A wind power blade light-emitting online monitoring device capable of positioning lightning conductor breakpoint

Abstract

The present application relates to wind power blade monitoring device technical field, solve the problem of large wiring quantity, high manufacturing cost, cannot monitor damage and breakpoint synchronously, low detection efficiency, existence monitoring blind area in prior art. Provide a kind of wind power blade light emission online monitoring device of lightning protection wire breakpoint positioning, including distributed pre-embedded strong light source array, loop wiring assembly and cabin remote electric control switch module. Distributed pre-embedded strong light source array is arranged in wind power blade inner cavity;Loop wiring assembly includes positive pole insulated conductor and negative pole connecting terminal, positive pole insulated conductor connects each light source module positive pole, negative pole connecting terminal is electrically connected with lightning protection main down lead, the end of lightning protection main down lead is grounded, and each component constitutes complete power supply loop.The device has beneficial effects that a set of light source simultaneously realizes blade shell damage monitoring and lightning protection lead wire breakpoint positioning, less wiring, supports remote timing control, reduces cost, improves detection reliability and operation safety.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of wind turbine blade monitoring equipment technology, and more specifically, to an online monitoring device for the light emission of wind turbine blades that can locate the break point of the lightning protection conductor. Background Technology

[0002] Wind turbine blades are the core load-bearing components of wind turbine generators for capturing wind energy. They are used for a long time in complex outdoor conditions such as strong winds, temperature differences, and lightning strikes. Their shells are prone to structural damage such as surface damage, internal micro-cracks, and delamination. At the same time, the lightning protection main down conductor embedded inside the blade is a key path for discharging lightning current, and its conductivity directly affects the safety of the entire machine operation. At present, the industry mostly adopts separate technical solutions for monitoring the condition of blades, and conducts tests on shell structural damage and lightning protection lead conductivity separately.

[0003] Existing translucent shell damage monitoring solutions using pre-embedded light sources require the separate installation of a complete set of positive and negative power supply wires inside the blade. This results in a large workload and high process complexity for pre-embedded wiring, increasing the manufacturing cost of the blade. Furthermore, this type of solution can only identify translucent damage to the shell and cannot simultaneously monitor for broken lightning protection down conductors. Traditional continuity testing of lightning protection down conductors relies on maintenance personnel climbing the tower to use specialized testing equipment for offline operations, which is inefficient, poses high safety risks on-site, and cannot achieve 24 / 7 online real-time monitoring. In addition, acoustic emission and fiber optic sensing monitoring equipment generally suffer from complex system structures, high deployment and maintenance costs, and blind spots in monitoring coverage, making them ineffective in identifying damage such as hidden cracks and delamination inside the shell.

[0004] In summary, existing wind turbine blade monitoring technologies cannot simultaneously achieve full-area damage monitoring of the blade shell and online location of lightning protection down conductor breakage points while reducing deployment costs. They also cannot balance the comprehensiveness of detection functions, the convenience of operation and maintenance, and the economy of engineering applications, exhibiting significant technical limitations. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to provide an online monitoring device for the light emission of wind turbine blades that can locate the break point of the lightning protection wire, so as to solve the problems of large amount of pre-buried wiring, high manufacturing cost, inability to simultaneously monitor blade shell damage and lightning protection wire break point, low offline detection efficiency and large blind zone of sensing equipment in the existing technology.

[0006] This invention is implemented as follows: This invention provides an online monitoring device for the light emission of wind turbine blades that can locate the break point of the lightning protection conductor, which includes a distributed pre-embedded high-intensity light source array, a loop wiring assembly, and a nacelle remote electrical control switch module; The aforementioned distributed pre-embedded high-intensity light source array is deployed inside the cavity of the wind turbine blade; The aforementioned circuit wiring assembly includes a positive insulated wire and a negative connection terminal. The positive insulated wire is electrically connected to the positive terminal of each light source module in the aforementioned distributed pre-embedded high-intensity light source array. The negative connection terminal is electrically connected to the lightning protection main down conductor built into the wind turbine blade. The end of the lightning protection main down conductor is grounded. The aforementioned distributed pre-embedded high-intensity light source array, positive insulated wire, negative connection terminal, nacelle remote electrical control switch module, lightning protection main down conductor, and grounding terminal together constitute a complete power supply circuit. The aforementioned nacelle remote control switch module is installed inside the nacelle of the wind turbine generator set, and the aforementioned positive insulated wires are connected to the aforementioned nacelle remote control switch module after being collected.

