Infrared heating device and method for ice melting of insulators

Abstract

This invention discloses an infrared heating device and method for insulator de-icing, belonging to the field of high-voltage power grid maintenance technology. It ensures stable focusing on the insulator surface and achieves optimal focusing effect and thermal efficiency at different working distances. The infrared heating device includes an infrared heat source for emitting infrared light; a heat source focusing assembly including a reflector and a Fresnel lens, wherein the reflector reflects and initially focuses the infrared light emitted by the infrared heat source, and the Fresnel lens performs secondary focusing on the infrared light initially focused by the reflector or directly from the infrared heat source; and a distance sensing and adaptive adjustment subsystem including a method for measuring the distance L from the infrared heat source outlet to the target insulator. x The distance sensing module and based on distance L x A servo drive component automatically adjusts the relative distance between the Fresnel lens and the infrared heat source's light output port, thereby focusing the infrared light after secondary focusing onto the area where the target insulator is located.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of high-voltage power grid maintenance technology, and specifically relates to a non-power-out, remote, adaptive de-icing device and method for substation insulators. Background Technology

[0002] Ice accumulation on substation insulators is a common safety hazard for power grids in winter. Thick ice layers significantly reduce the insulation performance of insulators, potentially causing flashover accidents and threatening the safe and stable operation of the power grid. Existing de-icing technologies have many limitations:

[0003] Mechanical de-icing: requires close-range manual operation, is inefficient, labor-intensive, and poses extremely high safety risks when working with electricity.

[0004] Electric current de-icing: high energy consumption, narrow applicability (not effective for certain types of insulators), and may cause thermal damage to insulators and connected equipment.

[0005] Some studies have also applied photothermal coatings to composite insulators to passively melt ice using solar energy, but the effect is significantly affected by light intensity and ambient temperature, and the effect is poor under continuous cloudy, rainy, snowy or low light conditions.

[0006] CN106229870A discloses a heat-concentrating de-icing device and method for icing substations. The device includes multiple focusing units; each focusing unit includes a parabolic reflector and an infrared lamp; the infrared lamp is located at the focal point of the parabolic reflector; the light from the infrared lamp is reflected by the parabolic reflector into a parallel beam; the multiple focusing units are arranged as follows: the multiple focusing units are dispersedly installed on the inner surface of the inner fixed parabolic surface, and the beam emitted by each focusing unit is perpendicular to the tangent of the inner fixed parabolic surface at the corresponding installation point; the focal length b of the inner fixed parabolic surface is greater than the safe distance for de-icing; the icing substation is located at the focal point of the inner fixed parabolic surface; thus, the light from the focusing units is concentrated at the focal point of the inner fixed parabolic surface, thereby enabling safe de-icing of the icing substation located at the focal point.

[0007] However, with existing infrared heating technology, the infrared spot is difficult to keep stably focused on the insulator surface to obtain the maximum energy density at different operating distances (e.g., 5 to 15 meters or more). Summary of the Invention

[0008] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the technical problem to be solved by this invention is to provide an infrared heating device and method for de-icing insulators, ensuring stable focusing on the insulator surface and achieving optimal focusing effect and thermal efficiency at different working distances.

[0009] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0010] First, an infrared heating device for de-icing insulators is provided, comprising:

[0011] Infrared heat source, used to emit infrared light;

[0012] A heat source focusing assembly includes a reflector and a Fresnel lens. The reflector is used to reflect and initially focus the infrared light emitted by the infrared heat source, and the Fresnel lens is used to refocus the infrared light initially focused by the reflector or directly from the infrared heat source.

[0013] The distance sensing and adaptive adjustment subsystem includes a method for measuring the distance L from the infrared heat source's light output port to the target insulator. x The distance sensing module and based on distance L x A servo drive component automatically adjusts the relative distance between the Fresnel lens and the infrared heat source's light output port, thereby focusing the infrared light after secondary focusing onto the area where the target insulator is located.

[0014] Preferably, the servo drive assembly includes a slide rail extending along the optical axis and a linear motor that drives the Fresnel lens to move linearly along the slide rail.

[0015] Preferably, the slide rail includes a slide rail body and a slider that slides along the slide rail body, the slider being connected to a Fresnel lens; and / or, two sets of slide rails are arranged in parallel.

[0016] Preferably, the Fresnel lens is disposed inside the reflective lens tube.

[0017] Preferably, the surface of the Fresnel lens has a concentric serrated stepped structure.

[0018] Preferably, the Fresnel lens is made of high-temperature resistant glass or polymer material; and / or, the thickness of the Fresnel lens is between 0.65 mm and 1.5 mm.

