Icing detection device, detection method and deicing system

Abstract

The application provides an icing detection device, a detection method and an anti-icing system. The device comprises: a detection assembly configured to emit ultrasonic waves to a to-be-detected interface and receive ultrasonic reflection echo signals; and a controller connected to the detection assembly, the controller being configured to determine an icing state of a wind turbine blade according to the ultrasonic reflection echo signals; wherein the detection assembly comprises an icing detection sensor attached to the surface of the wind turbine blade, the icing detection sensor comprising a base body, an ultrasonic transducer and a heating element, the ultrasonic transducer and the heating element being packaged in the base body, and the controller is further configured to control the heating element to heat the ultrasonic transducer when the icing state meets preset anti-icing conditions. The icing detection device provided in the application can improve the accuracy of wind turbine blade icing detection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of ultrasonic detection technology, specifically to an icing detection device, detection method, and anti-icing and de-icing system. Background Technology

[0002] Wind turbine blades are the core power generation components of wind turbine units. They are constantly exposed to complex and harsh outdoor environments, including low temperatures, high humidity, rain, snow, sea fog, strong winds, and intense ultraviolet radiation, making them highly susceptible to surface icing. Icing forms an irregular ice shell on the blades, directly altering their original aerodynamic shape, disrupting aerodynamic balance, significantly reducing wind energy capture efficiency, and causing a substantial decrease in the unit's power output. Simultaneously, icing leads to uneven weight distribution on the blades, imbalance in the unit's dynamic load, increased unit vibration, and stress concentration on the blades. Long-term operation can result in blade cracks, structural fatigue damage, and other malfunctions, potentially triggering turbine shutdown protection and even causing equipment safety accidents. Therefore, it is necessary to detect icing on wind turbine blades and remove ice when it forms.

[0003] Among related technologies, some wind turbine blade icing detection devices suffer from low accuracy. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The embodiments of this application provide an icing detection device, detection method, and anti-icing system, which can improve the accuracy of icing detection on wind turbine blades.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide an icing detection device, the device comprising:

[0006] The detection component is configured to emit ultrasonic waves toward the interface under test and receive ultrasonic reflected echo signals.

[0007] A controller, connected to the detection component, is configured to determine the icing state of the wind turbine blades based on the ultrasonic reflected echo signal.

[0008] The detection component includes an icing detection sensor, which is attached to the surface of the wind turbine blade and includes a substrate, an ultrasonic transducer, and a heating element. The ultrasonic transducer and the heating element are encapsulated in the substrate. The controller is further configured to control the heating element to heat the ultrasonic transducer when the icing state meets preset de-icing conditions.

[0009] In one embodiment, the heating element is arranged circumferentially along the ultrasonic transducer.

[0010] In one embodiment, the detection component further includes a temperature sensor attached to the surface of the wind turbine blade and configured to collect ambient temperature.

[0011] The controller is also configured to:

[0012] The acoustic velocity inside the substrate of the ultrasonic transducer is corrected according to the ambient temperature to obtain a first corrected acoustic velocity, and the acoustic impedance of the substrate is calculated based on the first corrected acoustic velocity.

[0013] The reflection coefficient of the interface between the substrate and the surface of the wind turbine blade is determined based on the ultrasonic reflected echo signal.

[0014] The acoustic impedance range of the attached medium layer is determined based on the reflection coefficient.

[0015] The type of medium for the attached medium layer is determined based on the acoustic impedance range.

[0016] In one embodiment, the acoustic impedance of the substrate ranges from 3.0 × 10⁻⁶. 6 Pa・s / m up to 3.2×10 6 Pa・s / m.

[0017] In one embodiment, the controller is further configured to: when the medium type is ice, compare the phase of the emitted wave with the phase of the reflected wave at the interface between the substrate and the attached medium layer to obtain a phase analysis result, and determine the ice type based on the phase analysis result, wherein the ice type includes clear ice and frost ice.

[0018] In one embodiment, the controller is further configured to:

[0019] The second corrected sound velocity is obtained by correcting the sound velocity inside the ice layer based on the ambient temperature.

[0020] Determine whether the waveforms of the echo signal reflected from the interface between the adhesive medium layer and the air and the echo signal from the interface between the substrate and the adhesive medium layer are separate.

[0021] In the case of waveform separation, calculate the propagation time difference between the echo reflected from the interface under test and the echo reflected from the interface between the ice layer and the air.

[0022] The thickness of the attached medium layer is determined based on the propagation time difference and the second corrected sound velocity.

[0023] In one embodiment, the icing detection sensor further includes a power supply connected to the ultrasonic transducer, the heating element, and the temperature sensor;

[0024] The power supply includes a power generation module, an energy storage battery, and a power management circuit. The energy storage battery is connected to the power management circuit and supplies power to the ultrasonic transducer, the heating element, and the temperature sensor. The power generation module includes a mover, an induction coil, and a stator. The induction coil is connected to the power management circuit. The stator is mounted on the wind turbine blade, and the mover is movably connected to the stator. The stator is configured to reciprocate within the stator under the influence of the wind turbine blade's rotation and its own gravity, thereby generating an induced current in the induction coil. The power management circuit is configured to process the induced current and charge the energy storage battery.

[0025] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide an icing detection method, the method comprising:

[0026] It emits ultrasonic waves to the interface under test and receives the ultrasonic reflected echo signals.