[0007] Preferably, the above-mentioned distributed pre-embedded high-intensity light source array is composed of multiple sets of voltage-resistant LED high-intensity light source modules connected in parallel.

[0008] Preferably, multiple sets of the above-mentioned pressure-resistant LED high-intensity light source modules are arranged at preset intervals along the web and the front and rear edges of the main and auxiliary plates of the blade, with the arrangement range extending continuously from the blade root to the blade tip, covering the entire inner cavity area of ​​the blade.

[0009] Preferably, the negative terminal is connected to the main lightning protection down conductor by crimping.

[0010] Preferably, the aforementioned cabin remote electrical control switch module integrates a high-voltage semiconductor switch, a wireless communication unit, a timing control module, and a unit back-end interaction interface.

[0011] Preferably, the timer control module automatically connects the power supply circuit according to a preset cycle to illuminate the voltage-resistant LED high-intensity light source module, and the wireless communication unit is electrically connected to the unit's back-end interaction interface to remotely control commands.

[0012] Preferably, multiple sets of the aforementioned high-voltage LED light source modules are arranged in segments along the length of the aforementioned lightning protection main down conductor, with each set of light source modules corresponding to a different segment of the lightning protection main down conductor.

[0013] Preferably, each of the above-mentioned pressure-resistant LED high-intensity light source modules is an independent modular structure.

[0014] Preferably, the aforementioned distributed pre-embedded high-intensity light source array and loop wiring assembly are pre-embedded and fixed inside the blade during the blade production layup stage, and are integrally formed with the wind turbine blade.

[0015] Preferably, the power input terminal of the aforementioned cabin remote electronic control switch module is electrically connected to the existing power supply system within the cabin.

[0016] In summary, due to the adoption of the above technical solution, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: 1. Effectively reduces blade manufacturing costs and simplifies internal pre-embedding processes.

[0017] This invention reuses the original lightning protection main down conductor of the wind turbine blade as the negative conductor of the power supply circuit. Reliable conduction of the negative terminal of the circuit can be achieved simply by connecting the negative terminal, eliminating the need for pre-embedding the entire length of the negative insulated wire, which greatly reduces the amount of wiring and material costs inside the blade. At the same time, the entire device can be pre-embedded and fixed during the blade production layup stage, forming an integral part of the blade. No need for later drilling operations on the shell, thus balancing production and assembly efficiency with the structural integrity and airtightness of the blade shell.

[0018] 2. Achieve high functional integration of one machine for dual use, reducing the overall investment in the monitoring system.

[0019] This invention relies on the same set of distributed pre-embedded high-intensity light source array hardware, which can realize the structural damage monitoring of the entire blade shell through the light transmission effect, and can quickly and accurately locate the break point of the main lightning protection down conductor by the light source modules deployed in segments along the lightning protection down conductor. There is no need to configure additional independent lightning protection break detection equipment, avoiding the duplication of two monitoring systems and significantly reducing the overall construction and operation and maintenance costs of the blade monitoring system.

[0020] 3. Achieves full-area blind-spot-free monitoring of the blade's internal cavity, with excellent damage identification accuracy and operational stability.

[0021] This invention employs multiple sets of parallel pressure-resistant LED high-intensity light source modules, continuously arranged from the blade root to the blade tip along the blade web and the leading and trailing edges of the main and auxiliary plates. This enables uniform illumination throughout the internal cavity, effectively eliminating monitoring blind spots and accurately identifying various types of structural damage, such as surface damage, internal micro-cracks, and delamination. Furthermore, by adopting an optical transmission detection principle, it is unaffected by electromagnetic interference and acoustic clutter in the wind field environment, resulting in enhanced stability and reliability of the device during long-term operation.

[0022] 4. The operation and maintenance are convenient and efficient, greatly reducing on-site operation risks and costs.

