected to the air-coupled acoustic emission sensor via a cable, for controlling the operation of the air-coupled acoustic emission sensor, receiving and processing the monitoring signals acquired by the air-coupled acoustic emission sensor, and generating and saving the monitoring result data of the monitored wind turbine blades.

[0015] The online monitoring device for wind turbine blade damage provided in this application employs air-coupled acoustic emission technology, eliminating the need for complex coupling operations and avoiding coupling failures caused by aging or drying of the coupling agent. This allows the air-coupled acoustic emission sensor to receive acoustic emission signals generated by wind turbine blade damage more stably and efficiently, significantly improving detection reliability. Simultaneously, this application drastically reduces the number of acoustic emission sensors and supporting equipment, significantly lowering monitoring costs and greatly expanding the application scope of acoustic emission technology. Furthermore, this application allows for flexible adjustment of the orientation of the air-coupled acoustic emission sensor, better aligning it with the damage source of the monitored wind turbine blade, effectively improving detection accuracy and meeting the requirements of efficient and precise detection. In addition, this application uses an elastic connection component to elastically connect the sensor assembly to the frame, effectively buffering interference from external vibrations, significantly improving the anti-interference capability of the monitoring device and enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio of the air-coupled acoustic emission sensor. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The technical solution of this application will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. In the accompanying drawings:

[0017] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of one embodiment of the monitoring device of this application;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a side view of one embodiment of the monitoring device of this application;

[0019] Figure 3This is an exploded view of the support assembly structure of one embodiment of the monitoring device of this application;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the sensor assembly of one embodiment of the monitoring device of this application;

[0021] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the sensor assembly structure of one embodiment of the monitoring device of this application.

[0022] The attached figures are labeled as follows:

[0023] 10-Bracket assembly, 11-Base, 111-Fixing hole, 12-Support member, 120-Ball head seat, 1201-First clamping part, 1202-Second clamping part, 121-Fixed support arm, 122-Modible support arm, 123-Adjustment groove, 13-Connector, 131-Connecting ball head, 132-Fixing part, 1321-Clamping arm, 14-Frame body, 15-Locking member, 16-Hook member, 161-First hook part, 162-Second hook part;

[0024] 20-Sensor assembly, 21-Sensor body, 211-Main body shell, 212-Base mounting plate, 2121-Signal acquisition hole, 213-Top cover seal, 2131-Through hole, 214-Air-coupled acoustic emission sensor, 2141-Substrate, 2142-MEMS chip, 2143-ASIC chip, 215-Cable, 22-Elastic clamping component, 23-Opening and closing control component, 24-Hanging component, 241-First hanging part, 242-Second hanging part, 25-Flexible gasket;

[0025] 30 - Elastic connecting component, 31 - First elastic support cable, 32 - Second elastic support cable. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and effects of this invention clearer and more explicit, the technical solutions of this invention will be further described in detail below through specific embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only for explaining this invention and are not intended to limit this invention.

[0027] Please see Figure 1 In some embodiments of this application, an online monitoring device for wind turbine blade damage is provided. This monitoring device includes a support assembly 10 and a sensor assembly 20. The support assembly 10 is fixed to a bearing surface (not shown in the figure), and includes a hollow structural frame 14 that is position-adjustable. The shape of the frame 14 can be a relatively flat annular structure or a polygonal frame structure, or a cylindrical structure or a multi-faceted cylindrical structure with a certain axial height, or it can be a hollow structural frame of other shapes; this application does not limit the shape of the frame.

[0028] The sensor assembly 20 is elastically connected to the frame 14 via an elastic connection assembly 30. The elastic connection assembly 30 is configured to allow the sensor assembly 20 to float and reset relative to the frame 14. Floating movement means that the sensor assembly 20 can move axially along the axis of the frame 14, swing at a certain angle relative to the axis of the frame 14 within the frame range of the frame 14, or simultaneously move axially and swing at a certain angle relative to the frame 14.

[0029] The sensor assembly 20 includes an air-coupled acoustic emission sensor 214 that uses air as the coupling medium (e.g., ...). Figure 5 As shown in the diagram, the frame 14 is configured to adjust the air-coupled acoustic emission sensor 214 to the corresponding wind turbine blade being monitored through position adjustment, enabling the air-coupled acoustic emission sensor 214 to accurately correspond to the damage source of the wind turbine blade, thereby performing accurate acoustic detection of the monitored wind turbine blade through the air-coupled acoustic emission sensor 214. During the monitoring process, the elastic connection component 30 can use its own elastic force to offset the adverse effects of external vibration on the air-coupled acoustic emission sensor 214, maintaining the stable monitoring state of the sensor component 20 and ensuring the accurate detection of the damage source of the wind turbine blade by the air-coupled acoustic emission sensor 214.