[0027] The icing status of the wind turbine blades is determined based on the ultrasonic reflected echo signal.

[0028] When the icing state meets the preset de-icing conditions, the heating element is controlled to heat the ultrasonic transducer.

[0029] In one embodiment, the method further includes:

[0030] The ambient temperature is obtained, the sound velocity inside the substrate of the ultrasonic transducer is corrected based on the ambient temperature, and the acoustic impedance of the substrate is calculated based on the sound velocity.

[0031] The reflection coefficient of the interface between the substrate and the surface of the wind turbine blade is determined based on the ultrasonic reflected echo signal.

[0032] The acoustic impedance range of the attached medium layer is determined based on the reflection coefficient.

[0033] The type of medium for the attached medium layer is determined based on the acoustic impedance range.

[0034] In one embodiment, before correcting the velocity of sound inside the matrix of the ultrasonic transducer according to the ambient temperature, the method further includes:

[0035] Determine whether the waveforms of the echo signal reflected from the interface between the adhesive medium layer and the air and the echo signal from the interface between the substrate and the adhesive medium layer are separate.

[0036] In the case of waveform separation, the sound velocity inside the matrix of the ultrasonic transducer is corrected according to the ambient temperature.

[0037] In one embodiment, the method further includes:

[0038] When the medium is ice, the phase of the emitted wave is compared with the phase of the reflected wave at the interface between the substrate and the attached medium layer to obtain a phase analysis result. The ice type is determined based on the phase analysis result, wherein the ice type includes clear ice and frost ice.

[0039] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a wind turbine anti-icing and de-icing system, including an icing detection device as described in the first aspect or any embodiment of the first aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0040] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0041] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the installation position of the icing detection device provided in one embodiment of this application on a wind turbine;

[0042] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the icing detection sensor of an icing detection device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 3 This is a waveform diagram of the echo aliasing state during the detection process of an embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 4 This is a waveform diagram of the echo separation state during the detection process in an embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an icing detection device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0046] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of an embodiment of the icing detection method provided in this application.

[0047] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0048] 10. Icing detection sensor; 11. Ultrasonic transducer; 12. Heating element; 13. Temperature sensor; 14. Power supply; 15. Substrate; 20. Wind turbine; Detailed Implementation

[0049] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application. Furthermore, it should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only for illustration and explanation of this application and are not intended to limit this application.

[0050] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application. Furthermore, it should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only for illustration and explanation of this application and are not intended to limit this application.

[0051] In this application, unless otherwise stated, directional terms such as "upper" and "lower" generally refer to the upper and lower positions of the device in its actual use or operating state, specifically the drawing directions in the accompanying drawings; while "inner" and "outer" refer to the outline of the device. Furthermore, in the description of this application, the term "comprising" means "including but not limited to". The terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are used merely as designations and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, features defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more features. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0052] In this application, for ease of explanation, the terms up, down, left, right, front, and back are used to illustrate the relative positional relationships between the various parts of the application. These terms should not be construed as limitations on absolute positions. Furthermore, in this application, the first direction corresponds to the front-back direction in space, the second direction corresponds to the left-right direction in space, and the third direction corresponds to the up-down direction in space. Similarly, the first direction indicating the front-back direction is merely for the convenience of illustrating specific embodiments of the application; there is no absolute correspondence between the first direction and the front-back direction. Likewise, there is no absolute correspondence between the second direction and the left-right direction, or between the third direction and the up-down direction. The first, second, and third directions in this application are only for expressing relative positional relationships; they merely indicate approximate locations, not absolute geometric relationships.

[0053] In this application, "and / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. A and B can be singular or plural.

[0054] Wind turbine blades are the core power generation components of wind turbine units. They are constantly exposed to complex and harsh outdoor environments, including low temperatures, high humidity, rain, snow, sea fog, strong winds, and intense ultraviolet radiation, making them highly susceptible to surface icing. Icing forms an irregular ice shell, directly altering the blade's original aerodynamic shape, disrupting aerodynamic balance, significantly reducing wind energy capture efficiency, and causing a substantial decrease in the unit's power output. Simultaneously, icing leads to uneven blade weight distribution and dynamic load imbalance, causing increased unit vibration and stress concentration on the blades. Long-term operation can result in blade cracks, structural fatigue damage, and other malfunctions. In severe cases, it can trigger turbine shutdown protection and even lead to equipment safety accidents.

[0055] Existing wind turbine icing monitoring equipment mostly uses solar power and battery power, which is highly dependent on sunlight conditions. Power supply fails in cloudy, rainy, dusty, or snowy environments. Batteries require regular manual inspection, replacement, and charging, resulting in a large workload and high cost for outdoor maintenance. When de-icing wind turbine blades, residual ice can easily remain in the transducer's sensing area. This residual ice cannot be removed simultaneously with the main de-icing system. The residual ice directly blocks the ultrasonic detection surface, altering the ultrasonic propagation path and echo parameters. This leads to distorted data, increased measurement errors, and incorrect ice pattern identification in subsequent icing detections, severely impacting the accuracy of continuous monitoring around the clock.

[0056] In view of this, embodiments of this application provide an icing detection device, a detection method, and an anti-icing and de-icing system. These will be described in detail below. It should be noted that the order of description of the following embodiments is not intended to limit the preferred order of the embodiments.