[0023] This invention integrates timing control and remote communication functions through a remote electrical control switch module in the engine room. It can automatically illuminate the light source at a preset cycle to perform routine monitoring, enabling unattended online inspections at night. It can also remotely and manually start monitoring when the unit malfunctions, allowing maintenance personnel to start and stop monitoring without climbing the tower, effectively reducing the frequency of tower climbing operations and safety risks. At the same time, the light source module adopts an independent modular design, and a single unit can be disassembled and replaced individually when it fails, without replacing the entire light source array, shortening downtime for maintenance and reducing maintenance spare parts costs. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present invention and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an online monitoring device for the optical emission of wind turbine blades that can locate the break point of the lightning protection conductor, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the detection layout of an online monitoring device for the light emission of wind turbine blades that can locate the break point of a lightning protection conductor, as described in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This is an electrical schematic diagram of an online monitoring device for the light emission of wind turbine blades that can locate the break point of the lightning protection conductor, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Icons: 1-Distributed pre-embedded high-intensity light source array, 2-Circuit wiring assembly, 3-Positive insulated wire, 4-Negative connection terminal, 5-Lightning protection main lead-down wire, 6-Voltage-resistant LED high-intensity light source module, 7-High-voltage semiconductor switch. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0028] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the invention.

[0029] Example See Figure 1 and Figure 2 This embodiment proposes an online monitoring device for the light emission of wind turbine blades that can locate the break point of the lightning protection wire, including a distributed pre-embedded high light source array 1, a loop wiring assembly 2, and a nacelle remote electrical control switch module (not shown in the figure). A distributed pre-embedded high-intensity light source array 1 is installed inside the cavity of the wind turbine blade; The circuit wiring assembly 2 includes a positive insulated wire 3 and a negative connection terminal 4. The positive insulated wire 3 is electrically connected to the positive terminals of each light source module in the distributed pre-embedded high light source array 1. The negative connection terminal 4 is electrically connected to the lightning protection main down conductor 5 built into the wind turbine blade. The end of the lightning protection main down conductor 5 is grounded. The distributed pre-embedded high light source array 1, the positive insulated wire 3, the negative connection terminal 4, the nacelle remote electrical control switch module, the lightning protection main down conductor 5, and the grounding terminal together constitute a complete power supply circuit. The nacelle remote control switch module is installed inside the nacelle of the wind turbine generator set. The positive insulated wire 3 is connected to the nacelle remote control switch module after being gathered. The nacelle remote control switch module is used to control the on and off of the power supply circuit.

[0030] During operation, the remote electrical control switch module of the nacelle, located inside the wind turbine generator nacelle, controls the power supply circuit to be turned on. The distributed pre-embedded high-intensity light source array 1 forms a complete conductive path with the main lightning protection down conductor 5 and grounding terminal built into the wind turbine blade through the positive insulated wire 3 and the negative connection terminal 4. The distributed pre-embedded high-intensity light source array 1 installed in the inner cavity of the wind turbine blade operates normally and realizes online monitoring.

[0031] This embodiment discloses an online monitoring device for the light emission of wind turbine blades that can locate the break point of the lightning protection conductor. By electrically connecting the circuit wiring assembly 2 to the lightning protection main down conductor 5 built into the wind turbine blade through the negative terminal 4, and combining it with the grounding terminal, a complete power supply circuit is formed. The lightning protection main down conductor 5 is reused as the negative conductor of the power supply circuit. In conjunction with the distributed pre-embedded high-intensity light source array 1 deployed in the inner cavity of the wind turbine blade and the nacelle remote electrical control switch module set in the nacelle of the wind turbine, the amount of pre-embedded wiring inside the blade is reduced. At the same time, the same set of devices can be used to complete the online monitoring of the inner cavity and the on / off status detection of the lightning protection main down conductor 5. At the same time, the power supply circuit can be conveniently controlled through the nacelle remote electrical control switch module, which effectively improves the functional integration and maintenance convenience of the device.

[0032] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this embodiment, the distributed pre-embedded high-intensity light source array 1 is composed of multiple sets of parallel-connected high-intensity LED light source modules 6.

[0033] Specifically, a distributed pre-embedded high-intensity light source array 1 is constructed by using multiple sets of pressure-resistant LED high-intensity light source modules 6 connected in parallel. This array can achieve uniform illumination of the entire blade cavity through multi-point distributed lighting, eliminating monitoring blind spots and ensuring the detection coverage and identification accuracy of light-transmitting damage to the shell. Furthermore, the parallel connection method ensures that the failure of a single light source does not affect the normal operation of the remaining modules, improving the overall operational reliability of the device. At the same time, the pressure resistance characteristics can adapt to the complex working conditions inside the blade, enhancing the environmental adaptability and service life of the device.