[0030] The online monitoring device for wind turbine blade damage provided in this application adopts air-coupled acoustic emission technology. The air-coupled acoustic emission sensor 214 uses air as the coupling medium to achieve non-contact acoustic detection of wind turbine blades. Unlike traditional acoustic emission sensors that require a tight coupling medium (such as a coupling agent) to connect with the surface of the object being measured, the air-coupled acoustic emission sensor 214 of the monitoring device in this application does not require complex coupling operations, avoiding coupling failure problems caused by aging or drying of the coupling agent. It can receive acoustic emission signals generated by wind turbine blade damage more stably and efficiently, significantly improving the reliability of detection.

[0031] Meanwhile, the online monitoring device for wind turbine blade damage provided in this application has a significant cost advantage. Only one sensor assembly 20 is needed for each wind turbine blade, corresponding to only three acoustic emission channels. Compared with traditional acoustic emission monitoring schemes, the online monitoring device for wind turbine blade damage provided in this application significantly reduces the number of acoustic emission sensors and supporting equipment, substantially lowering the hardware cost, installation cost, and subsequent maintenance cost of the monitoring device. This significantly reduces the cost of acoustic emission technology in wind turbine blade damage monitoring and other applications, making it more economically feasible and greatly expanding the application scope of acoustic emission technology.

[0032] Moreover, the online monitoring device for wind turbine blade damage provided in this application allows the air-coupled acoustic emission sensor 214 to be flexibly adjusted in orientation by adjusting the position of the frame 14, so as to better align with the damage source of the monitored wind turbine blade and accurately receive the acoustic emission signal, thereby effectively improving the accuracy of detection and meeting the requirements of efficient and accurate detection.

[0033] In addition, the wind turbine blade damage online monitoring device provided in this application elastically connects the sensor assembly 20 to the frame 14 through the elastic connection component 30, so that the sensor assembly 20 can float relative to the frame 14 and automatically reset under the action of elastic force. The sensor assembly 20, the elastic connection component 30 and the frame 14 form a stable support structure system, which can effectively buffer the interference of external vibration, significantly improve the anti-interference ability of the monitoring device, and improve the signal-to-noise ratio detected by the air-coupled acoustic emission sensor 214.

[0034] Please see Figures 1-2 In some embodiments, the support assembly 10 includes a base 11, a support member 12, and a connector 13. The base 11 can be configured as a flat plate or a block structure, with its bottom surface conforming to the bearing surface to ensure stable fixation. In this embodiment, the base 11 is described as a flat plate structure, with fixing holes 111 at its four corners. The support member 12 is vertically connected to the base 11. When the bearing surface is horizontal, the support member 12 can extend vertically. The support member 12 can be configured as a cylindrical structure, a polygonal prism structure, or other columnar structure; this application does not limit this, as long as it can stably support the connector 13, the frame 14, and the sensor assembly 20, ensuring long-term stable operation of the monitoring device.

[0035] The connector 13 can be configured as a rod-shaped structure. In specific implementation, one end of the connector 13 (i.e. the end facing the base 11, which will not be described in detail below) can be configured to be connected to the support 12 at an adjustable angle, while the other end of the connector 13 (i.e. the end facing the sensor assembly 20, which will not be described in detail below) can be configured to be connected to the frame 14 at an adjustable angle. In this way, both ends of the connector 13 can be adjusted at any angle relative to the base 11 or the frame 14, realizing multi-directional adjustment of the frame 14 in the entire three-dimensional space, and enabling the air-coupled acoustic emission sensor 214 on the sensor assembly 20 to be flexibly adjusted to the appropriate position corresponding to the monitored wind turbine blade.

[0036] In some other embodiments, one end of the connector 13 can be fixedly connected to the support 12, while the other end of the connector 13 can be adjusted to be connected to the frame 14. As long as the fixed angle between the connector 13 and the support 12 is set reasonably and the length of the connector 13 is set appropriately, the air-coupled acoustic emission sensor 214 on the sensor assembly 20 can be adjusted to the appropriate position corresponding to the monitored wind turbine blade by adjusting the angle of the frame 14 relative to the connector 13.

[0037] In some other embodiments, one end of the connector 13 can be configured to be connected to the support 12 at an adjustable angle, while the other end of the connector 13 can be configured to be connected to the support 12 at a fixed angle. In use, the air-coupled acoustic emission sensor 214 on the sensor assembly 20 can be adjusted to a suitable position corresponding to the monitored wind turbine blade by adjusting the connector 13 at multiple angles relative to the support 12.

[0038] In actual manufacturing, the connector 13 can be configured to achieve multi-angle adjustment at one end or at both ends simultaneously. This application does not impose any limitations on this, as long as it can meet the precise alignment adjustment of the air-coupled acoustic emission sensor 214.