[0057] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide an icing detection device, the device comprising:

[0058] The detection component is configured to emit ultrasonic waves toward the interface under test and receive ultrasonic reflected echo signals.

[0059] The controller, connected to the detection component, is configured to determine the icing status of the wind turbine blades based on ultrasonic reflected echo signals.

[0060] The detection component includes an icing detection sensor 10, which is attached to the surface of the wind turbine blade and includes a substrate 15, an ultrasonic transducer 11, and a heating element 12. The ultrasonic transducer 11 and the heating element 12 are encapsulated in the substrate 15. The controller is also configured to control the heating element 12 to heat the ultrasonic transducer 11 when the icing condition meets the preset de-icing conditions.

[0061] The detection component can be composed of various sensors, which can acquire various parameters related to the icing state, such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, and / or ultrasonic reflected echo signals. The controller is used for signal processing and analysis, icing state judgment, and control of the various components of the device. The detection component and the controller can be connected and exchange data via wired or wireless means. The ultrasonic transducer 11 is a device that can convert acoustic signals to electrical signals, and can emit ultrasonic waves and receive reflected echoes. The interface to be measured can be the surface of the substrate 15 of the ultrasonic transducer 11 facing away from the wind turbine blade. The heating element 12 can perform targeted de-icing on the detection area of ​​the ultrasonic transducer 11 to prevent residual ice from obstructing the detection surface and interfering with the echo signal, thereby avoiding problems such as monitoring data distortion, measurement deviation, and monitoring failure caused by residual ice. The substrate 15 is used to encapsulate and protect the ultrasonic transducer 11 and the heating element 12.

[0062] Icing condition refers to the state of the ice layer on the surface of wind turbine blades. The icing condition can be reflected by parameters such as ice type, temperature, and thickness. Preset de-icing conditions refer to the predetermined conditions that must be met when de-icing measures are taken on wind turbine blades. For example, if it is determined that there is open ice on the wind turbine blades, and the temperature is below a preset temperature threshold, and the ice thickness is greater than a preset thickness threshold, the icing condition can be considered to meet the de-icing conditions. It is understandable that these conditions can be determined based on the structural characteristics of the wind turbine blades, the climate of the wind turbine's location, and weather conditions. The de-icing conditions can also vary for the same wind turbine under different weather conditions.

[0063] For example, the overall thickness of the icing detection sensor 10 can be set to within 1 mm, facilitating direct attachment to the blade surface of the wind turbine 20 without affecting the aerodynamic performance of the blade. The heating element 12 can be a miniature electric heating wire, which is integrated with the ultrasonic transducer 11 and embedded inside the substrate 15 during the packaging stage. The ultrasonic transducer 11 and the substrate 15 can be installed using a snap-fit ​​or plug-in method, with a standardized interface reserved to facilitate the quick disassembly, replacement, and maintenance of a single ultrasonic transducer 11, reducing the difficulty of equipment installation, inspection, and replacement, and improving on-site operation and maintenance efficiency.

[0064] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The icing detection sensor 10 can be a sheet-like structure, fixed to the surface of the wind turbine blade by means of mounting. One icing detection sensor 10 is mounted on each blade, which can be mounted on the windward side, blade tip, or other areas prone to icing. The controller can be set inside the hub and communicate wirelessly with the icing detection sensor 10, realizing wiring-free installation. This can avoid the wear or breakage of the lines caused by the high-speed rotation of the blade and simplify the construction process.

[0065] The above methods can effectively remove residual ice from the surface of the ultrasonic transducer 11 used for icing detection, preventing residual ice from obstructing the ultrasonic detection surface, ensuring the consistency of the ultrasonic propagation path and the accuracy of the echo parameters, and ensuring the accuracy and precision of data during continuous icing monitoring of wind turbine blades. This improves the accuracy of wind turbine blade icing detection and enables long-term, continuous, and high-precision cyclic monitoring.

[0066] In one exemplary embodiment, the heating element 12 is arranged circumferentially along the ultrasonic transducer 11.

[0067] The circumferential arrangement refers to the arrangement of the heating element 12 around the outside of the ultrasonic transducer 11.

[0068] For example, refer to Figure 2 The heating element 12 can adopt a ring-shaped electric heating wire structure, which surrounds the ultrasonic transducer 11. After being powered on, it can uniformly heat the area of ​​the ultrasonic transducer 11.

[0069] Understandably, the annular arrangement of the heating element 12 can reduce the heating blind zone, and compared with unilateral heating, it can remove residual ice on the surface of the ultrasonic transducer 11 more quickly and thoroughly.

[0070] The above solutions can improve the uniformity and efficiency of de-icing the ultrasonic transducer 11, and further enhance the removal effect of residual ice.

[0071] In an exemplary embodiment, the detection component further includes a temperature sensor 13, which is attached to the surface of the wind turbine blade and configured to collect ambient temperature. The controller is also configured to: correct the sound velocity inside the substrate 15 of the ultrasonic transducer 11 based on the ambient temperature, calculate the acoustic impedance of the substrate 15 based on the sound velocity, determine the reflection coefficient of the interface between the substrate 15 and the surface of the wind turbine blade of the adhesive medium layer based on the ultrasonic reflected echo signal, determine the acoustic impedance range of the adhesive medium layer based on the reflection coefficient, and determine the type of medium of the adhesive medium layer based on the acoustic impedance range.