[0034] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this embodiment, multiple sets of pressure-resistant LED high-intensity light source modules 6 are arranged at preset intervals along the web and front and rear edges of the main and auxiliary plates of the blade, with the arrangement range extending continuously from the blade root to the blade tip, covering the entire inner cavity area of ​​the blade.

[0035] Specifically, by adopting an arrangement that extends continuously from the blade root to the blade tip along the front and rear edges of the blade web and main and auxiliary plates at preset intervals, uniform light distribution can be achieved throughout the blade cavity, effectively eliminating monitoring blind spots. This ensures that various types of damage, such as surface damage, internal micro-cracks, and delamination, can be accurately identified through the light transmission effect, significantly improving the coverage and reliability of light transmission damage monitoring. At the same time, it conforms to the internal structure layout of the blade, facilitating the simultaneous completion of pre-embedding operations during the blade production layup stage.

[0036] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this embodiment, the negative terminal 4 is connected to the lightning protection main lead 5 by crimping.

[0037] Specifically, the negative terminal 4 is connected to the main lightning protection down conductor 5 by crimping. This achieves both a stable mechanical fixation and a reliable electrical connection with low impedance, withstands vibration and temperature changes during blade operation, avoids loosening of the contact, and ensures long-term stable conduction of the power supply circuit. It also allows the original main lightning protection down conductor 5 of the blade to be reused as the negative terminal of the circuit, eliminating the need for pre-embedding of the entire negative conductor, simplifying the blade manufacturing process, reducing manufacturing costs, and ensuring the accuracy of the detection of the break point of the lightning protection down conductor.

[0038] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this embodiment, the cabin remote electrical control switch module (the cabin remote electrical control switch module is a conventional existing technology module) integrates a high-voltage semiconductor switch 7, a wireless communication unit (not shown in the figure), a timing control module (not shown in the figure), and a unit back-end interaction interface (not shown in the figure).

[0039] Specifically, the nacelle remote electrical control switch module integrates a high-voltage semiconductor switch 7, a wireless communication unit, a timing control module, and a generator set backend interface. Its highly integrated structure reduces the space occupied by the switch within the nacelle, adapting to the compact layout of wind turbine units. Furthermore, the high-voltage semiconductor switch 7 enables rapid and reliable switching of the power supply circuit. Combined with the wireless communication unit and the generator set backend interface, remote manual control is possible, allowing for start-up and monitoring without tower climbing. The timing control module can automatically execute monitoring tasks according to preset cycles, supporting unattended online monitoring at night, effectively improving operation and maintenance efficiency and reducing on-site operating costs and safety risks.

[0040] See Figure 1 and Figure 2In this embodiment, the timing control module automatically connects the power supply circuit according to a preset cycle to light up the voltage-resistant LED high-intensity light source module 6. The wireless communication unit is electrically connected to the unit's back-end interaction interface to remotely control the manual control command (not shown in the figure) to realize the manual on / off control of the power supply circuit.

[0041] Specifically, the system employs a dual-mode control system for power supply circuit switching, combining timed automatic and remote manual operation. The timed control module automatically illuminates the light source module according to a preset cycle, enabling routine unattended online monitoring and reducing on-site maintenance frequency and labor costs. Simultaneously, the system receives remote manual commands via a wireless communication unit and the unit's backend interface, instantly initiating monitoring in case of unit malfunctions, rapidly responding to troubleshooting needs, and mitigating safety risks associated with tower climbing operations. This dual-mode approach combines the convenience of routine inspections with the flexibility of emergency troubleshooting, effectively improving the system's operational efficiency and scenario adaptability.

[0042] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this embodiment, multiple sets of high-voltage LED light source modules 6 are arranged in segments along the length of the main lightning protection down conductor 5, with each set of light source modules corresponding to different sections of the main lightning protection down conductor 5.

