Wind power tower footing settlement remote monitoring device with high safety

Abstract

The invention provides a high-safety wind power tower footing settlement remote monitoring device, and relates to the technical field of settlement monitoring, the high-safety wind power tower footing settlement remote monitoring device comprises an outer ring, an inner ring and a remote control cabinet, the inner sides of the outer ring and the inner ring are both provided with mounting cavities, the upper end of the outer ring is connected with an external wind power tower footing through a connecting assembly, and the inner sides of the mounting cavities are both provided with assembling rings; the cross section of the assembly ring is in a U shape, a plurality of groups of sensor boxes are uniformly arranged on the assembly ring, monitoring sensors are arranged in the plurality of groups of sensor boxes, the monitoring sensors are electrically connected with a remote control cabinet, and the monitoring sensors comprise displacement sensors, optical fiber sensors, acceleration sensors and inclination sensors; a plurality of groups of supporting plates are uniformly mounted at the lower end of the inner ring; through the combined design of the inner ring and the outer ring, even if one part breaks down or data are interfered, the other part can still provide important information, the fault tolerance and reliability of the monitoring device are improved, and then the safety performance is enhanced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of settlement monitoring technology, and in particular to a highly secure remote monitoring device for wind turbine tower foundation settlement. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing global demand for renewable energy, wind power, as a green and clean energy source, has been widely adopted. Wind power converts wind energy into electricity, offering advantages in sustainability and low carbon emissions. Especially in coastal, mountainous, and other areas rich in wind resources, wind power has become an important source of electricity. A wind power system typically consists of wind turbines, towers, generators, and control systems, with the wind turbine tower playing a crucial role in supporting the wind turbine.

[0003] The wind turbine tower base is the core component supporting the wind turbine tower. Its main function is to bear and transmit various loads generated during the operation of the wind turbine. Therefore, the stability of the wind turbine tower base is directly related to the safe operation of the wind turbine. Thus, monitoring the tower base, especially settlement monitoring, is particularly important.

[0004] Currently, settlement monitoring of wind turbine tower foundations mainly employs technologies such as ground observation, GPS monitoring, tiltmeters, and strain gauges. While these technologies can provide some monitoring data, they still have several drawbacks. First, traditional ground observation methods cannot provide real-time monitoring and are significantly affected by environmental factors, resulting in substantial errors and time lags, thus reducing overall safety. Second, although GPS monitoring systems can provide accurate positioning data, they require complex equipment and are greatly affected by weather conditions, with potential signal interruptions. Therefore, this invention proposes a highly secure remote monitoring device for wind turbine tower foundation settlement to address the problems existing in the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems, the present invention aims to provide a highly secure remote monitoring device for wind turbine tower foundation settlement. This highly secure remote monitoring device for wind turbine tower foundation settlement has the advantage of high safety and can solve the problems existing in the prior art.

[0006] To achieve the objectives of this invention, the following technical solution is provided: A high-safety remote monitoring device for wind turbine tower foundation settlement, comprising an outer ring, an inner ring, and a remote control cabinet. Both the outer and inner rings have mounting cavities on their inner sides. The upper end of the outer ring is connected to an external wind turbine tower foundation via a connecting assembly. Assembly rings are installed on the inner sides of each mounting cavity. The cross-section of each assembly ring is U-shaped. Sensor boxes are installed on the assembly rings, and several groups of sensor boxes are evenly arranged. Monitoring sensors are installed within each group of sensor boxes. The monitoring sensors are electrically connected to the remote control cabinet. The monitoring sensors include displacement sensors, fiber optic sensors, acceleration sensors, and tilt sensors. A support plate is installed at the lower end of the inner ring, and several groups of support plates are evenly arranged.

[0007] A further improvement is that the remote control cabinet includes a cabinet body, a mesh partition is installed on the inner side of the cabinet body, a battery pack is provided below the mesh partition, and the battery pack is connected to the cabinet body through a bracket, and a control host is installed above the mesh partition.

[0008] A further improvement is that the connecting component includes a fixing ring, which is fixedly connected to the external wind turbine tower base, and a steel bracket is installed on the fixing ring. Several groups of steel brackets are evenly arranged, and each steel bracket is fixedly connected to the outer ring.

[0009] A further improvement is that: the fixing ring is provided with a slot, the outer ring is provided with a protective cover above it, the upper end of the protective cover is inserted into the slot, and a protective curtain is installed at the lower end of the protective cover.