[0072] Among these, the speed of sound refers to the speed at which ultrasonic waves propagate in the substrate medium 15, and this speed is affected by temperature changes. Acoustic impedance characterizes the acoustic properties of the medium, and its value can be used to distinguish between different types of media. The attached medium layer refers to the layer of material adhering to the surface of the wind turbine blades, which may be water, ice, or pollutants. The reflection coefficient is a characteristic parameter of ultrasonic waves reflected at the interface between two different media, and can be calculated based on parameters such as the echo signal amplitude.

[0073] For example, the temperature sensor 13 and the icing detection sensor 10 can be arranged adjacent to each other to synchronously acquire temperature data and ultrasonic signals. Both can be encapsulated within the same substrate 15 and powered by the same power supply 14 to improve the compactness of the detection components. When the ambient temperature changes, the controller can determine the actual sound velocity inside the substrate 15 using a preset algorithm or a pre-stored mapping relationship, and recalculate the acoustic impedance to achieve temperature correction of the acoustic impedance.

[0074] It is understandable that the acoustic impedance, density, and sound velocity of the substrate 15 satisfy the following relationship:

[0075] Z1=ρ1C1

[0076] Where ρ1 is the density of matrix 15, and C1 is the sound velocity after temperature correction. Since the material and sound velocity of matrix 15 are known, the acoustic impedance Z1 of matrix 15 can be calculated according to the above formula.

[0077] The reflection coefficient and the acoustic impedance of the dielectric layer satisfy the following relationship:

[0078]

[0079] Where r represents the reflection coefficient, Z1 is the acoustic impedance of the substrate 15, and Z2 is the acoustic impedance of the attached medium layer. Given the reflection coefficient r and the acoustic impedance Z1 of the substrate 15, the acoustic impedance Z2 of the attached medium layer can be calculated.

[0080] The above methods can improve the accuracy of identifying the attached medium.

[0081] In one exemplary embodiment, the acoustic impedance of the substrate 15 ranges from 3.0 × 10⁻⁶. 6 Pa・s / m up to 3.2×10 6 Pa・s / m.

[0082] The acoustic impedance of frost formed by water droplet impact, such as icing on aircraft and wind turbine blades, is typically in the range of 2.7 × 10⁻⁶. 6 Pa・s / m up to 3.0×10 6 Between Pa·s / m, the acoustic impedance of clear ice typically ranges from greater than 3.1 × 10⁻⁶. 6 Pa・s / m. In this embodiment, the acoustic impedance of the substrate 15 is set between that of clear ice and frost ice. On the one hand, since the acoustic impedance is close to that of ice, the interfacial impedance difference during the process of ultrasonic waves being incident from the transducer to the ice layer medium can be reduced, thereby reducing ultrasonic propagation energy loss, reducing signal attenuation, and expanding the effective measurement range of ice layer thickness. On the other hand, it can accurately distinguish between frost ice and clear ice during the acoustic impedance comparison process.

[0083] In an exemplary embodiment, the controller is further configured to: when the medium type is ice, compare the phase of the emitted wave with the phase of the reflected wave at the interface between the substrate 15 and the attached medium layer to obtain a phase analysis result, and determine the ice type based on the phase analysis result, wherein the ice type includes clear ice and frost ice.

[0084] Phase is one of the characteristic parameters of an ultrasonic waveform. The emitted wave refers to the original ultrasonic signal emitted by the ultrasonic transducer 11, and the reflected wave refers to the echo signal after being reflected by the attached medium layer. In this embodiment, the attached medium layer is an ice layer. The phase analysis results characterize the phase difference between the emitted wave and the reflected wave.

[0085] Clear ice and frost ice refer to the types of ice layers classified according to their visual characteristics. Clear ice is ice that appears transparent, while frost ice is ice that appears milky white. Due to different formation conditions, clear ice and frost ice also have different physical properties. Among them, the density of ice affects its melting characteristics. Therefore, it is necessary to distinguish between ice types to improve the targeting and efficiency of de-icing measures.

[0086] Conventional methods often determine the type of medium layer by the echo amplitude. However, since the echo amplitudes of water and thin ice are very similar, this method is prone to misjudgment. In this embodiment, the acoustic impedance of the substrate 15 is set between that of clear ice and frost ice. Based on the principle that the phase difference between the reflected and incident waves can intuitively reflect the relative magnitude of the acoustic impedance of the two media, ice type identification is performed. When the ice layer is clear ice, the acoustic impedance of the substrate 15 is less than that of the ice layer, and the phase of the reflected and incident waves is the same. When the ice layer is frost ice, the acoustic impedance of the substrate 15 is greater than that of the ice layer, and the phase of the reflected and incident waves is opposite. Therefore, by comparing the phases of the emitted and reflected waves, the ice type can be intuitively and quickly determined.

[0087] The above methods can improve the accuracy and efficiency of ice pattern recognition.

[0088] In one exemplary embodiment, the controller is further configured to:

[0089] The second corrected speed of sound is obtained by correcting the speed of sound inside the ice layer based on the ambient temperature.

[0090] Determine whether the waveforms of the echo signal reflected from the interface between the attached medium layer and the air and the echo signal from the interface between the substrate 15 and the attached medium layer are separate.

