Lightning on-line monitoring system and method for wind driven generator
By using an online lightning monitoring system for wind turbines to monitor lightning current characteristics in real time, the high damage rate and high maintenance costs caused by lightning strikes on wind turbine blades have been solved. This system enables rapid fault location and predictive maintenance, reducing the risk of equipment damage and maintenance costs.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202411109562.X
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-08-13
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-13
AI Technical Summary
Wind turbine blades are highly susceptible to damage from lightning strikes, leading to unplanned downtime and high maintenance costs, especially for offshore wind turbines where maintenance is more complex and subject to weather conditions.
Design an online lightning monitoring system for wind turbines, including a data server, a communication transmission module, and multiple lightning monitoring units. The system uses surge protectors and sensors to monitor lightning current characteristic parameters in real time and transmits the data to the data server for analysis and alarm via a GPRS wireless transmission network.
It enables real-time monitoring of wind turbine blades and nacelle hubs, reducing downtime and maintenance costs, providing rapid fault location and predictive maintenance, and reducing the risk of equipment damage.
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Figure CN121520136A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention belongs to the field of online lightning monitoring technology, and particularly relates to an online lightning monitoring system and method for wind turbines. Background Technology
[0002] In recent years, the damage rate of wind turbine blades caused by lightning strikes has been extremely high, reaching 5.56 blades per 100 blades per year. In lightning strike accidents, control system damage accounts for 50%, electrical system damage for 25%, blade damage for 20%, and generator damage for 5%. After a wind turbine is struck by lightning, it may develop blade cracks, or even catch fire, causing a serious accident. In either case, it will lead to unplanned shutdown. For offshore wind turbines, maintenance after a lightning strike is even more complex, requiring specialized maintenance vessels and personnel; in the event of a major malfunction, large floating cranes may also be needed. Furthermore, maintenance work is also subject to weather conditions. Therefore, wind turbine failures caused by lightning strikes have a significant impact on power generation and repair costs.
[0003] Therefore, there is an urgent need to study an online lightning monitoring system for wind turbine generators. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The first objective of this invention is to provide an online lightning monitoring system for wind turbines.
[0005] Therefore, the above-mentioned objective of the present invention is achieved through the following technical solution:
[0006] A lightning online monitoring system for wind turbines includes: a data server, a communication transmission module, and multiple lightning monitoring units;
[0007] The lightning monitoring unit is connected to the data server via a communication transmission module.
[0008] The lightning monitoring unit includes a blade monitoring module, a nacelle hub monitoring module, and a surge protector monitoring module.
[0009] The blade monitoring module, the nacelle hub monitoring module, and the surge protector monitoring module are respectively equipped with lightning arresters and sensors;
[0010] The surge protector and sensors are installed in the blades, surge protectors, and nacelle hub to collect lightning current characteristic parameters when the wind turbine blades, surge protectors, and nacelle hub are struck by lightning, and transmit them to the lightning acquisition unit.
[0011] While adopting the above technical solutions, the present invention may also adopt or combine the following technical solutions:
[0012] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sensor includes a Rogowski coil, an integrator connected to the Rogowski coil, and an attenuator connected to the integrator.
[0013] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention: the lightning acquisition unit is used to analyze and calculate the data collected by the sensor, record the lightning strike time, lightning current amplitude, polarity, waveform and number of lightning strikes, and transmit the data to the data server.
[0014] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the communication transmission module is a GPRS wireless transmission network.
[0015] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention: the data server combines the data transmitted by the lightning monitoring unit to realize data display and issue alarm signals.
[0016] Another objective of this invention is to provide a method for online lightning monitoring of wind turbines.
[0017] Therefore, the above-mentioned objective of the present invention is achieved through the following technical solution:
[0018] A method for online lightning monitoring of a wind turbine, the method being based on the online lightning monitoring system for wind turbines as described above, and comprising the following steps:
[0019] S1. Real-time monitoring of the working status of surge protectors, wind turbine blades and nacelle hub in wind turbines by lightning arresters and sensors installed on blades, surge protectors and nacelle hubs.