[0039] The bearing surface refers to the plane that can support the monitoring device of this application. The bearing surface can be the plane at the root of the wind turbine blade, or a plane at or near the manhole cover, and this application does not limit it in this regard. In actual installation, high-performance adhesive material can be used to attach the base 11 of the bracket assembly 10 to the root of the wind turbine blade to achieve non-destructive installation of the monitoring device on the wind turbine blade; alternatively, holes can be drilled in the manhole cover, and the base 11 of the bracket assembly 10 can be fixed to the manhole cover through fixing holes 111 and bolts. This ensures the reliability of the connection between the monitoring device and the bearing surface without damaging the main structure of the wind turbine blade, ensuring the safety and integrity of the blade, and providing a reliable guarantee for the stable installation of the entire monitoring device.

[0040] Please see Figures 1-3 In some embodiments, one end of the connector 13 is connected to the support 12 via a mating ball joint 120 and a connecting ball joint 131 (e.g., Figure 3(As shown in the diagram). The mating structure between the ball joint 120 and the connecting ball joint 131 enables the "universal" angular adjustment of the connecting member 13 relative to the base 11. This allows the connecting member 13 to be adjusted at multiple angles relative to the axis of the support member 12, changing the extension angle of the connecting member 13. It also allows the connecting member 13 to rotate around its own axis relative to the support member 12, changing the orientation of the axis of the frame 14. This enables multi-directional and multi-angle position adjustment of the frame 14 in three-dimensional space. In this way, the air-coupled acoustic emission sensor 214 can be flexibly adjusted to the appropriate position corresponding to the monitored wind turbine blade by only one end of the connecting member 13 being angularly connected to the support member 12.

[0041] like Figures 1-3 As shown, in some embodiments, the ball joint 120 can be disposed on the support 12, and the corresponding connecting ball joint 131 is disposed at one end of the connector 13. In other embodiments, the ball joint can also be disposed at one end of the connector, and the corresponding connecting ball joint is disposed on the support.

[0042] In other embodiments, one end of the connector can be configured to connect to the support member via a mating ball joint and a connecting ball head, while the other end of the connector can be configured to connect to the frame body via a mating ball joint and a connecting ball head. That is, both ends of the connector are connected to the support member or frame body through the mating structure of ball joints and connecting ball heads. Compared to a method where only one end of the connector is connected to the support member via a ball joint and connecting ball head, this method allows for multi-angle adjustment of the frame body, providing greater flexibility and enabling faster and more accurate adjustment of the air-coupled acoustic emission sensor to the appropriate position corresponding to the monitored wind turbine blade.

[0043] Please see Figure 3 In some embodiments, the ball head seat 120 includes a first clamping portion 1201 and a second clamping portion 1202, which are disposed opposite to each other and configured to move closer to or further away from each other. The first clamping portion 1201 and the second clamping portion 1202 may be configured as a shell-like structure arranged opposite to each other in an approximately hemispherical shape, with the ball head 131 clamped between the first clamping portion 1201 and the second clamping portion 1202.

[0044] When the distance between the opposing circumferential end faces of the first clamping part 1201 and the second clamping part 1202 is greater than the outer diameter of the connecting ball head 131, the connecting ball head 131 is allowed to be inserted into or withdrawn from the gap between the first clamping part 1201 and the second clamping part 1202, thereby assembling or separating the connecting ball head 131 from the ball head seat 120; when the distance between the opposing inner top faces of the first clamping part 1201 and the second clamping part 1202 is adjusted to be less than or equal to the outer diameter of the connecting ball head 131, the ball head seat 120 can clamp and fix the connecting ball head 131 through the first clamping part 1201 and the second clamping part 1202, thereby limiting the angle of the connecting member 13 relative to the support member 12.

[0045] The bracket assembly 10 also includes a locking member 15, which is used to adjust the distance between the first clamping part 1201 and the second clamping part 1202 so that the ball head seat 120 clamps or loosens the connecting ball head 131. The structure is simple and easy to use. While reducing costs, it can realize the rapid alignment adjustment of the air-coupled acoustic emission sensor 214, and improve the efficiency of the position adjustment of the air-coupled acoustic emission sensor 214 in the early stage of detection.

[0046] Please see Figure 3 In some embodiments, the support member 12 is provided with a fixed support arm 121 and a movable support arm 122 disposed opposite to the fixed support arm 121. The fixed support arm 121 is integrally connected to the main body of the support member 12, and the movable support arm 122 is slidably connected to the main body of the support member 12 and can be relatively close to or away from the fixed support arm 121.