[0043] Specifically, multiple sets of high-voltage LED light source modules 6 are deployed in segments along the length of the main lightning protection down conductor 5, so that the conduction status of each light source module directly corresponds to the on / off status of the main lightning protection down conductor 5 in its respective section. There is no need to configure additional dedicated wire break detection equipment. The break point of the main lightning protection down conductor 5 can be quickly and accurately determined simply by the boundary interval of the light source's on / off state. This effectively reduces the scope of fault investigation and shortens the tower climbing and maintenance operation time. At the same time, relying on the same set of light source hardware, the dual functions of casing damage monitoring and lightning protection lead wire break point location are realized simultaneously, further reducing the overall deployment and maintenance costs of the monitoring system.

[0044] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this embodiment, each group of high-pressure LED light source modules 6 is an independent modular structure.

[0045] Specifically, each group of high-voltage LED light source modules adopts an independent modular structure. When a single group fails, it can be disassembled and replaced individually without replacing the entire row of light sources. This reduces maintenance and spare parts costs, shortens downtime for maintenance, and avoids interference with other normally operating light source modules and pre-embedded wiring, effectively improving the ease of maintenance and operational reliability of the device.

[0046] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this embodiment, the distributed pre-embedded high-intensity light source array 1 and the loop wiring assembly 2 are pre-embedded and fixed inside the blade during the blade production layup stage, and are integrally formed with the wind turbine blade.

[0047] Specifically, the distributed pre-embedded high-intensity light source array 1 and the loop wiring assembly 2 are pre-embedded and fixed during the blade production layup stage and integrally formed with the wind turbine blade. There is no need to add them by opening holes in the blade shell later. The structural strength and airtight performance of the blade shell can be completely preserved. At the same time, the light source and wiring are fixed synchronously with the blade forming. The installation position is precise and the connection is stable. It can withstand the vibration and centrifugal load during the blade operation, avoid displacement and loosening, improve the long-term reliability of the device, and the pre-embedding process can be carried out simultaneously with the original blade production process, simplifying the overall assembly process.

[0048] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this embodiment, the power input terminal of the cabin remote electronic control switch module is electrically connected to the original power supply system in the cabin (not shown in the figure).

[0049] Specifically, the power input terminal of the remote electrical control switch module in the nacelle is connected to the existing power supply system of the nacelle and converted to a suitable working voltage by the distributed pre-embedded high-intensity light source array 1. It can directly reuse the existing power supply resources of the wind turbine nacelle without the need for additional independent power supply and supporting wiring, simplifying the system installation process and reducing the deployment cost. At the same time, the working voltage output after the conversion is matched with the light source module, ensuring the stability of the operation of the distributed light source array and the safety of power supply. It can also be adapted to the power supply specifications of different wind turbine models, improving the model compatibility of the device.

[0050] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this embodiment, the pressure-resistant LED high-intensity light source module 6 is symmetrically fixed to both sides of the blade web. The blade web is the core supporting structure of the blade cavity. By symmetrically arranging the light source modules on both sides of the web, light can be evenly projected onto the shell areas on both sides of the web, improving the uniformity of the overall illumination of the cavity, avoiding the light blind zone caused by unilateral arrangement, and ensuring that damage to the leading and trailing edge shells of the blade can be effectively identified. At the same time, relying on the web as the mounting base, it is easy to fix synchronously during the blade layup process. The installation structure is stable and can withstand the vibration and centrifugal load during blade operation.

[0051] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this embodiment, the positive insulated wire 3 is laid along the blade root and led out through the wiring channel (not shown in the figure) of the blade root flange to connect to the nacelle remote electrical control switch module. The positive insulated wire 3 is neatly laid along the blade root, and the wiring path is compatible with the original internal wiring system of the blade. The wiring transition from the inner cavity to the nacelle is completed by using the wiring channel preset by the blade root flange. There is no need to open additional wiring holes on the blade root structure, which can completely preserve the structural strength and sealing performance of the blade root part, while realizing a smooth and reliable connection of the wire from the blade inner cavity to the nacelle electrical control module.

[0052] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this embodiment, the high-intensity LED light source module 6 is externally equipped with a high-intensity insulating enclosure (not shown in the figure). The high-intensity insulating enclosure completely encapsulates the LED light-emitting core and internal connecting circuits, providing insulation, dustproof, and moisture-proof protection. It can withstand the negative pressure, temperature differences, and long-term vibration conditions inside the blade cavity, preventing the internal circuits from failing due to environmental corrosion. At the same time, it can isolate the light source module from direct contact with the internal metal components of the blade, eliminating the risk of leakage and effectively improving the operational safety and service life of the light source module.