[0091] In the case of waveform separation, calculate the propagation time difference between the echo reflected from the interface under test and the echo reflected from the interface between the ice layer and the air.

[0092] The thickness of the attached medium layer is determined based on the propagation time difference and the second corrected sound velocity.

[0093] The propagation time difference refers to the time difference between the peak values ​​of the echo signal reflected from the interface between the attached medium layer and the air and the echo signal reflected from the substrate 15 and the attached medium layer. The reference sound velocity and temperature correction amount inside the ice layer can be obtained using empirical values. Adding the reference sound velocity to the temperature correction amount yields the second corrected sound velocity.

[0094] refer to Figure 3 During the process of ice layer thickness increase, the echoes reflected from the interface under test and the echoes reflected from the ice-air interface will overlap. During this stage, the amplitude of the ultrasonic pulse echo signal will fluctuate significantly, and correspondingly, the time difference between the peak values ​​of the two echo signals will also fluctuate. (Reference) Figure 4 When the main pulses of the echo signals at the two interfaces are completely separated, the amplitude of the echo is stable and the propagation time difference also tends to be stable. Therefore, before calculating the ice layer temperature, it is necessary to determine whether the waveforms are separated, that is, to determine whether the echo amplitude is stable, and then calculate the echo time difference to obtain a more accurate ice layer thickness.

[0095] The above methods can improve the accuracy of ice thickness assessment.

[0096] In an exemplary embodiment, the icing detection sensor 10 further includes a power supply 14 connected to the ultrasonic transducer 11, the heating element 12, and the temperature sensor 13. The power supply 14 includes a power generation module, an energy storage battery, and a power supply management circuit. The energy storage battery is connected to the power supply management circuit to power the ultrasonic transducer 11, the heating element 12, and the temperature sensor 13. The power generation module includes a mover, an induction coil, and a stator. The induction coil is connected to the power supply management circuit. The stator is mounted on the wind turbine blade, and the mover is movably connected to the stator. The stator is configured to reciprocate within the stator under the influence of the rotation of the wind turbine blade and its own gravity, thereby generating an induced current in the induction coil. The power supply management circuit is configured to process the induced current and charge the energy storage battery.

[0097] The power generation module is a self-generating structure that generates electricity through the rotational kinetic energy of the blades and the gravitational potential energy of the mover. The power supply 14 can be encapsulated together with the ultrasonic transducer 11, the heating element 12, and the temperature sensor 13 within the substrate 15. The mover reciprocates linearly within the stator, cutting the magnetic field lines of the induction coil to generate an induced current. The power supply 14 management circuit may include components such as a rectifier circuit, a voltage regulator circuit, and a protection circuit. The induced current, after being processed by the power supply 14 management circuit, charges the energy storage battery.

[0098] For example, when the wind turbine blades rotate, the entire power generation module rotates with the blades. The mover slides back and forth within the stator under the action of gravity and centrifugal force, causing the induction coil to continuously generate induced current. After being regulated by the power supply management circuit 14, the current is stored in the energy storage battery, achieving autonomous power supply. This power generation method achieves energy harvesting through the movement of the blades themselves, avoiding the high dependence on the light environment and cleanliness level when using solar power. At the same time, it can simplify the wiring, eliminating the need to connect the icing detection sensor 10 to an external power supply 14, thereby improving the stability of the power supply and reducing operation and maintenance costs.

[0099] The above solutions can improve the stability of the power supply to the icing detection sensor 10, simplify the wiring, and reduce maintenance costs.

[0100] The above solutions can optimize the acoustic parameters of the substrate 15, expand the effective measurement range of ice thickness, and ensure the accuracy of ice pattern identification.

[0101] refer to Figure 5 In an exemplary embodiment, the working process of the icing detection device provided in this application is as follows: After the system is powered on, it first enters the standby startup state. Relying on the gravitational potential energy of the fan blades under the steady-state rotation condition of 10~20rpm, it drives the built-in metal components to reciprocate inside the coil to cut the magnetic field lines, thereby realizing self-generated power generation and completing energy storage and voltage stabilization. This provides stable power supply support for the subsequent low-power sleep or intelligent wake-up module, enabling the device to maintain a low-power standby state under non-icing conditions. When the ambient temperature T≤0℃ is detected, it automatically wakes up and enters the ultrasonic detection process.

[0102] After the system is activated, the ultrasonic transducer emits ultrasonic waves and acquires the interface echo signal. The acoustic impedance of the transducer matching layer is optimized and set to a value close to that of the ice layer, significantly reducing interface energy loss when ultrasonic waves are incident on the ice layer, reducing signal attenuation, and significantly improving the echo signal-to-noise ratio, providing a basis for wide-range ice thickness measurement. The acquired echo signal first undergoes waveform separation and stability assessment to ensure that the effective echo is separated from noise and clutter, obtaining a stable and reliable original signal. Subsequently, the system performs temperature correction on the acoustic impedance based on ambient temperature data to obtain a corrected acoustic impedance reference value Z1, eliminating the influence of temperature changes on the medium's acoustic impedance and providing an accurate benchmark for subsequent icing identification.

[0103] Based on the corrected acoustic impedance reference value Z1, combined with phase analysis and reflection coefficient calculation, the actual acoustic impedance range of the interface medium is calculated, and then the icing intelligent identification module is used to classify the medium on the blade surface:

[0104] If no attachments are detected, the blade surface is determined to be in a normal state, and the process will directly jump to the continuous monitoring branch to enter the next monitoring cycle.