[0047] A ball joint seat 120 is mounted on the support member 12, and a connecting ball joint 131 is mounted on one end of the connecting member 13. A first clamping part 1201 is mounted on the fixed support arm 121, and a second clamping part 1202 is mounted on the movable support arm 122. A locking member 15 is threadedly connected between the fixed support arm 121 and the movable support arm 122. An adjustment groove 123 (e.g., circumferentially formed around the ball joint seat 120) is formed between the opposing circumferential end faces of the first clamping part 1201 and the second clamping part 1202. Figure 1 As shown in the figure, under the constraint of the adjustment groove 123, the connector 13 can be angled on the plane passing through the adjustment groove 123, and can also rotate around its own axis to adjust the axis deflection angle of the frame 14.

[0048] During installation, the adjustment slot 123 can be aligned with the wind turbine blade being monitored. By adjusting the axial angle of the connector 13 relative to the support 12, the sensor assembly 20 movably connected to the frame 14 can be moved closer to or further away from the wind turbine blade being monitored, and the height of the air-coupled acoustic emission sensor 214 relative to the wind turbine blade being monitored can be adjusted. At the same time, the orientation of the air-coupled acoustic emission sensor 214 on the sensor assembly 20 can be adjusted by driving the connector 13 to rotate around its own axis, so that the air-coupled acoustic emission sensor 214 can accurately correspond to the damage source of the wind turbine blade being monitored.

[0049] During adjustment, the locking element 15 can be loosened, causing the movable support arm 122 to move the second clamping part 1202 away from the fixed support arm 121 and the first clamping part 1201. This loosens the ball head seat 120 from connecting to the ball head 131, allowing the operator to adjust the connector 13 along the adjustment groove 123 to a suitable angle and rotate the connector 13 around its own axis to a suitable angle. This adjusts the air-coupled acoustic emission sensor 214 on the frame 14 to accurately correspond to the damage source of the monitored wind turbine blade. Then, the locking element 15 is tightened, causing the movable support arm 122 to move the second clamping part 1202 closer to the fixed support arm 121 and the first clamping part 1201. This clamps and fixes the ball head seat 120 to the ball head 131, completing the angle adjustment of the connector 13.

[0050] Please see Figures 2-3 In some embodiments, the frame 14 can be configured as a relatively flat annular structure, and the connector 13 can be configured as a cylindrical structure. One end of the connector 13 is angularly and adjustablely connected to the ball head seat 120 on the support member 12 via a connecting ball head 131; the other end of the connector 13 is fixedly connected to the frame 14 via a fixing part 132. The axis of the connector 13 is perpendicular to the axis of the frame 14, that is, the connector 13 is radially connected to the frame 14. In this way, when the connector 13 rotates around its own axis, the orientation of the axis of the frame 14 can be precisely controlled, thereby precisely adjusting the orientation of the air-coupled acoustic emission sensor 214 on the frame 14.

[0051] One end of the fixing part 132 is vertically connected to the connector 13, and the other end of the fixing part 132 is provided with two clamping arms 1321 (e.g. Figure 3 As shown in the figure, the side of the frame body 14 is at least partially fixedly connected between the two clamping arms 1321.

[0052] Please see Figures 1-2In some embodiments, the elastic connection assembly 30 includes a first elastic support cable 31 and a second elastic support cable 32. The first elastic support cable 31 has a ring structure and corresponding elasticity. The first elastic support cable 31 connects the first axial end of the frame body 14 and the first axial end of the sensor assembly 20 through multiple interlaced points in the circumferential direction. The second elastic support cable 32 has a ring structure and corresponding elasticity. The second elastic support cable 32 connects the second axial end of the frame body 14 and the second axial end of the sensor assembly 20 through multiple interlaced points in the circumferential direction.

[0053] At least one first elastic support cable 31 and one second elastic support cable 32 are provided. The first elastic support cable 31 and the second elastic support cable 32 can be identical, having the same circumferential length and elasticity. When the frame body 14 is placed horizontally, the axis of the frame body 14 is along the vertical direction. In this state, the first axial end of the frame body 14 and the first axial end of the sensor assembly 20 are both taken as the upper end, and the second axial end of the frame body 14 and the second axial end of the sensor assembly 20 are both taken as the lower end.

[0054] After the sensor assembly 20 is elastically connected to the frame 14 via the first elastic support cable 31 and the second elastic support cable 32, when the upper and lower sets of elastic support cables reach a state of force balance, they automatically adjust the sensor assembly 20 to be coaxial with the frame 14, making it easy to visually confirm the orientation of the air-coupled acoustic emission sensor 214. Furthermore, the elastic connection of the sensor assembly 20 to the frame 14 via the upper and lower sets of elastic support cables further enhances the stability and anti-interference capability of the sensor assembly 20.