[0019] Preferably, the reflector is a stainless steel reflector with a high-reflectivity metal film coated on its inner surface.

[0020] Preferably, the infrared heat source is a thermal radiation lamp, and the thermal radiation lamp and the reflector are disposed inside the reflector tube.

[0021] Preferably, the distance sensing module uses a laser rangefinder sensor.

[0022] In addition, a method for long-distance de-icing of insulators without power interruption based on infrared heating is provided, which uses the aforementioned infrared heating device for de-icing and includes the following steps:

[0023] a) Measure the distance Lx between the infrared heat source's light output port and the target insulator using the distance sensing module;

[0024] b) Based on the distance Lx, the servo drive component drives the Fresnel lens to move, adjusting the distance L2 between the Fresnel lens and the infrared heat source light outlet, so that the Fresnel lens moves to the optimal focusing position at the current distance Lx;

[0025] c) Activate the infrared heat source. The heat source focusing component will concentrate the infrared light and irradiate the ice-covered part of the target insulator to melt the ice.

[0026] d) During the ice melting process, steps a) and b) can be repeated continuously or intermittently to maintain optimal focusing effect.

[0027] The present invention, by adopting the above technical solution, has the following beneficial effects:

[0028] Based on the signal fed back from the distance sensing module, the Fresnel lens is driven to move along the optical axis, thereby automatically adjusting its relative distance to the infrared heat source behind it. This dynamic adjustment can compensate for focus drift caused by changes in distance, ensuring that the infrared spot can be stably focused on the insulator surface at different operating distances (e.g., 5 meters to 15 meters or more), achieving maximum energy density.

[0029] High-efficiency energy focusing and long-distance operation: By combining a parabolic reflector and a Fresnel lens for focusing, the energy density of infrared radiation is greatly improved, enabling it to effectively act on insulators at a distance, meeting the safety distance requirements of high-voltage electric fields.

[0030] Adaptive optimization: Distance sensing and autofocus functions ensure optimal focus under different working conditions, improving the stability and reliability of the ice-melting effect.

[0031] Safety and Energy Saving: Non-contact de-icing avoids the risk of electrical contact, and infrared heating is highly targeted, resulting in lower energy consumption compared to overall heating. De-icing can be performed on demand based on the degree of icing, avoiding energy waste.

[0032] Compact structure and high reliability: The use of Fresnel lenses makes the optical system thinner and lighter, the ultra-thin stainless steel reflector has good mechanical strength, and the overall device has a compact structure, which is easy to install and maintain.

[0033] These features and advantages of the present invention will be disclosed in detail in the following specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0034] The invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of an infrared heating device for melting ice on insulators according to the present invention.

[0036] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of the working principle of an infrared heating device for melting ice on insulators according to the present invention (L). x (8m)

[0037] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the working principle of an infrared heating device for de-icing insulators according to the present invention (Lx is 10m).

[0038] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the control process for the automatic adjustment of the distance between the Fresnel lens and the heat source in this invention.

[0039] In the diagram: thermal radiation lamp 100, reflector tube 101, reflector 210, Fresnel lens 220, reflector tube 221, slide rail 230, linear motor 240. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be explained and described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the following embodiments are only preferred embodiments of the present invention and not all of them. Other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments in the implementation methods without creative effort are all within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0041] Those skilled in the art will understand that, without conflict, the features in the following embodiments and implementations can be combined with each other.

[0042] refer to Figures 1 to 3 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides an infrared heating device for melting ice on insulators, comprising:

[0043] Infrared heat source, used to emit infrared light;

[0044] The heat source focusing assembly includes a reflector 210 and a Fresnel lens 220. The reflector is used to reflect and initially focus the infrared light emitted by the infrared heat source, and the Fresnel lens is used to refocus the infrared light initially focused by the reflector or directly from the infrared heat source.

[0045] The distance sensing and adaptive adjustment subsystem includes a distance sensing module for measuring the distance Lx from the infrared heat source outlet to the target insulator and a servo drive component for automatically adjusting the relative distance between the Fresnel lens and the infrared heat source outlet according to the distance Lx, so that the infrared light after secondary focusing is focused on the area where the target insulator is located.