[0010] A further improvement is that the assembly ring has several sets of through holes, and two sets of symmetrically arranged limiting plates are installed on one side of the sensor box. The two sets of limiting plates fit into the assembly ring and are connected to the assembly ring by bolts.

[0011] A further improvement is that a mesh elastic rubber strip is installed on the mounting cavity. The mesh elastic rubber strip is designed in a ring shape. The inner side of the mounting cavity is provided with a wire harness, and the wire harness is evenly arranged in several groups.

[0012] A further improvement is that one end of the support plate extends to the bottom of the outer ring, and a button alarm is installed on the support plate, with the sensing end of the button alarm located directly below the outer ring.

[0013] A further improvement is that a photovoltaic panel is installed on the top of the cabinet via a bracket, the photovoltaic panel is connected to the battery pack via a charging controller, and a conduit is installed at the bottom of the cabinet.

[0014] The beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0015] (1) This device integrates multiple sensors, enabling comprehensive monitoring of changes in wind turbine tower foundations from multiple dimensions (displacement, vibration, strain, tilt). This multi-sensor combination effectively improves the accuracy of monitoring results and avoids errors and deviations that may occur with a single sensor in complex environments. Through the synergistic effect of different sensors, the system can accurately determine various changes such as tower foundation settlement, vibration, and tilt, resulting in higher reliability and safety.

[0016] (2) This invention maintains a real-time data connection with a remote control platform through wireless communication technology, enabling remote monitoring of the settlement of wind turbine tower foundations at any time. Compared with traditional ground observation and GPS monitoring, this device can receive and analyze sensor data in real time, and quickly respond to any abnormal settlement or structural changes, greatly improving the real-time performance and response speed of monitoring.

[0017] (3) This invention monitors the settlement, displacement, and tilt of the tower foundation in real time through the outer ring, and monitors ground settlement and soil deformation around the tower foundation through the inner ring. This allows for the simultaneous acquisition of data on both the tower foundation and the surrounding environment. By analyzing changes in the tower foundation and the ground, changes caused by environmental factors such as tower foundation settlement, wind and sand, and vibration can be more accurately distinguished, thereby improving the accuracy of the monitoring results. Furthermore, the combined design of the inner and outer rings ensures that even if one part malfunctions or its data is interfered with, the other part can still provide important information, improving the fault tolerance and reliability of the monitoring device and thus enhancing its safety performance. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a front view structural diagram of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of point A in the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the remote control cabinet structure of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a top view of the fixing ring of the present invention after installation.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a top view of half of the outer ring of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the formal structure of the sensor box of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 7 This is a top view schematic diagram of the outer and inner ring distribution of the present invention.

[0025] The components include: 1. Outer ring; 2. Inner ring; 3. Remote control cabinet; 4. Mounting cavity; 5. External wind turbine tower base; 6. Assembly ring; 7. Sensor box; 8. Support plate; 9. Mesh partition; 10. Battery pack; 11. Control host; 12. Fixing ring; 13. Steel bracket; 14. Slot; 15. Protective cover; 16. Protective curtain; 17. Through hole; 18. Limiting plate; 19. Mesh elastic rubber strip; 20. Cable tie; 21. Button alarm; 22. Photovoltaic power generation panel; 23. Conduit. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To enhance understanding of the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to embodiments. These embodiments are only used to explain the present invention and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0027] Settlement of wind turbine tower foundations refers to the sinking or tilting of the tower foundation due to its own weight, soil deformation, uneven foundation settlement, and other factors. Settlement not only affects the overall stability of the tower foundation but can also lead to abnormal operation of the wind turbine generator and even structural damage. It also affects the verticality of the wind turbine generator, increases its load, thus impacting power generation efficiency and potentially causing safety accidents. Therefore, monitoring and early warning of wind turbine tower foundation settlement is crucial for ensuring the safe and stable operation of wind power generation systems.

[0028] Settlement monitoring of wind turbine tower foundations primarily employs technologies such as ground observation, GPS monitoring, tiltmeters, and strain gauges. While these technologies provide some monitoring data, they also have several drawbacks. First, traditional ground observation methods cannot provide real-time monitoring and are significantly affected by environmental factors, resulting in substantial errors and time lags. Second, while GPS monitoring systems can provide accurate positioning data, they require complex equipment and are greatly affected by weather conditions, with potential signal interruptions. Third, although sensors such as tiltmeters and strain gauges can monitor changes in the tower foundation, their deployment and maintenance costs are high, and they are easily affected by external environmental factors (such as wind, sand, rain, and temperature changes), leading to measurement errors.