[0055] Please see Figures 4-5 In some embodiments, the sensor assembly 20 further includes a sensor body 21, an elastic clamping member 22, and an opening / closing control member 23. The sensor body 21 houses an air-coupled acoustic emission sensor 214, serving as a physical protective barrier for the internal components of the sensor. This barrier accommodates and protects the air-coupled acoustic emission sensor 214, preventing external impurities such as dust and moisture from entering its interior and thus protecting the internal components. Correspondingly, the bottom end face of the sensor body 21 facing the monitored wind turbine blade is provided with a signal acquisition hole 2121 (e.g., ...) for the acoustic emission signal to enter. Figure 5 As shown in the figure, the signal acquisition hole 2121 is aligned with the sensing part of the air-coupled acoustic emission sensor 214 so that the incoming acoustic emission signal can be directly acquired by the air-coupled acoustic emission sensor 214.

[0056] Please see Figures 4-5The elastic clamping member 22 is an elastic clamping component, which can be configured as a tubular clamp-like structure with an opening on one side. The elastic clamping member 22 is configured to elastically clamp the sensor body 21. The opening and closing control member 23 is connected to the elastic clamping member 22 and is used to control the opening and closing of the elastic clamping member 22.

[0057] The first elastic support cable 31 connects the first axial end of the frame body 14 and the first axial end of the elastic clamping member 22 through multiple intersecting points in the circumferential direction; the second elastic support cable 32 connects the second axial end of the frame body 14 and the second axial end of the elastic clamping member 22 through multiple intersecting points in the circumferential direction.

[0058] The monitoring device of this application clamps the sensor body 21 with the elastic clamp 22, which ensures the stable working position of the air-coupled acoustic emission sensor 214. The opening and closing of the elastic clamp 22 can be controlled by the operation of the opening and closing control component 23, which realizes the quick disassembly and assembly of the sensor body 21 on the frame 14. Therefore, it is not necessary to disassemble and assemble the elastic support cable and the elastic clamp 22, which greatly improves the convenience of disassembly and assembly of the sensor body 21 and improves the efficiency of the monitoring device layout.

[0059] In this embodiment, the opening / closing control element 23 and the elastic clamping element 22 are configured as a dovetail clamp-like structure. The elastic clamping element 22 can be made of steel plate wound into a tubular clamp-like structure with one side open. The opening / closing control elements 23 are arranged in pairs and can be made of steel wire wound into tails of a certain length. One end of the tail is connected to the open side of the tubular clamp-like structure elastic clamping element 22, and the other end of the tail can be flipped to the side away from the open side of the elastic clamping element 22. When it is necessary to install the sensor body 21, the operator only needs to pinch the two tails to control the opening of the tubular clamp-like structure elastic clamping element 22, place the sensor body 21 in the designated position in the elastic clamping element 22, and after releasing the two tails, the tubular clamp-like structure elastic clamping element 22 automatically clamps the sensor body 21 under its own elastic force. The upper and lower sets of elastic support cables further stabilize the position of the sensor body 21. Similarly, when disassembling the sensor body 21, the operator only needs to pinch the two tail handles to control the opening of the elastic clamping part 22 of the tube clamp structure, thereby removing the sensor body 21. The operation is simple and convenient, which greatly facilitates the installation, maintenance and replacement of the sensor body 21.

[0060] Please see Figure 2 , Figures 4-5In some embodiments, the sensor assembly 20 further includes a plurality of hooks 24, which are fixedly connected to the elastic clamp 22, and all the hooks 24 are evenly distributed around the axis of the sensor assembly 20. Each hook 24 has a first axial first end (taking the upper end as an example) with a first hook portion 241 and a second axial second end (taking the lower end as an example) with a second hook portion 242.

[0061] Please see Figures 2-3 Correspondingly, the bracket assembly 10 also includes a plurality of hook members 16, which are fixedly connected to the frame body 14, and all the hook members 16 are evenly distributed around the axis of the frame body 14. Each hook member 16 has a first hook portion 161 at its first axial end (taking the upper end as an example) and a second hook portion 162 at its second axial end (taking the lower end as an example).

[0062] The hook-and-mount members 24 are spaced apart on the inner side of the hook-and-mount members 16. The first hook-and-mount members 241 and the first hook-and-mount members 161 are staggered at equal intervals in the axial direction, and the second hook-and-mount members 242 and the second hook-and-mount members 162 are staggered at equal intervals in the axial direction. The first elastic support cable 31 connects the first hook-and-mount members 241 and the first hook-and-mount members 161 through multiple points in the circumferential direction, and the second elastic support cable 32 connects the second hook-and-mount members 242 and the second hook-and-mount members 162 through multiple points in the circumferential direction.

[0063] The monitoring device of this application connects the first elastic support cable 31 via the first hook part 241 on the hook 24 and the first hook part 161 on the hook 16, and connects the second elastic support cable 32 via the second hook part 242 on the hook 24 and the second hook part 162 on the hook 16. This elastically connects the sensor assembly 20 to the frame 14, ensuring that the sensor assembly 20 is on the same axis as the frame 14 when in a state of force equilibrium. During external vibrations, the sensor assembly 20 can float relative to the frame 14 under the elastic pull of the upper and lower sets of elastic support cables, maintaining the initial monitoring position of the air-coupled acoustic emission sensor 214. This minimizes the impact of external vibrations on the detection results and ensures the reliability of the detection.

