Multi-measuring-point optical fiber temperature sensor and temperature measuring system

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of temperature detection, in particular to a multi-measuring-point optical fiber temperature sensor and a temperature measuring system, which comprise a plurality of sub temperature sensing probes, optical fibers and optical fiber joints, and the plurality of sub temperature sensing probes are connected in series or in parallel. According to the utility model, a plurality of different types of sub temperature sensing probes are integrated in the same sensor, so that multiple verification of measured data is realized, and when a certain probe has data abnormity due to environmental interference or self failure, other probes can still provide reliable temperature data, so that the reliability of the temperature sensor is improved. The problem of false alarm possibly occurring in a traditional single-point temperature measurement system is effectively avoided, the measurement accuracy is improved, flexible topological structure series / parallel connection is provided, and the system is suitable for diversified application scenes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of temperature detection technology, specifically to a multi-point fiber optic temperature sensor and temperature measurement system. Background Technology

[0002] Temperature measurement plays a crucial role in industrial production, power systems, aerospace, and medical monitoring. Especially in critical power equipment such as hydro-generators, transformers, and high-voltage switchgear, real-time and accurate temperature monitoring is directly related to the safe operation and fault early warning of the equipment. Traditional fiber optic temperature sensors typically employ single-point temperature measurement, relying on a single sensing unit for temperature acquisition. However, under complex operating conditions (such as strong electromagnetic interference, mechanical vibration, and humid environments), a single measuring point may malfunction due to sensor aging, fiber breakage, signal interference, or loose installation, leading to false alarms or data failure. For example, when a hydro-generator is running at high speed, the temperature distribution in critical components such as the stator windings and bearings is uneven. If relying solely on single-point temperature measurement, if that measuring point is damaged or the data is abnormal, the system may be unable to accurately determine the true temperature status of the equipment, potentially leading to false alarms or missed alarms, severely impacting the safe operation of the equipment. Utility Model Content

[0003] (I) Purpose of the utility model

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a multi-point fiber optic temperature sensor and temperature measurement system that incorporates multiple probes within a single sensor to improve measurement accuracy.

[0005] (II) Technical Solution

[0006] To address the aforementioned issues, this utility model provides a multi-point fiber optic temperature sensor, comprising: multiple sub-temperature sensing probes, optical fibers, and fiber optic connectors, wherein the multiple sub-temperature sensing probes are connected in series or in parallel.

[0007] When multiple sub-temperature sensing probes are connected in parallel, the number of optical fibers and optical fiber connectors is the same as the number of sub-temperature sensing probes, forming a temperature measurement route with the same number of sub-temperature sensing probes. The temperature measurement route includes sub-temperature sensing probes, optical fibers, and optical fiber connectors.

[0008] When multiple sub-temperature sensing probes are connected in series, the number of optical fibers and optical fiber connectors is less than or equal to the number of sub-temperature sensing probes.

[0009] In another aspect of this invention, preferably, the sub-temperature sensing probe includes a direct bandgap semiconductor temperature sensing probe, a fluorescence temperature sensing probe, a fiber optic grating temperature sensing probe, and a Fabry-Perot cavity temperature sensing probe.

[0010] In another aspect, preferably, a temperature measurement system for a multi-point fiber optic temperature sensor is provided, the temperature measurement system comprising the multi-point fiber optic temperature sensor as described above, and the temperature measurement system further comprising:

[0011] Demodulator, wherein the multi-point fiber optic temperature sensor is connected to the demodulator;

[0012] The demodulator generates an excitation light source whose wavelength covers the operating range of the multi-point fiber optic temperature sensor.

[0013] The excitation light source is transmitted to the multi-point fiber optic temperature sensor, and the multiple sub-temperature sensing probes of the multi-point fiber optic temperature sensor reflect the excitation light source respectively, generating multiple reflected signals.

[0014] The multiple reflected signals are transmitted to the demodulator, which analyzes the multiple reflected signals to obtain the final temperature.

[0015] In another aspect of this invention, preferably, the demodulator includes an excitation light source module, which is used to generate an excitation light source.