[0105] If water is detected, the current wet state is recorded, the de-icing process is not triggered, the data is only synchronized to the central control system, and then the process jumps to the next monitoring cycle.

[0106] If ice is detected, the ice type subdivision and ice thickness monitoring process is initiated: the ice type is determined by the echo phase characteristics, the same phase is determined to be open ice, and the opposite phase is determined to be frost ice. At the same time, the ice thickness is accurately calculated, and the ice type, ice thickness and status data are uploaded to the central control system.

[0107] After receiving the data, the central control system combines the wind farm meteorological parameters with the wind turbine operating conditions to determine the de-icing command:

[0108] If it is determined that no de-icing is required, the de-icing process will not be initiated, and the system will directly enter the next monitoring cycle.

[0109] If de-icing is deemed necessary, the main de-icing system of the fan is activated, and the electric heating wire embedded in the ultrasonic transducer is simultaneously turned on to ensure that the transducer surface temperature Ts ≤ 10℃. This process is used to specifically remove residual thin ice and frost from the transducer's detection surface, preventing residual ice from obstructing subsequent detection. Once the residual ice is removed and the detection surface is clean and restored, the system automatically enters the next monitoring cycle.

[0110] The above process forms a complete closed loop of "self-generated energy storage - low-power standby - icing wake-up detection - ice type and thickness identification - data upload and analysis - de-icing linkage control - detection surface reset - cyclic monitoring", realizing all-weather, high-precision, unattended intelligent monitoring of the icing status of wind turbine blades. It solves the problems of traditional icing detection equipment relying on external power supply, high water ice misjudgment rate, residual ice interfering with detection accuracy, and inability to link with wind turbine de-icing system.

[0111] In an exemplary embodiment, for conventional wind farms built on ordinary land or mountainous terrain, the icing detection device can focus on icing early warning. The device is manufactured with integrated packaging, and a micro-heating wire is pre-embedded and sealed inside the transducer, without altering the device's shape or fit. On-site, only the blade installation area needs to be cleaned, and the device can be directly pasted and fixed without wiring or structural modifications. The device relies on the blade's rotational gravity to generate and store energy autonomously, operating in low-power dormancy mode and can work stably in environments ranging from -45℃ to +70℃. During operation, the ultrasonic transducer 11 continuously emits ultrasonic waves and collects interface echo signals. By analyzing the phase shift characteristics of the echo signals, the positive and negative reflection coefficients are determined, and the acoustic impedance of the blade surface medium is accurately calculated. First, the basic threshold of acoustic impedance is used to distinguish between no-load, water accumulation, frost, and icing states. Then, combined with the real-time impedance value range, low-impedance frost and high-impedance open ice are accurately distinguished, identifying initial ice layers larger than 0.1mm and promptly outputting early warning signals. When the main de-icing system of the wind turbine starts operation, the embedded electric heating wires in the equipment are activated simultaneously to locally heat the transducer detection area, removing residual ice and thin ice that the main de-icing system cannot remove. This ensures the cleanliness of the transducer detection surface, providing accurate detection conditions for the next icing test and effectively avoiding detection errors and false alarms caused by residual ice. Simultaneously, the entire unit performs real-time self-checks, monitoring the working status of the heating and sensing modules. Fault status is actively reported to the central control system, allowing maintenance personnel to quickly troubleshoot equipment anomalies. This is suitable for winter icing risk prevention and control in conventional wind farms, and helps solve problems such as indiscriminate water-ice separation, ice type confusion, residual ice interference, and high false alarm rates associated with traditional equipment.

[0112] In one exemplary embodiment, for wind farms with high icing risk and high maintenance standards, such as those located in high-altitude, cold regions or offshore areas, the icing detection device can focus on ice thickness measurement. Depending on the curved surface morphology of the blade installation location, rigid or flexible thin-film sensors can be flexibly selected. The sensors incorporate an integrated electric heating wire structure to ensure complete coupling and synchronous de-icing capability. Based on the principle of ultrasonic echo phase and reflection coefficient acoustic impedance discrimination, the device first determines the acoustic impedance of the medium by the positive or negative reflection coefficient, identifying the properties of water, frost, and ice-covered media. Then, relying on a precise acoustic impedance value range, it finely distinguishes different ice types such as frost ice, mixed ice, and clear ice, achieving accurate early warning of icing. Simultaneously, it can measure ice thickness from 0.2-5mm online in real time, matching different ice types to output corresponding monitoring data. The detected data is wirelessly uploaded to the hub control system in real time. The control system combines this data with temperature, humidity, wind speed, and ambient temperature data from the wind farm's meteorological station, and after analysis, it activates various de-icing systems, including electric heating, gas heating, and coating protection. Different de-icing strategies are matched according to different ice types and thicknesses: a low-power, gentle de-icing mode is used for frost-like ice, while a high-efficiency, powerful de-icing mode is used for open ice. Simultaneously with overall blade de-icing, the electric heating wire embedded in the transducer works synchronously to precisely remove residual ice from the sensing area, preventing localized ice residue from obstructing the ultrasonic detection path. This ensures accurate and reliable data for every ice thickness measurement and ice type identification, achieving precise de-icing, energy saving, and consumption reduction. At the same time, it adaptively adjusts the unit's operating parameters to maximize the effective power generation time in icy environments.