[0064] In actual manufacturing, the hanger 24 can be made of a long strip of steel plate, with its upper and lower ends bent to form a first hanger 241 and a second hanger 242 arranged opposite to each other. The hanger 24 can be vertically welded and fixed to the outer wall of the elastic clamp 22, with all the first hangers 241 flush with the upper end of the sensor assembly 20 and all the second hangers 242 flush with the lower end of the sensor assembly 20.

[0065] The hook member 16 can also be made of a long strip of steel plate, with its upper and lower ends bent to form a first hook part 161 and a second hook part 162 arranged opposite to each other. The length of the hook member 16 can be set to be greater than the axial height of the frame body 14. The hook member 16 can be vertically welded and fixed to the inner wall of the frame body 14. All the first hook parts 161 extend outward to the upper end of the frame body 14 by the same length, and all the second hook parts 162 extend outward to the lower end of the frame body 14 by the same length. The vertical distance between the first hook parts 161 and the second hook parts 162 and the frame body 14 is the same.

[0066] That is, all the hangers 24 are identical in structure and size, and all the hangers 24 are fixedly connected to the elastic clamps 22 at the same height; all the hooks 16 are identical in structure and size, and all the hooks 16 are fixedly connected to the frame 14 at the same height. In this way, when the sensor assembly 20 is connected to the frame 14 by the upper and lower sets of elastic support cables, the stability of the sensor assembly 20 when it reaches a state of force balance is better, and it can ensure that the axis of the sensor assembly 20 coincides with the axis of the frame 14.

[0067] Please see Figure 1 , Figures 4-5 In some embodiments, the sensor assembly 20 further includes a flexible pad 25. The flexible pad 25 is a flexible structure with a certain elastic deformation and recovery capability. The flexible pad 25 is clamped between the elastic clamp 22 and the sensor body 21. On the one hand, it can play a shock-absorbing role, further reducing the impact of external vibration on the sensor assembly 20. On the other hand, the flexible pad 25 can also increase the friction between the elastic clamp 22 and the sensor body 21, improve the reliability and stability of the elastic clamp 22 in fixing the sensor body 21, and prevent the sensor body 21 from shifting relative to the elastic clamp 22 during use.

[0068] The flexible pad 25 can be made of flexible materials such as rubber, silicone, or foam, and can be fixedly bonded to the inner wall of the elastic clamp 22.

[0069] Please see Figure 5In some embodiments, the air-coupled acoustic emission sensor 214 is a MEMS air-coupled acoustic emission sensor. MEMS is an abbreviation for Micro-Electro-Mechanical System, an industrial technology that integrates microelectronic circuit technology and micromechanical systems. Its operating range is typically within the micrometer scale. The MEMS air-coupled acoustic emission sensor is a miniature acoustic emission sensor manufactured using MEMS technology. The structure of the MEMS air-coupled acoustic emission sensor mainly consists of a substrate 2141, a MEMS chip 2142 integrated on the substrate 2141 (used to sense signals, i.e., a sensitive element), and an ASIC chip 2143 (used to process signals, i.e., a conversion and transformation element). The MEMS chip 2142 is responsible for sensing signals and converting the measured quantity into changes in signals such as resistance and capacitance; the ASIC chip 2143 is responsible for converting capacitance, resistance, and other signals into electrical signals, which involves signal conversion and amplification functions.

[0070] The MEMS air-coupled acoustic emission sensor is the core detection component of the monitoring device in this application. Its frequency range is 1kHz-30kHz, which takes into account both low-frequency and high-frequency signals. It has a wide frequency response range and can effectively detect various acoustic emission signals from low frequency to high frequency. It is suitable for detecting a variety of different types of acoustic emission sources.

[0071] By employing microelectromechanical processing technology, the size and structure of the sensitive element in the MEMS air-coupled acoustic emission sensor can be precisely controlled, making it more sensitive to weak acoustic emission signals. It can detect minute signal changes that are difficult to detect by traditional acoustic emission sensors, and can sensitively capture acoustic emission signals generated by wind turbine blade damage, enabling high-sensitivity blade damage monitoring. This significantly improves the detection sensitivity and accuracy of the monitoring device in this application, realizing the monitoring of the expansion of minute damage to wind turbine blades and early warning of major damage.

[0072] Meanwhile, the application of MEMS technology makes MEMS air-coupled acoustic emission sensors smaller and lighter, making them easier to install and integrate into various complex systems. They are especially suitable for applications with high space requirements. The monitoring device of this application innovatively applies MEMS air-coupled acoustic emission sensors to the field of online monitoring of wind turbine blade damage. The sensor assembly 20 has higher integration, detection accuracy, and response range than traditional acoustic emission sensors, and significantly reduces the overall size and space occupation of the sensor assembly 20.