[0020] S2. Once a wind turbine is struck by lightning, the sensors installed on the blades, surge protectors, and nacelle hub will detect the lightning strike and transmit the lightning strike signal to the lightning monitoring unit and data server.
[0021] S3. The data server processes and analyzes the transmitted data. If any abnormality is detected, it will promptly issue an alarm to remind the operators to take action.
[0022] Meanwhile, the data server assesses and predicts the operating status of the wind turbines based on the transmitted monitoring data, providing decision support for the maintenance and management of the equipment.
[0023] This invention provides an online lightning monitoring system and method for wind turbines, enabling unified real-time monitoring and management of surge protectors, turbine blades, nacelles, and hubs in multiple wind turbines. It monitors the status of surge protectors in wind turbines and the amplitude, energy, and charge of lightning current when a wind turbine is struck by lightning, generating waveforms for background analysis. Specifically, this invention has the following beneficial effects:
[0024] 1) Avoid secondary damage to wind turbines and reduce downtime;
[0025] 2) To avoid major accidents caused by surge protector failure and reduce troubleshooting costs;
[0026] 3) Blade lightning strike monitoring can quickly detect whether the blade has been struck by lightning. If struck by lightning, it provides parameters such as peak current, charge, specific energy and steepness of the lightning, reminding maintenance personnel to conduct a detailed inspection in a timely manner to avoid major accidents such as breakage and fire.
[0027] 4) As reliable evidence for insurance companies, all lightning currents can be measured, including the initial continuous current ICC (which cannot be monitored by existing lightning location systems), as well as the number of times each wind turbine is directly struck by lightning during a thunderstorm. This data can serve as direct and reliable evidence for insurance companies when making claims. Attached Figure Description
[0028] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of the online lightning monitoring system for wind turbines provided by the present invention. Detailed Implementation
[0029] The present invention will be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.
[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, the online lightning monitoring system for wind turbines includes a data server and a communication transmission module. The data server is connected to a lightning monitoring unit via the communication transmission module. The other end of the lightning monitoring unit is connected to a surge protector and a sensor. The lightning monitoring unit is used to monitor the surge protector, wind turbine blades, and nacelle hub in the wind turbine through the surge protector and sensor.
[0031] Through lightning monitoring units, surge protectors, and sensors, the operational status of surge protectors, turbine blades, and nacelle hubs in wind turbines can be monitored in real time. Once a wind turbine is struck by lightning, the sensors immediately display the lightning strike signal and issue an alarm. This allows wind farm maintenance personnel to quickly identify and pinpoint the specific wind turbine that was struck, avoiding the high maintenance costs and unplanned downtime caused by blindly checking which turbine was struck. When a lightning strike causes only minor damage, timely repairs will result in even shorter downtime. Maintenance personnel can also determine from the backend whether generator maintenance is necessary to prevent secondary damage. The data server can centrally manage and monitor multiple wind turbines through communication transmission modules, improving management efficiency. Real-time monitoring of surge protectors, turbine blades, and nacelle hubs can predict potential faults, allowing for proactive maintenance, preventing equipment damage, and reducing maintenance costs. The data server can collect and store large amounts of monitoring data; through data analysis, operational patterns can be identified, providing a basis for equipment optimization and improvement.
[0032] The lightning acquisition unit includes a blade monitoring module, a nacelle / hub monitoring module, and a surge protector monitoring module. Sensors and surge protectors are installed in the blades, surge protectors, and nacelle / hub to collect lightning current characteristic parameters when these components are struck by lightning and transmit the data to the lightning acquisition unit. When the wind turbine is operating, the lightning acquisition unit monitors the blades, surge protectors, and nacelle / hub in real time using surge protectors and sensors. The monitoring data is transmitted to a data server via a communication module. The data server processes and analyzes the data, and if any anomalies are detected, it will issue an alarm to alert operators. Simultaneously, the data server can also assess and predict the wind turbine's operating status based on the monitoring data, providing decision support for equipment maintenance and management.