[0113] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide an icing detection method, which can be applied to the icing detection device in the first aspect or any embodiment of the first aspect. The method includes:

[0114] It emits ultrasonic waves to the interface under test and receives the ultrasonic reflected echo signals.

[0115] The icing status of wind turbine blades is determined based on ultrasonic reflected echo signals;

[0116] When the preset de-icing conditions are met in the icing state, the heating element 12 is controlled to heat the ultrasonic transducer 11.

[0117] The transmission of ultrasonic waves and the reception of ultrasonic reflected echo signals can be achieved through the ultrasonic transducer 11, while the determination of the icing state and the control of the heating element 12 can be achieved through the controller.

[0118] For example, the ultrasonic transducer 11 periodically emits ultrasonic waves to the interface under test and continuously receives the reflected echo signals. The controller analyzes the echo signals in real time. In the initial state, there is only one echo signal reflected by the interface under test, which is determined to be a non-icing state. Only continuous monitoring is performed without triggering other actions. When the weather is cold, rainy, or snowy, a water film or ice layer gradually forms on the blade. At this time, in addition to the echo reflected by the interface under test, there is also an echo signal reflected by the interface between the water film or ice layer and the air. When two or more echo signals are detected, it can be determined that there is an attached medium layer on the wind turbine blade. Relevant acoustic characteristic parameters, such as the reflection coefficient, can be calculated based on the echo signals to determine whether there is an ice layer on the wind turbine blade. When the ice layer on the wind turbine blade meets the preset de-icing conditions, such as the ice layer thickness being greater than the preset thickness, the heating element 12 is controlled to heat the ultrasonic transducer 11 to remove the ice on the detection surface.

[0119] The above solutions can prevent residual ice on the surface of the ultrasonic transducer 11 from affecting the detection, ensuring the long-term accuracy and precision of icing detection.

[0120] In one exemplary embodiment, the method further includes:

[0121] The ambient temperature is obtained, and the sound velocity inside the substrate 15 of the ultrasonic transducer 11 is corrected according to the ambient temperature to obtain a first corrected sound velocity. The acoustic impedance of the substrate 15 is calculated based on the first corrected sound velocity.

[0122] The reflection coefficient of the interface between the substrate 15 and the surface of the wind turbine blade was determined based on the ultrasonic reflected echo signal.

[0123] The acoustic impedance range of the attached medium layer is determined based on the reflection coefficient; the type of medium in the attached medium layer is determined based on the acoustic impedance range.

[0124] The ambient temperature can be acquired in real time by temperature sensor 13. The relationship between the reference sound velocity inside the substrate 15 and the sound velocity correction and the ambient temperature can be predetermined based on the material of the substrate 15. The reflection coefficient can be calculated based on the amplitude of the incident wave and the amplitude of the reflected wave. The acoustic impedance range of the attached medium layer can be calculated based on the relationship between the reflection coefficient and the acoustic impedance of the substrate 15 and the acoustic impedance of the attached medium layer.

[0125] The above methods can improve the accuracy of identifying the attached medium.

[0126] In an exemplary embodiment, the method further includes: when the medium type is ice, comparing the phase of the emitted wave with the phase of the reflected wave at the interface between the substrate 15 and the attached medium layer to obtain a phase analysis result, and determining the ice type based on the phase analysis result, wherein the ice type includes clear ice and frost ice.

[0127] The above methods can improve the accuracy and efficiency of ice pattern recognition.

[0128] In an exemplary embodiment, the method further includes: correcting the sound velocity inside the ice layer according to the ambient temperature to obtain a second corrected sound velocity; determining whether the waveforms of the echo signal reflected from the interface between the attached medium layer and the air and the echo signal reflected from the interface between the substrate 15 and the attached medium layer are separated; if the waveforms are separated, calculating the propagation time difference between the echo reflected from the interface to be tested and the echo reflected from the interface between the ice layer and the air; and determining the thickness of the attached medium layer based on the propagation time difference and the second corrected sound velocity.

[0129] The temperature correction amount can be determined according to a preset algorithm or mapping relationship. Adding the temperature correction amount to the reference sound speed of ice yields the second corrected sound speed. (Reference) Figures 3 to 4 When echo packets are clustered, partially overlapped, or merged into a single packet, the waveforms are considered not separated. When two echo packets are independent in the time domain, do not overlap, and have a clear time interval, the waveforms can be considered separated. The propagation time difference is calculated as the time difference between the time points corresponding to the main peaks of each packet. The thickness can be determined using the Time-of-Flight (TOF) method, which is obtained by multiplying the propagation time difference by the second corrected velocity of sound.

[0130] The above methods can improve the accuracy of ice thickness assessment.

[0131] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps in the various methods of the above embodiments can be performed by instructions, or by instructions controlling related hardware. These instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium and loaded and executed by a processor.

[0132] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a wind turbine anti-icing and de-icing system, including an icing detection device as described in the first aspect or any embodiment of the first aspect.

[0133] In addition to the icing detection device, the wind turbine anti-icing and de-icing system in this application embodiment may also include components such as a communication device, a data storage device, a main controller, and a de-icing device.