[0053] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this embodiment, a surge protection element (not shown in the figure) is connected in series in the power supply circuit. The surge protection element is integrated inside the cabin remote electronic control switch module. Connected in series at the front end of the power supply circuit, the surge protection element can quickly discharge surge current and clamp overvoltage in the circuit during a lightning strike, preventing damage to the electronic control switch assembly and the downstream light source module from lightning strikes. Integrating it inside the cabin remote electronic control switch module eliminates the need for additional installation space, resulting in higher device integration. It also provides unified lightning protection for the entire power supply circuit, improving the overall lightning withstand capability of the device.

[0054] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this embodiment, the cabin remote electronic control switch module integrates an AC / DC power converter (not shown in the figure) to convert the three-phase AC power input from the cabin into low-voltage DC power to power the distributed pre-embedded high-intensity light source array 1. The AC / DC power converter is integrated inside the electronic control module and can be directly connected to the cabin's standard three-phase AC power supply system, converting it into low-voltage DC power compatible with the voltage-resistant LED high-intensity light source module 6. There is no need to configure an additional independent external power supply module, which simplifies the system power supply architecture. At the same time, the unified power conversion output can ensure the stable operating voltage of each group of light source modules, and improve the consistency of light emission and operational reliability.

[0055] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this embodiment, the negative terminal 4 is a copper crimp terminal, which is tightly crimped and fixed to the bare conductor section of the main lightning protection down conductor 5. Using a copper crimp terminal as the negative terminal connection component provides excellent conductivity and high mechanical strength. Through the crimping process, it is tightly bonded to the bare conductor section of the main lightning protection down conductor 5, forming a reliable electrical connection with low impedance. Simultaneously, the crimp structure possesses excellent vibration resistance and anti-loosening properties, adapting to the complex operating conditions of long-term blade rotation, avoiding circuit interruptions caused by poor contact, and ensuring the long-term conductivity stability of the power supply circuit.

[0056] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this embodiment, the lightning protection main down conductor 5 is the original pre-embedded lightning current discharge conductor of the wind turbine blade, which also serves as the negative busbar of the power supply circuit. By directly reusing the pre-embedded lightning protection main down conductor 5 of the wind turbine blade, which originally performed the core function of lightning current discharge, it also serves as the negative busbar of the light source power supply circuit. There is no need to add an extra full-length negative pre-embedded conductor, which greatly reduces the amount of pre-embedded wiring and material costs inside the blade. At the same time, relying on the large cross-section conductor characteristics of the lightning protection down conductor itself, the current carrying capacity and conductivity reliability of the power supply circuit can be fully guaranteed.

[0057] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 The specific monitoring principle of the online monitoring device for the light emission of wind turbine blades that can locate the break point of the lightning protection conductor in this embodiment is as follows: In the monitoring of light transmission damage in blade shells, this monitoring function is based on the principle of optical light transmission detection. After the device is started, the remote electronic control switch module of the nacelle connects the power supply circuit, and the distributed pre-embedded strong light source array 1 deployed in the inner cavity of the blade is lit up throughout, emitting uniform light to the entire inner cavity of the blade.

[0058] When the blade shell structure is intact and undamaged, the composite material layup of the blade shell has light-blocking properties. The light in the inner cavity is completely blocked by the shell structure and cannot be transmitted to the outside of the blade. There are no abnormal light-transmitting points on the outer surface of the shell.

[0059] When the blade shell is subjected to load impact, fatigue aging, and other effects, structural defects such as surface damage, internal microcracks, and delamination occur, the continuity of the shell material at the defect location is disrupted, and the local light transmittance changes significantly. Strong light from the internal cavity will transmit outward along the damage path, forming a captureable light spot or band on the outer surface of the shell. Combined with image acquisition equipment such as the nacelle-mounted camera and inspection drones, abnormal light transmittance characteristics on the shell surface can be captured. By observing the location, shape, brightness, and distribution range of the light transmittance points, the specific location, type, and severity of the damage can be identified. Because the light source is distributed throughout the blade web and leading and trailing edges, there are no blind spots in the internal cavity. Therefore, damage of different depths, such as surface damage, internal hidden microcracks, and delamination, can be effectively identified through the light transmittance effect. Furthermore, the optical detection method is unaffected by electromagnetic interference and acoustic clutter in the wind field environment, resulting in stable and reliable detection results.