[0073] Moreover, the application of MEMS technology also enables MEMS air-coupled acoustic emission sensors to have lower power consumption. Compared with traditional acoustic emission sensors, MEMS air-coupled acoustic emission sensors have relatively lower power consumption, which is very important for monitoring systems that need to operate for a long time or rely on battery power, effectively extending the service life of the monitoring device and reducing maintenance costs.

[0074] In addition, the MEMS air-coupled acoustic emission sensor uses air as the coupling medium, eliminating the need for traditional coupling agents (such as petroleum jelly, grease, etc.), thus avoiding contamination of the wind turbine blade surface by the coupling agent. It also eliminates the need for complex pretreatment of the wind turbine blade surface, making installation and use more convenient and quick. It is especially suitable for online monitoring of wind turbine blades with high temperature, high speed rotation or rough surface.

[0075] Traditional acoustic emission sensors have limitations in detection sensitivity, frequency response range, size, and power consumption, making it difficult to simultaneously achieve high sensitivity and wideband response. Furthermore, their large size and high power consumption limit their application in online monitoring of wind turbine blade damage. This application innovatively applies a MEMS air-coupled acoustic emission sensor to online monitoring of wind turbine blade damage, offering advantages such as high sensitivity, wideband response, miniaturization, integration, and low power consumption. Its performance in online monitoring of wind turbine blade damage is particularly outstanding in detecting minute blade defects and analyzing high-frequency signals, demonstrating significant effectiveness.

[0076] In some embodiments, a MEMS air-coupled acoustic emission sensor includes a sensing element, a signal conversion element, and a supporting circuit. The sensing element is configured to sense an acoustic emission signal and convert the acoustic emission signal into a physical change signal of capacitance, resistance, or voltage. The signal conversion element works in conjunction with the sensing element to convert the physical change signal into an electrical signal. The supporting circuit is electrically connected to the signal conversion element and is used to amplify, filter, and digitize the converted electrical signal.

[0077] The working principle of MEMS air-coupled acoustic emission sensors is common knowledge in the field, and this application will not provide further explanation or description. MEMS air-coupled acoustic emission sensors can be commercially available models or independently developed and designed for online monitoring of wind turbine blade damage; this application does not limit this.

[0078] In some embodiments, the monitoring device further includes a host computer (not shown in the figure), which is connected via cable 215 (e.g. Figure 5 The MEMS air-coupled acoustic emission sensor (as shown in the diagram) is electrically connected to the MEMS air-coupled acoustic emission sensor. The host computer is used to control the operation of the MEMS air-coupled acoustic emission sensor, receive and process the monitoring signals acquired by the MEMS air-coupled acoustic emission sensor, and generate and save the monitoring result data of the monitored wind turbine blades.

[0079] The host computer can be a terminal device such as a computer or industrial control computer, and a screen can be set to display real-time detection results data. When abnormal data is detected, it can be specially displayed on the screen or an abnormal alarm can be sent to the operator, so that the operator can promptly grasp the abnormality of the wind turbine blades and intervene in time to avoid accidents.

[0080] Please see Figure 5 In some embodiments, the sensor body 21 further includes a main shell 211, a base mounting plate 212, and a top cover seal 213. The main shell 211 is a hollow cylindrical structure used to provide space for housing the MEMS air-coupled acoustic emission sensor. The base mounting plate 212 is fixedly connected to and closes the bottom opening of the main shell 211. A signal acquisition hole 2121 is provided through the base mounting plate 212. The MEMS air-coupled acoustic emission sensor is fixed on the base mounting plate 212, and the sensitive element of the MEMS air-coupled acoustic emission sensor corresponds to the signal acquisition hole 2121. The top cover seal 213 is fixedly connected to and closes the top opening of the main shell 211. The top cover seal 213 has a through hole 2131 for a cable 215 to pass through. One end of the cable 215 is electrically connected to the host computer, and the other end extends into the sensor body 21 through the through hole 2131 and is electrically connected to the MEMS air-coupled acoustic emission sensor.

[0081] The sensor body 21 of the monitoring device of this application has a simple structure and is easy to assemble and disassemble. The main body shell 211 forms a physical protective barrier for the internal MEMS air-coupled acoustic emission sensor, accommodating and protecting the internal components such as the sensitive element, signal conversion element, and supporting circuit of the MEMS air-coupled acoustic emission sensor. The upper opening of the main body shell 211 is sealed by the upper cover seal 213 to prevent external impurities such as dust and moisture from entering the sensor body and to protect the internal components of the MEMS air-coupled acoustic emission sensor. The sensitive element, signal conversion element, supporting circuit and other internal components of the MEMS acoustic emission sensor are fixed by the base fixing plate 212 to ensure the stable position of the MEMS acoustic emission sensor inside the sensor body.