[0134] By incorporating the icing detection devices in the above embodiments, the wind turbine anti-icing system can de-ic more promptly and effectively, which helps to improve the safety and reliability of the wind turbine.

[0135] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments.

[0136] The embodiments, implementation methods, and related technical features of this application can be combined and substituted for each other without conflict.

[0137] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application in any way. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of this application without departing from the scope of the technical solution of this application shall still fall within the scope of the technical solution of this application.

Claims

1. An ice detection device, characterized by, The device includes: The detection component is configured to emit ultrasonic waves toward the interface under test and receive ultrasonic reflected echo signals. A controller, connected to the detection component, is configured to determine the icing state of the wind turbine blades based on the ultrasonic reflected echo signal. The detection component includes an icing detection sensor, which is attached to the surface of the wind turbine blade and includes a substrate, an ultrasonic transducer, and a heating element. The ultrasonic transducer and the heating element are encapsulated in the substrate. The controller is further configured to control the heating element to heat the ultrasonic transducer when the icing state meets preset de-icing conditions.

2. The ice detection apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by The heating element is arranged circumferentially along the ultrasonic transducer.

3. The ice detection device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The detection component also includes a temperature sensor, which is attached to the surface of the wind turbine blade and configured to collect ambient temperature. The controller is also configured to: The acoustic velocity inside the substrate of the ultrasonic transducer is corrected according to the ambient temperature to obtain a first corrected acoustic velocity, and the acoustic impedance of the substrate is calculated based on the first corrected acoustic velocity. The reflection coefficient of the interface between the substrate and the surface of the wind turbine blade is determined based on the ultrasonic reflected echo signal. The acoustic impedance range of the attached medium layer is determined based on the reflection coefficient. The type of medium for the attached medium layer is determined based on the acoustic impedance range.

4. The ice detection apparatus of claim 3, wherein The acoustic impedance of the substrate ranges from 3.0 × 10⁻⁶. 6 Pa・s / m up to 3.2×10 6 Pa・s / m.

5. The ice detection apparatus of claim 3, wherein The controller is further configured to: when the medium type is ice, compare the phase of the emitted wave with the phase of the reflected wave at the interface between the substrate and the attached medium layer to obtain a phase analysis result, and determine the ice type based on the phase analysis result, wherein the ice type includes clear ice and frost ice.

6. The ice detection apparatus of claim 5, wherein The controller is also configured to: The second corrected sound velocity is obtained by correcting the sound velocity inside the ice layer based on the ambient temperature. Determine whether the waveforms of the echo signal reflected from the interface between the adhesive medium layer and the air and the echo signal from the interface between the substrate and the adhesive medium layer are separate. In the case of waveform separation, calculate the propagation time difference between the echo reflected from the interface under test and the echo reflected from the interface between the ice layer and the air. The thickness of the attached medium layer is determined based on the propagation time difference and the second corrected sound velocity.

7. The ice detection apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by The icing detection sensor also includes a power supply, which is connected to the ultrasonic transducer, the heating element, and the temperature sensor. The power supply includes a power generation module, an energy storage battery, and a power management circuit. The energy storage battery is connected to the power management circuit and supplies power to the ultrasonic transducer, the heating element, and the temperature sensor. The power generation module includes a mover, an induction coil, and a stator. The induction coil is connected to the power management circuit. The stator is mounted on the wind turbine blade, and the mover is movably connected to the stator. The stator is configured to reciprocate within the stator under the influence of the wind turbine blade's rotation and its own gravity, thereby generating an induced current in the induction coil. The power management circuit is configured to process the induced current and charge the energy storage battery.

8. A method for detecting icing, characterized in that, The method includes: It emits ultrasonic waves to the interface under test and receives the ultrasonic reflected echo signals. The icing status of the wind turbine blades is determined based on the ultrasonic reflected echo signal. When the icing state meets the preset de-icing conditions, the heating element is controlled to heat the ultrasonic transducer.

9. The icing detection method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The method further includes: The ambient temperature is obtained, and the sound velocity inside the substrate of the ultrasonic transducer is corrected according to the ambient temperature to obtain a first corrected sound velocity. The acoustic impedance of the substrate is calculated based on the first corrected sound velocity. The reflection coefficient of the interface between the substrate and the surface of the wind turbine blade is determined based on the ultrasonic reflected echo signal. The acoustic impedance range of the attached medium layer is determined based on the reflection coefficient. The type of medium for the attached medium layer is determined based on the acoustic impedance range.

10. The ice detection method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The method further includes: When the medium is ice, the phase of the emitted wave is compared with the phase of the reflected wave at the interface between the substrate and the attached medium layer to obtain a phase analysis result. The ice type is determined based on the phase analysis result, wherein the ice type includes clear ice and frost ice.

11. The ice detection method of claim 9, wherein, The method further includes: The second corrected sound velocity is obtained by correcting the sound velocity inside the ice layer based on the ambient temperature. Determine whether the waveforms of the echo signal reflected from the interface between the adhesive medium layer and the air and the echo signal from the interface between the substrate and the adhesive medium layer are separate. In the case of waveform separation, calculate the propagation time difference between the echo reflected from the interface under test and the echo reflected from the interface between the ice layer and the air. The thickness of the attached medium layer is determined based on the propagation time difference and the second corrected sound velocity.

12. A wind turbine de-icing system, characterised in that Includes the icing detection device as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

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