[0029] Therefore, existing monitoring devices generally lack the ability to remotely control and analyze data in real time, and cannot respond to abnormal situations in a timely manner. This may lead to the delayed detection of problems such as wind turbine tower foundation settlement, thereby affecting the normal operation and safety of wind turbine units.

[0030] according to Figures 1-7As shown in the figure, this embodiment proposes a high-safety remote monitoring device for wind turbine tower foundation settlement, including an outer ring 1, an inner ring 2, and a remote control cabinet 3. In this device, the remote control cabinet 3 is deployed at a certain distance away from the external wind turbine tower foundation 5, and is controlled independently. Its function is to collect data from monitoring sensors, process and analyze the data, and thus determine whether settlement has occurred. Specifically, the remote control cabinet 3 includes a cabinet body with a protective door. A mesh partition 9 is installed on the inner side of the cabinet body. A battery pack 10 is located below the mesh partition 9 and is connected to the cabinet body via a bracket. A control host 11 is installed above the mesh partition 9. Electric fans are also installed at both ends of the cabinet body for heat dissipation. Correspondingly, the control host 11 is a microcomputer with wireless data transmission capabilities, maintaining a real-time data connection with the remote monitoring platform through communication technologies such as LoRa and NB-IoT. When the remote control cabinet receives data from the monitoring sensors, it performs real-time analysis and processing of the data to determine whether abnormal settlement or structural changes have occurred. If a change exceeding a preset threshold is detected, the system will immediately trigger an alarm and notify maintenance personnel to conduct an inspection.

[0031] Furthermore, a photovoltaic panel 22 is mounted on the top of the cabinet via a bracket. The photovoltaic panel 22 is connected to the battery pack 10 through a charging controller, utilizing solar energy to provide supplemental power to the battery pack. This ensures that the system can still operate stably for a long time without external power supply, reducing dependence on external power. Correspondingly, a conduit 23 is installed at the bottom of the cabinet to facilitate cable routing.

[0032] Both the outer ring 1 and the inner ring 2 have mounting cavities 4 on their inner sides. The upper end of the outer ring 1 is connected to the external wind turbine tower base 5 via a connecting assembly. In this embodiment, the mounting cavities 4 in the outer ring 1 and the inner ring 2 are arranged opposite each other, so the cross-sections of both the outer ring 1 and the inner ring 2 are U-shaped. Furthermore, the connecting assembly includes a fixing ring 12, which is fixedly connected to the external wind turbine tower base 5. A steel bracket 13 is mounted on the fixing ring 12. Several sets of steel brackets 13 are evenly distributed, and each steel bracket 13 is fixedly connected to the outer ring 1. The steel bracket 13 can withstand the influence of the external environment (such as wind force, sandstorms, etc.) without interfering with the accurate measurement of the sensors on the outer ring 1. Thus, through the connecting assembly, the outer ring 1 and the external wind turbine tower base 5 form a whole, allowing it to move synchronously with changes in the settlement and tilt of the tower base. When the external wind turbine tower base 5 settles, the outer ring 1 will undergo displacement or other changes. These changes are monitored and data collected in real time by sensors installed on outer ring 1, enabling the system to determine whether settlement, tilting, or structural deformation has occurred in the wind turbine tower foundation. Furthermore, multiple sensors (displacement sensors, fiber optic sensors, accelerometers, etc.) can collectively provide multi-dimensional data support. In practical applications, through data algorithm analysis, the system can effectively separate the impact of environmental factors such as tower foundation settlement, wind and sand, and vibration on changes in the outer ring, further improving the accuracy and reliability of the monitoring results. Through precise data analysis, the system can accurately determine whether there are potential risks in the wind turbine tower foundation, issue timely warnings, and provide strong data support to help maintenance personnel make decisions.

[0033] Specifically, the simplified steps for data algorithm analysis are as follows:

[0034] The data collected by the monitoring sensors undergoes noise reduction, standardization, and time synchronization. Feature extraction is then performed, extracting features from the raw data that are helpful for settlement monitoring and assessment, such as displacement changes, acceleration and vibration analysis, and tilt angle changes. A weighted averaging method is then used, assigning different weights to different sensors and averaging the data based on their reliability and accuracy. This fusion of the monitoring sensor data is then applied. Finally, a threshold method is used, setting a predetermined settlement threshold. If the sensor data exceeds this threshold, abnormal settlement is considered to have occurred. Furthermore, this device has good scalability and can incorporate machine learning algorithms for data analysis; in this embodiment, a threshold method is used for judgment.