[0082] The above description is merely an embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made based on the content of the present invention specification, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An online monitoring device for wind turbine blade damage, characterized in that, include: The support assembly (10) includes a hollow structural frame (14) that is position-adjustable. The sensor assembly (20) is elastically connected to the frame (14) via an elastic connection assembly (30), the elastic connection assembly (30) being configured to allow the sensor assembly (20) to float relative to the frame (14); The sensor assembly (20) includes an air-coupled acoustic emission sensor (214) that uses air as the coupling medium. The frame (14) is configured to adjust the air-coupled acoustic emission sensor (214) to the corresponding wind turbine blade being monitored by position adjustment. The air-coupled acoustic emission sensor (214) is used to perform acoustic detection on the wind turbine blade. The support assembly (10) includes: Base body (11); Support member (12) is vertically connected to the base (11); A connector (13), one end of which is angularly adjustable to the support (12), and / or the other end of which is angularly adjustable to the frame (14). One end of the connector (13) is connected to the support (12) through a ball head seat (120) and a connecting ball head (131) that cooperate with each other; And / or, the other end of the connector (13) is connected to the frame body (14) by a mating ball head seat (120) and a connecting ball head (131); The resilient connection component (30) includes: The first elastic support cable (31) is a ring structure, which connects the first axial end of the frame body (14) and the first axial end of the sensor assembly (20) through multiple points in the circumferential direction. The second elastic support cable (32) is a ring structure, which connects the second axial end of the frame body (14) and the second axial end of the sensor assembly (20) through multiple points in the circumferential direction. The sensor assembly (20) also includes: The sensor body (21) has the air-coupled acoustic emission sensor (214) inside. Elastic clamping member (22) elastically clamps the sensor body (21); An opening and closing control element (23) is connected to the elastic clamping element (22) and is used to control the opening and closing of the elastic clamping element (22); The first elastic support cable (31) is connected to the first axial end of the frame body (14) and the first axial end of the elastic clamping member (22) through multiple intersecting points in the circumferential direction; the second elastic support cable (32) is connected to the second axial end of the frame body (14) and the second axial end of the elastic clamping member (22) through multiple intersecting points in the circumferential direction. The sensor assembly (20) also includes: The hanger (24) is fixedly connected to the elastic clamp (22) and is evenly distributed around the axis of the sensor assembly (20); each hanger (24) has a first hanger (241) at its first axial end and a second hanger (242) at its second axial end. And / or, the support assembly (10) further includes: Hook-and-loop fasteners (16) are fixedly connected to the frame body (14) and are evenly distributed around the axis of the frame body (14); each hook-and-loop fastener (16) has a first hook-and-loop portion (161) at its first axial end and a second hook-and-loop portion (162) at its second axial end. The first elastic support cable (31) is connected to the first hook part (241) and the first hook part (161) through multiple points in the circumferential direction, and the second elastic support cable (32) is connected to the second hook part (242) and the second hook part (162) through multiple points in the circumferential direction.

2. The online monitoring device for wind turbine blade damage according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ball head (120) includes: A first clamping part (1201) and a second clamping part (1202) are arranged opposite to each other and configured to move closer or further apart; the connecting ball head (131) is clamped between the first clamping part (1201) and the second clamping part (1202); The bracket assembly (10) further includes a locking member (15) for adjusting the distance between the first clamping part (1201) and the second clamping part (1202) so that the ball head seat (120) clamps or releases the connecting ball head (131).

3. The online monitoring device for wind turbine blade damage according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor assembly (20) also includes: A flexible pad (25) is clamped between the elastic clamp (22) and the sensor body (21).

4. The online monitoring device for wind turbine blade damage according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air-coupled acoustic emission sensor (214) is a MEMS air-coupled acoustic emission sensor.

5. The online monitoring device for wind turbine blade damage according to claim 4, characterized in that, The MEMS air-coupled acoustic emission sensor includes: A sensitive element configured to sense an acoustic emission signal and convert the acoustic emission signal into a physical change signal of capacitance, resistance, or voltage; A signal conversion element, in conjunction with the sensitive element, is used to convert the physical change signal into an electrical signal; The accompanying circuit is electrically connected to the signal conversion element and is used to amplify, filter, and digitize the converted electrical signal.

6. The online monitoring device for wind turbine blade damage according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, Also includes: The host computer is electrically connected to the air-coupled acoustic emission sensor (214) via cable (215) and is used to control the operation of the air-coupled acoustic emission sensor (214), receive and process the monitoring signals acquired by the air-coupled acoustic emission sensor (214), and generate and save the monitoring result data of the monitored wind turbine blades.

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