[0016] In another aspect of this utility model, preferably, the excitation light source module includes light source units, and the relationship between the light source units and optical fibers includes that a single light source unit corresponds to all optical fibers, and each optical fiber uses the single light source unit in a polling manner; the number of light source units is the same as the number of optical fibers, with one light source unit corresponding to one optical fiber; or multiple light source units correspond to one optical fiber.

[0017] In another aspect, preferably, the present invention further includes a connection interface, through which the demodulator is connected to the multi-point fiber optic temperature sensor.

[0018] In another aspect, preferably, the present invention further includes an adapter component, through which the multi-point fiber optic temperature sensor is connected to the connection interface.

[0019] In another aspect of this invention, preferably, the connection interface is configured as an optical coupler, and the adapter component is configured as an adapter optical cable.

[0020] In another aspect of this invention, preferably, the demodulator includes a data processing module, which processes multiple reflected signals to obtain multiple initial temperatures, and obtains a final temperature based on the multiple initial temperatures.

[0021] In another aspect of this invention, preferably, the data processing module includes data processing units, the number of which is less than or equal to the number of sub-temperature sensing probes.

[0022] (III) Beneficial Effects

[0023] The above-mentioned technical solution of this utility model has the following beneficial technical effects:

[0024] This invention integrates multiple different types of sub-temperature sensing probes within the same sensor, enabling multiple verification of measurement data. When one probe experiences abnormal data due to environmental interference or its own malfunction, the other probes can still provide reliable temperature data. This effectively avoids the false alarm problem that may occur in traditional single-point temperature measurement systems, improves measurement accuracy, and provides flexible series / parallel topology structures to adapt to diverse application scenarios. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a multi-point fiber optic temperature sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the temperature measurement system structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure label:

[0028] 1: Sub-temperature sensor probe; 2: Optical fiber; 3: Optical fiber connector; 4: Connection interface; 5: Demodulator; 501: Excitation light source module; 502: Data processing module; 6: Adapter component. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these descriptions are merely exemplary and not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. Furthermore, descriptions of well-known structures and technologies are omitted in the following description to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the concept of this utility model.

[0030] The accompanying drawings show structural schematic diagrams according to embodiments of the present invention. These drawings are not drawn to scale, and some details have been enlarged for clarity, and some details may have been omitted. The shapes of the various regions and layers shown in the drawings, as well as their relative sizes and positional relationships, are merely exemplary and may deviate from reality due to manufacturing tolerances or technical limitations. Furthermore, those skilled in the art can design regions / layers with different shapes, sizes, and relative positions as needed.

[0031] Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0032] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of this utility model described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0033] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the various drawings, the same elements are indicated by similar reference numerals. For clarity, the parts in the drawings are not drawn to scale.

[0034] Example 1

[0035] A multi-point fiber optic temperature sensor, Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of a multi-point fiber optic temperature sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, as follows: Figure 1 As shown, the device includes: multiple sub-temperature sensing probes 1, optical fibers 2, and optical fiber connectors 3. The multiple sub-temperature sensing probes are connected in series or parallel. A single temperature sensor integrates multiple independently operating temperature sensing units, which can include direct bandgap semiconductor temperature sensors, fluorescence temperature sensors, fiber Bragg grating temperature sensors, and Fabry-Perot cavity temperature sensors. For example, the direct bandgap semiconductor temperature sensor can be a gallium arsenide temperature sensor, and the gallium arsenide temperature sensor, fiber Bragg grating temperature sensor, and Fabry-Perot cavity temperature sensor can be integrated. Optical fibers 2 are used to transmit optical signals and connect each sensing probe to the demodulation device. The number of optical fibers can be flexibly adjusted according to the probe connection method. Optical fiber connectors 3 are used for reliable connection between the optical fiber and the probe, and between the optical fiber and the demodulation device, ensuring low-loss optical path transmission.

[0036] When multiple sub-temperature sensing probes 1 are connected in parallel, the number of optical fibers 2 and optical fiber connectors 3 is the same as the number of sub-temperature sensing probes, forming a temperature measurement route with the same number of sub-temperature sensing probes 1. Each temperature measurement route includes a sub-temperature sensing probe, an optical fiber, and an optical fiber connector. Each sub-temperature sensing probe 1 occupies an independent optical fiber channel 2 and an optical fiber connector 3, meaning the number of optical fibers and connectors is the same as the number of probes, configured in a 1:1 ratio, forming multiple independent temperature measurement paths. Each path includes: a demodulator, an optical fiber connector 3, an optical fiber 2, a sub-temperature sensing probe 1, and the target being measured. Each path does not interfere with each other, and signals are transmitted independently. Parallel connection provides good signal isolation, avoiding crosstalk, and is suitable for high-precision measurement scenarios. It also offers strong fault isolation; damage to a single probe or optical fiber does not affect the operation of other channels. Real-time performance is high; all probes can acquire data synchronously, eliminating the need for time-division multiplexing.