[0046] This embodiment employs infrared heating technology. The heat source focusing component uses a composite structure based on the parabolic focusing and reflection principle. The reflector and Fresnel lens work together to highly concentrate infrared radiation energy into a specific area (i.e., the ice-covered part of the insulator), significantly improving energy utilization efficiency and de-icing speed. Furthermore, the distance sensing and adaptive adjustment subsystem can monitor the distance between the infrared heat source and the target insulator in real time. Through a servo drive component, it automatically adjusts the relative position between the Fresnel lens and the infrared heat source to achieve dynamic focusing, ensuring optimal focusing effect and thermal efficiency at different working distances. This achieves efficient and precise non-contact de-icing of insulators from a safe distance, effectively ensuring the stable operation of the power system.

[0047] Non-contact de-icing avoids the risk of electrical contact, and infrared heating is highly targeted, resulting in lower energy consumption compared to overall heating. De-icing can be performed on demand based on the degree of icing, preventing energy waste.

[0048] In some embodiments, the infrared heat source is a thermal radiation lamp 100, and the thermal radiation lamp and a reflector are disposed inside a reflector tube 101, so that the infrared radiation generated by the thermal radiation lamp is reflected by the reflector tube, avoiding heat loss. Of course, it can also be an electromagnetic induction infrared heat source, a resistive infrared heat source, etc.

[0049] In some embodiments, the servo drive assembly includes a slide rail 230 extending along the optical axis and a linear motor 240 driving the Fresnel lens to move linearly along the slide rail. The slide rail 230 includes a slide rail body and a slider that slides along the slide rail body; the slider is connected to the Fresnel lens. Furthermore, two sets of slide rails are arranged in parallel. The linear motor, in conjunction with the slide rails, can precisely control the movement distance of the Fresnel lens to ensure optimal focusing.

[0050] In this embodiment, the Fresnel lens 220 is disposed within the reflective lens tube 221. The surface of the Fresnel lens has a concentric serrated stepped structure, and the thickness of the Fresnel lens is between 0.65 mm and 1.5 mm. By simplifying the continuous curved surface of a traditional lens into a concentric serrated stepped structure, the lens thickness and weight are significantly reduced while achieving the same optical effect, which is beneficial for the lightweight design of the device. In addition, the Fresnel lens is made of high-temperature resistant glass or polymer materials, both of which are currently mature materials for manufacturing Fresnel lenses.

[0051] In this embodiment, the reflector is a stainless steel reflector with a high-reflectivity metal film coated on its inner surface. Specifically, it is made of ultra-thin stainless steel or other metal materials, precision stamped or spun into a parabolic shape, with the inner surface polished or coated with a high-reflectivity film (such as gold or aluminum film). The gold or aluminum film coated on the inner surface has extremely high infrared reflectivity (gold film infrared reflectivity can reach over 98%, and aluminum film can reach around 95% reflectivity in the near-infrared to mid-infrared band), far exceeding that of ordinary polished stainless steel surfaces. The parabolic curved surface design allows for directional focusing or parallel reflection of infrared light, precisely controlling the radiation direction of the infrared heat source, avoiding energy waste from diffuse reflection, and significantly improving energy utilization in applications such as heating and drying. The ultra-thin stainless steel substrate combines rigidity and lightweight design, reducing weight by more than 50% compared to traditional heavy glass or cast iron reflectors, facilitating equipment installation, debugging, and transportation. Formed using precision stamping or spinning processes, the curvature radius and surface flatness of the parabolic surface can be precisely controlled, with optical surface errors controlled at the micrometer level. This ensures the consistency of the light reflection path and avoids energy dispersion caused by surface distortion. The ultra-thin stainless steel has a relatively stable coefficient of thermal expansion. Under high-temperature radiation environments, its thermal deformation is far less than that of thick metals or glass, maintaining the stability of the parabolic optical structure and preventing a decrease in reflection efficiency due to thermal deformation. Furthermore, the stainless steel substrate is scratch-resistant and impact-resistant, requiring only simple wiping for routine maintenance and eliminating the need for frequent replacements. The long lifespan of the metal film layer significantly reduces equipment maintenance costs.

[0052] In this embodiment, the distance sensing module uses a laser rangefinder. Of course, other types of rangefinders such as ultrasonic, infrared, microwave, and photoelectric sensors can also be used, but the laser rangefinder has advantages over other sensors in that it offers high measurement accuracy, strong anti-interference capability, and a wide measurement distance range.