[0035] Assembly rings 6 are installed on the inner side of each mounting cavity 4. The cross-section of each assembly ring 6 is U-shaped. Sensor boxes 7 are mounted on the assembly rings 6, and several groups of sensor boxes 7 are evenly distributed. Each group of sensor boxes 7 contains a monitoring sensor, which is electrically connected to the remote control cabinet 3. The monitoring sensors include displacement sensors, fiber optic sensors, acceleration sensors, and tilt sensors. Each type of sensor is installed at a different position on the outer ring to ensure comprehensive monitoring of changes in settlement, displacement, vibration, and tilt of the wind turbine tower foundation. Furthermore, only one sensor is installed in each group of sensor boxes 7; the specific arrangement is determined based on actual usage. Wiring ports are provided on the sensor boxes 7.

[0036] Correspondingly, displacement sensors are used to measure the displacement of wind turbine tower foundations in real time and accurately record changes in tower foundation settlement or displacement; fiber optic sensors are used to monitor minute strains in the outer ring, especially when the tower foundation settles or deforms, fiber optic sensors can sense stress changes through fiber Bragg grating (FBG) technology; accelerometers are used to monitor vibrations and dynamic changes around the tower foundation, especially the impact of wind, earthquakes or other external forces on the structure; tilt sensors are used to detect the tilt angle of the tower foundation or outer ring, helping to assess changes in the verticality of the tower foundation and ensuring the structural stability of the tower foundation.

[0037] Therefore, the assembly ring 6 provides a stable mounting platform, allowing the sensor box 7 to be securely installed within the outer ring 1. This prevents the sensor from shifting or deviating due to external environmental interference (such as wind, temperature changes, etc.). All data is transmitted to the remote control cabinet 3 via electrical connection for real-time processing and analysis. In this embodiment, the sensor is powered by a built-in lithium battery.

[0038] The assembly ring 6 has through holes 17, and several sets of through holes 17 are evenly distributed. The through holes 17 are used for bolts to pass through. Two sets of symmetrically arranged limiting plates 18 are installed on one side of the sensor box 7. The two sets of limiting plates 18 fit against the assembly ring 6 and are connected to the assembly ring 6 by bolts, i.e. Figure 5 As shown, the use of a limiting plate 18 to fit the assembly ring 6 ensures that the sensor box 7 is in a horizontal position after installation, enabling the sensor to accurately measure and record changes such as tower foundation settlement and tilt. This avoids measurement errors caused by sensor box tilt and improves the accuracy of monitoring data. Furthermore, it facilitates the installation and removal of the sensor box 7, as the limiting plate 18 ensures that the sensor box 7 remains in a fixed position and is not prone to loosening or misalignment. This brings convenience for later maintenance, sensor replacement, or upgrades. Especially after long-term operation, when periodically inspecting or replacing sensors, it effectively reduces manual operation time and costs. It also facilitates the addition of more sensors, making the device highly scalable, allowing for the addition of more sensors and monitoring of more measurement points or data dimensions as needed.

[0039] A support plate 8 is installed at the lower end of the inner ring 2, and several sets of support plates 8 are evenly arranged. One end of the support plate 8 extends to the lower part of the outer ring 1, and a button alarm 21 is installed on the support plate 8. The sensing end of the button alarm 21 is located directly below the outer ring 1. When the tower foundation settles significantly, causing the outer ring 1 to tilt, it will collide with the sensing end of the button alarm 21 in the corresponding direction, triggering the button alarm 21. At this time, the button alarm 21 will emit an audible and visual alarm. In this device, the button alarm 21 is a physically triggered alarm, ensuring that it can quickly trigger an alarm when the tower foundation experiences severe settlement or structural deformation, reminding maintenance personnel to take emergency measures. Correspondingly, the button alarm 21 is independently set up, driven by a built-in lithium battery, and uses a collision (touch) sensing end to emit an alarm, which can directly respond to structural changes and trigger an alarm.

[0040] The fixed ring 12 has a slot 14, and a protective cover 15 is provided above the outer ring 1. The upper end of the protective cover 15 is inserted into the slot 14, and a protective curtain 16 is installed at the lower end of the protective cover 15. The protective cover 15 is set at an angle, which can effectively guide water flow, rainwater and other external environmental interferences away from the equipment. Figure 1 As shown, it protects the outer ring 1 and inner ring 2 inside to avoid external environmental interference such as wind and rain. When the device is installed, the lower end of its protective curtain 16 is in contact with the ground. The protective curtain 16 is elastically set, and several sets of ventilation holes are provided on the protective curtain 16 to maintain air circulation inside the equipment.