[0033] The sensor includes a Rogowski coil, an integrator connected to the Rogowski coil, and an attenuator connected to the integrator. Through the orderly coordination of the Rogowski coil, integrator, and attenuator, real-time monitoring and accurate acquisition of lightning current characteristic parameters when wind turbine blades and nacelle hubs are struck by lightning are achieved.
[0034] The lightning acquisition unit is used to analyze and calculate the data collected by the sensor, record the time of lightning strike, the amplitude, polarity, waveform and number of lightning strikes, and transmit the data to the data server.
[0035] The communication transmission module uses a GPRS wireless transmission network. GPRS, a wireless communication technology based on the GSM system, can provide transmission rates of up to 56 to 114 Kbps. This means that the data collected by the lightning monitoring unit can be quickly transmitted to the data server, ensuring the real-time nature and effectiveness of the monitoring data.
[0036] The data server combines the data transmitted by the lightning monitoring module to display the data and issue alarm signals.
[0037] The present invention also provides a method for online lightning monitoring of wind turbines, based on the online lightning monitoring system for wind turbines as described above, and includes the following steps:
[0038] S1. Real-time monitoring of the working status of surge protectors, wind turbine blades and nacelle hub in wind turbines by lightning arresters and sensors installed on blades, surge protectors and nacelle hubs.
[0039] S2. Once a wind turbine is struck by lightning, the sensors installed on the blades, surge protectors, and nacelle hub will detect the lightning strike and transmit the lightning strike signal to the lightning monitoring unit and data server.
[0040] S3. The data server processes and analyzes the transmitted data. If any abnormality is detected, it will promptly issue an alarm to remind the operators to take action.
[0041] Meanwhile, the data server assesses and predicts the operating status of the wind turbines based on the transmitted monitoring data, providing decision support for the maintenance and management of the equipment.
[0042] The above specific embodiments are used to explain and illustrate the present invention, and are only preferred embodiments of the present invention, not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made to the present invention within the spirit and scope of the claims shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A lightning online monitoring system for a wind turbine, characterized in that, The online monitoring system includes: a data server, a communication transmission module, and multiple lightning monitoring units; The lightning monitoring unit is connected to the data server via a communication transmission module. The lightning monitoring unit includes a blade monitoring module, a nacelle hub monitoring module, and a surge protector monitoring module. The blade monitoring module, the nacelle hub monitoring module, and the surge protector monitoring module are respectively equipped with lightning arresters and sensors; The surge protector and sensors are installed in the blades, surge protectors, and nacelle hub to collect lightning current characteristic parameters when the wind turbine blades, surge protectors, and nacelle hub are struck by lightning, and transmit them to the lightning acquisition unit.
2. The online lightning monitoring system for a wind turbine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor includes a Rogowski coil, an integrator connected to the Rogowski coil, and an attenuator connected to the integrator.
3. The online lightning monitoring system for a wind turbine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lightning acquisition unit is used to analyze and calculate the data collected by the sensor, record the lightning strike time, lightning current amplitude, polarity, waveform and number of lightning strikes, and transmit the data to the data server.
4. The online lightning monitoring system for a wind turbine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The communication transmission module is a GPRS wireless transmission network.
5. The online lightning monitoring system for a wind turbine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The data server combines the data transmitted by the lightning monitoring unit to display the data and issue alarm signals.
6. A method for online lightning monitoring of a wind turbine, characterized in that, The method is based on the online lightning monitoring system for wind turbines as described in any one of claims 1-5, and includes the following steps: S1. Real-time monitoring of the working status of surge protectors, wind turbine blades and nacelle hub in wind turbines by lightning arresters and sensors installed on blades, surge protectors and nacelle hubs. S2. Once a wind turbine is struck by lightning, the sensors installed on the blades, surge protectors, and nacelle hub will detect the lightning strike and transmit the lightning strike signal to the lightning monitoring unit and data server. S3. The data server processes and analyzes the transmitted data. If any abnormality is detected, it will promptly issue an alarm to remind the operators to take action. Meanwhile, the data server assesses and predicts the operating status of the wind turbines based on the transmitted monitoring data, providing decision support for the maintenance and management of the equipment.