[0060] In the breakpoint location of the main lightning protection down conductor 5, this location function is based on the logic of "one-to-one mapping between the on / off state of the light source module and the segmented conduction state of the main lightning protection down conductor 5". Multiple sets of withstand voltage LED high-intensity light source modules 6 are arranged in segments along the length of the main lightning protection down conductor 5. The negative terminal of each light source module is connected to the corresponding segment of the main lightning protection down conductor 5 through the negative terminal connection terminal 4, and finally, a complete power supply circuit is formed by grounding at the end of the main lightning protection down conductor 5.

[0061] When the main lightning protection down conductor 5 is in a normal conducting state, the entire main lightning protection down conductor 5 has conductivity, and all the light source modules deployed in each section can be grounded to the negative terminal through the main lightning protection down conductor 5. The power supply circuit is fully connected, and all light source modules are lit up synchronously and normally.

[0062] When a break occurs at a certain point in the main lightning protection down conductor 5, the break will divide the main lightning protection down conductor 5 into a conductive section on the leaf root side and a disconnected section on the leaf tip side: In the section where the break is closer to the leaf root side, the main lightning protection down conductor 5 remains grounded and conductive, and the power supply circuit of the light source module in the corresponding section is intact, maintaining normal lighting status; In the section where the break is closer to the leaf tip side, the main lightning protection down conductor 5 is disconnected from the grounding terminal, the negative circuit of the light source module in the corresponding section is interrupted, and it cannot obtain power and is in an off state.

[0063] As a result, a clear boundary interface of "lit section - extinguished section" will be formed along the length of the blade. The 5-segment section of the main lightning protection down conductor corresponding to this boundary position is the location of the break point. This enables rapid and accurate segmentation and positioning of the 5-segment break point of the main lightning protection down conductor, without the need for additional dedicated line break detection equipment or maintenance personnel to climb the tower to check each segment, greatly reducing the scope of fault investigation and improving maintenance efficiency.

[0064] In addition, the cabin remote electrical control switch module can automatically connect the circuit according to a preset cycle through the timed control module to realize normalized unattended online monitoring; it can also receive remote manual commands through the wireless communication unit and the unit's back-end interaction interface, and start monitoring immediately in scenarios such as the unit being struck by lightning or an abnormal alarm, quickly complete the investigation of shell damage and verification of the continuity status of lightning protection leads, taking into account both the convenience of routine inspections and the flexibility of emergency investigations.

[0065] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 The electrical schematic diagram presents the complete power supply and control logic of this monitoring device. The power input terminal is connected to the 400VAC three-phase AC power from the nacelle side through the slip ring channel. The main circuit is switched on and off and the power is distributed through the system power supply main switch -1Q1. The PE protective ground wire is connected to the grounding system simultaneously. After the main switch, the power supply is divided into two branches. One branch supplies power to the original equipment of the unit, such as the pitch system PLC, and the other branch is connected to the dedicated power supply branch of this device.

[0066] The core components of the main circuit of the device are integrated in the pitch control cabinet of the wind turbine generator set. The power supply branch first passes through the circuit breaker protection-1F2 to realize the overcurrent and short circuit protection of the circuit. Then it is connected to the main contacts of the contactor-1K1 as the actuator for switching the power supply circuit on and off. The rear end of the contactor is connected in series with the lightning protection device, and finally connected to the fixed LED power supply terminal-1X2. The switches, protection and wiring devices in the cabinet together form the main hardware of the remote electrical control switch module of the nacelle.

[0067] The output line of terminal-1X2 extends into the inner cavity of the wind turbine blade to power multiple sets of fixed LED light groups (H1~HX) connected in parallel. These multiple light groups are the distributed pre-embedded high-intensity light source array 1. Instead of laying a dedicated negative conductor on the negative side of the light group, the original lightning protection main down conductor 5 of the wind turbine blade is directly connected as the negative conductor of the circuit. A complete closed power supply circuit is formed by relying on the grounding end of the lightning protection main down conductor 5, realizing the integrated reuse of the lightning protection lead and the light source power supply circuit.