[0041] A mesh elastic strip 19 is installed on the mounting cavity 4. The mesh elastic strip 19 has an overall ring-shaped design. A cable tie 20 is provided on the inner side of the mounting cavity 4, and several groups of cable ties 20 are evenly arranged. The mesh elastic strip 19 is used to seal the mounting cavity 4 to provide protection, while the mesh design allows the mounting cavity 4 to be breathable, and the cable tie 20 facilitates cable routing.

[0042] In this device, the outer ring 1 is used to monitor the tower base, while the inner ring 2 is used to monitor the ground conditions around the tower base. Furthermore, in this device, the outer ring 1, inner ring 2, assembly ring 6, fixing ring 12, protective cover 15, and protective curtain 16 are all designed as separate units, each consisting of two parts.

[0043] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of the invention. Various changes and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from its framework and scope of application, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the present invention as claimed. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A high-safety remote monitoring device for wind turbine tower foundation settlement, comprising an outer ring (1), an inner ring (2), and a remote control cabinet (3), characterized in that: The inner sides of the outer ring (1) and the inner ring (2) are provided with mounting cavities (4), and the upper end of the outer ring (1) is connected to the external wind power tower base (5) through a connecting component. The inner side of the mounting cavity (4) is provided with an assembly ring (6). The cross section of the assembly ring (6) is U-shaped. The assembly ring (6) is provided with a sensor box (7), and several groups of sensor boxes (7) are evenly arranged. Several groups of sensor boxes (7) are provided with monitoring sensors. The monitoring sensors are electrically connected to the remote control cabinet (3). The monitoring sensors include displacement sensors, fiber optic sensors, acceleration sensors and tilt sensors. The lower end of the inner ring (2) is provided with a support plate (8), and several groups of support plates (8) are evenly arranged.

2. The remote monitoring device for wind turbine tower foundation settlement with high safety according to claim 1, characterized in that: The remote control cabinet (3) includes a cabinet body, a mesh partition (9) is installed on the inner side of the cabinet body, a battery pack (10) is provided below the mesh partition (9), and the battery pack (10) is connected to the cabinet body through a bracket, and a control host (11) is installed above the mesh partition (9).

3. The remote monitoring device for wind turbine tower foundation settlement with high safety according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting assembly includes a fixing ring (12), which is fixedly connected to the external wind turbine tower base (5), and a steel bracket (13) is installed on the fixing ring (12). Several sets of steel brackets (13) are evenly arranged, and each steel bracket (13) is fixedly connected to the outer ring (1).

4. The remote monitoring device for wind turbine tower foundation settlement with high safety according to claim 3, characterized in that: The fixing ring (12) is provided with a slot (14), and a protective cover (15) is provided above the outer ring (1). The upper end of the protective cover (15) is inserted into the slot (14), and a protective curtain (16) is installed at the lower end of the protective cover (15).

5. The remote monitoring device for wind turbine tower foundation settlement with high safety according to claim 1, characterized in that: The assembly ring (6) has several sets of through holes (17). Two sets of symmetrically arranged limiting plates (18) are installed on one side of the sensor box (7). The two sets of limiting plates (18) fit against the assembly ring (6) and are connected to the assembly ring (6) by bolts.

6. The remote monitoring device for wind turbine tower foundation settlement with high safety according to claim 1, characterized in that: A mesh elastic rubber strip (19) is installed on the mounting cavity (4). The mesh elastic rubber strip (19) is designed in a ring shape. A wire harness (20) is provided on the inner side of the mounting cavity (4). Several sets of the wire harness (20) are evenly arranged.

7. The remote monitoring device for wind turbine tower foundation settlement with high safety according to claim 1, characterized in that: One end of the support plate (8) extends to the bottom of the outer ring (1), and a button alarm (21) is installed on the support plate (8), with the sensing end of the button alarm (21) located directly below the outer ring (1).

8. A remote monitoring device for wind turbine tower foundation settlement with high safety according to claim 2, characterized in that: A photovoltaic power generation panel (22) is installed on the top of the cabinet via a bracket. The photovoltaic power generation panel (22) is connected to the battery pack (10) via a charging controller. A conduit (23) is installed at the bottom of the cabinet.

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