[0053] like Figure 4 As shown, the above-mentioned infrared heating device is used for de-icing, realizing a method for long-distance de-icing of insulators without power interruption based on infrared heating, including the following steps:

[0054] a) Measure the distance L between the infrared heat source's light output port and the target insulator using the distance sensing module. x ;

[0055] b) Input distance L via the input module x The adaptive focusing control unit is based on L x The optimal distance between the Fresnel lens and the infrared heat source's output port is calculated and output to the servo drive component via the output module. The servo drive component can then adjust the distance L accordingly. xThe optimal distance between the Fresnel lens and the infrared heat source's output port is determined, driving the Fresnel lens to move and adjusting the distance between the Fresnel lens and the infrared heat source's output port, so that the Fresnel lens moves to the optimal focusing position at the current distance Lx;

[0056] like Figure 2 As shown, L at this time x The distance is 8m. After adjusting the distance between the Fresnel lens and the infrared heat source output port, the distance between the Fresnel lens and the infrared heat source output port is L1; Figure 3 As shown, L at this time x The distance between the Fresnel lens and the infrared heat source outlet is 10m. After adjusting the distance between the Fresnel lens and the infrared heat source outlet, the distance between the Fresnel lens and the infrared heat source outlet is L2.

[0057] c) Activate the infrared heat source. The heat source focusing component will concentrate the infrared light and irradiate the ice-covered part of the target insulator to melt the ice.

[0058] d) During the ice melting process, steps a) and b) can be repeated continuously or intermittently to maintain optimal focusing effect.

[0059] This dynamic adjustment compensates for focus drift caused by distance variations, ensuring that the infrared spot remains stably focused on the insulator surface at different operating distances (e.g., 5 to 15 meters or more), achieving maximum energy density. Adaptive optimization guarantees optimal focusing under various operating conditions, improving the stability and reliability of the de-icing effect.

[0060] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the invention, but the scope of protection of the invention is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art should understand that the invention includes, but is not limited to, the contents described in the accompanying drawings and the specific embodiments above. Any modifications that do not depart from the functional and structural principles of the invention will be included within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An infrared heating device for melting ice on insulators, characterized in that, include: Infrared heat source, used to emit infrared light; A heat source focusing assembly includes a reflector and a Fresnel lens. The reflector is used to reflect and initially focus the infrared light emitted by the infrared heat source, and the Fresnel lens is used to refocus the infrared light initially focused by the reflector or directly from the infrared heat source. The distance sensing and adaptive adjustment subsystem includes a method for measuring the distance L from the infrared heat source's light output port to the target insulator. x The distance sensing module and based on distance L x A servo drive component automatically adjusts the relative distance between the Fresnel lens and the infrared heat source's light output port, thereby focusing the infrared light after secondary focusing onto the area where the target insulator is located.

2. The infrared heating device for de-icing insulators according to claim 1, characterized in that, The servo drive assembly includes a slide rail extending along the optical axis and a linear motor that drives the Fresnel lens to move linearly along the slide rail.

3. An infrared heating device for melting ice on insulators according to claim 2, characterized in that, The slide rail includes a slide rail body and a slider that slides along the slide rail body, the slider being connected to a Fresnel lens; and / or, two sets of slide rails are arranged in parallel.

4. An infrared heating device for de-icing insulators according to claim 1, characterized in that, The Fresnel lens is located inside the reflective lens tube.

5. An infrared heating device for de-icing insulators according to claim 1, characterized in that, The Fresnel lens has a concentric serrated stepped structure on its surface.

6. An infrared heating device for melting ice on insulators according to claim 1, characterized in that, The Fresnel lens is made of high-temperature resistant glass or polymer material; and / or, the thickness of the Fresnel lens is between 0.65 mm and 1.5 mm.

7. An infrared heating device for de-icing insulators according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reflector is a stainless steel reflector with a high-reflectivity metal film coated on its inner surface.

8. An infrared heating device for de-icing insulators according to claim 1, characterized in that, The infrared heat source is a thermal radiation lamp, and the thermal radiation lamp and the reflector are located inside the reflector tube.

9. An infrared heating device for de-icing insulators according to claim 1, characterized in that, The distance sensing module uses a laser rangefinder sensor.

10. A method for long-distance, uninterrupted de-icing of insulators based on infrared heating, characterized in that, The method of melting ice using the infrared heating device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 includes the following steps: a) Measure the distance L between the infrared heat source's light output port and the target insulator using the distance sensing module. x ; b) Based on distance L x The servo drive component moves the Fresnel lens, adjusting the distance L2 between the Fresnel lens and the infrared heat source's light output port, causing the Fresnel lens to move to the current distance L. x The optimal focusing position below; c) Activate the infrared heat source. The heat source focusing component will concentrate the infrared light and irradiate the ice-covered part of the target insulator to melt the ice. d) During the ice melting process, steps a) and b) can be repeated continuously or intermittently to maintain optimal focusing effect.

Images