[0068] The control loop is driven by the digital output port of the pitch system PLC. The PLC outputs a 24VDC control signal to both ends of the coil of contactor-1K1. The energization and de-energization of the coil control the opening and closing of the main contacts of the contactor, thereby controlling the on / off of the power supply circuit of the light source. Based on this hardware architecture, the control system can be expanded to connect to a timing control module, a wireless communication unit and a back-end interaction interface of the unit, to realize a dual mode of timed automatic start and stop and remote manual control, meeting the operation and maintenance needs of unattended online monitoring.

[0069] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An online monitoring device for the optical emission of wind turbine blades capable of locating the break point of lightning protection conductors, characterized in that: It includes a distributed pre-embedded high-intensity light source array (1), a loop wiring assembly (2), and a cabin remote electronic control switch module; The distributed pre-embedded high-intensity light source array (1) is installed inside the wind turbine blade; The circuit wiring assembly (2) includes a positive insulated wire (3) and a negative connection terminal (4). The positive insulated wire (3) is electrically connected to the positive pole of each light source module in the distributed pre-embedded high light source array (1). The negative connection terminal (4) is electrically connected to the lightning protection main down conductor (5) built into the wind turbine blade. The end of the lightning protection main down conductor (5) is grounded. The distributed pre-embedded high light source array (1), the positive insulated wire (3), the negative connection terminal (4), the nacelle remote electronic control switch module, the lightning protection main down conductor (5), and the grounding terminal together constitute a complete power supply circuit. The nacelle remote control switch module is installed inside the nacelle of the wind turbine generator set, and the positive insulated wire (3) is connected to the nacelle remote control switch module after being collected.

2. The wind turbine blade optical emission online monitoring device for locating the break point of the lightning protection conductor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The distributed pre-embedded high-intensity light source array (1) is composed of multiple sets of parallel-connected high-intensity LED light source modules (6).

3. The wind turbine blade optical emission online monitoring device for locating the break point of the lightning protection conductor according to claim 2, characterized in that: Multiple sets of the pressure-resistant LED high-intensity light source modules (6) are arranged at preset intervals along the web and front and rear edges of the main and auxiliary plates of the blade, with the arrangement range extending continuously from the blade root to the blade tip, covering the entire inner cavity area of ​​the blade.

4. The online monitoring device for the optical emission of wind turbine blades capable of locating the break point of lightning protection conductors according to claim 1, characterized in that: The negative terminal (4) is connected to the lightning protection main lead (5) by crimping.

5. The wind turbine blade optical emission online monitoring device for locating the break point of the lightning protection conductor according to claim 2, characterized in that: The cabin remote electrical control switch module integrates a high-voltage semiconductor switch (7), a wireless communication unit, a timing control module, and a unit back-end interaction interface.

6. The online monitoring device for the optical emission of wind turbine blades capable of locating the break point of lightning protection conductors according to claim 5, characterized in that: The timing control module automatically connects the power supply circuit according to the preset cycle to light up the voltage-resistant LED high light source module (6), and the wireless communication unit is electrically connected to the back-end interaction interface of the unit to remotely control commands.

7. The wind turbine blade optical emission online monitoring device for locating the break point of the lightning protection conductor according to claim 2, characterized in that: Multiple sets of the voltage-resistant LED high-intensity light source modules (6) are arranged in segments along the length of the lightning protection main down conductor (5), with each set of light source modules corresponding to different sections of the lightning protection main down conductor (5).

8. The online monitoring device for the optical emission of wind turbine blades capable of locating breakpoints in lightning protection conductors according to claim 2, characterized in that: Each group of high-pressure LED light source modules (6) has an independent modular structure.

9. The online monitoring device for the optical emission of wind turbine blades capable of locating the break point of lightning protection conductors according to claim 1, characterized in that: The distributed pre-embedded high light source array (1) and the loop wiring assembly (2) are pre-embedded and fixed inside the blade during the blade production layup stage, and are integrally formed with the wind turbine blade.

10. The online monitoring device for the optical emission of wind turbine blades capable of locating the break point of lightning protection conductors according to claim 1, characterized in that: The power input terminal of the cabin remote electronic control switch module is electrically connected to the existing power supply system inside the cabin.

Images