[0037] When multiple sub-temperature sensing probes 1 are connected in series, the number of optical fibers 2 and optical fiber connectors 3 is less than or equal to the number of sub-temperature sensing probes. Multiple sub-temperature sensing probes 1 share the same optical fiber backbone 2, requiring only optical fiber connectors 3 at the start and end points of the series link. For example, when N probes are connected in series, only 1-2 optical fibers and 2 connectors are needed, the specific number depending on the topology design. The temperature measurement route is a single series path, such as demodulator, optical fiber connector 3, optical fiber 2, sub-temperature sensing probe 101, sub-temperature sensing probe 102... sub-temperature sensing probe N and demodulator. Time-division multiplexing (TDM) or wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) technology can be used to distinguish the signals from each probe. This significantly reduces the amount of optical fiber used, making it suitable for space-constrained scenarios.

[0038] Example 2

[0039] A temperature measurement system comprising a multi-point fiber optic temperature sensor, the temperature measurement system including the multi-point fiber optic temperature sensor as described above. Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a temperature measurement system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, as follows: Figure 2 As shown, the temperature measurement system also includes:

[0040] Demodulator 5, the multi-point fiber optic temperature sensor is connected to demodulator 5;

[0041] The demodulator 5 generates an excitation light source whose wavelength covers the operating range of the multi-point fiber optic temperature sensor. The excitation light source is transmitted to the multi-point fiber optic temperature sensor, and multiple sub-temperature sensing probes of the sensor reflect the excitation light source, generating multiple reflected signals. These reflected signals are transmitted to the demodulator 5, which analyzes them to obtain the final temperature. The demodulator 5 incorporates a broadband light source, such as an SLD or a tunable laser, to generate excitation light covering the operating range of the multi-point fiber optic temperature sensor. Furthermore, the optical power is dynamically adjustable to adapt to different sensing distance requirements, and a built-in EDFA amplifier can improve the signal quality for long-distance transmission. The demodulator 5 includes an excitation light source module 501, which generates the excitation light source. The excitation light source module 501 includes light source units. The relationship between the light source units and optical fibers includes that a single light source unit corresponds to all optical fibers, and each optical fiber uses the single light source unit in a polling manner. Light source sharing can be achieved through a high-speed optical switch array, which is cost-effective and requires only one set of laser and driving circuit. The number of light source units is the same as the number of optical fibers, with one light source unit corresponding to one optical fiber. A multi-wavelength DFB laser array can be used, with each light source unit independently configured with a driving current, and all channels working synchronously. Alternatively, multiple light source units can correspond to one optical fiber, which can adopt a wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) + optical amplifier architecture, providing fault redundancy. When a certain wavelength light source fails, other wavelengths can still be used.

[0042] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the demodulator 5 includes a data processing module 502, which processes multiple reflected signals to obtain multiple initial temperatures, and obtains a final temperature based on the multiple initial temperatures. The data processing module 502 includes data processing units, the number of which is less than or equal to the number of sub-temperature sensing probes 1. The processing modes are: 1:N mode (centralized processing), where a single data processing unit processes all probe signals through high-speed switching; M:N mode (distributed processing), where M data processing units dynamically allocate processing to N probe signals; or 1:1 mode (one-to-one processing).

[0043] Furthermore, this embodiment also includes a connection interface 4, through which the demodulator 5 is connected to the multi-point fiber optic temperature sensor. It also includes an adapter component 6, through which the multi-point fiber optic temperature sensor is connected to the connection interface 4. The connection interface 4 is configured as an optical coupler, and the adapter component 6 is configured as an adapter optical cable. The adapter optical cable has a break point in the middle of the sensor optical cable for easy wiring and installation.

[0044] Furthermore, this embodiment also includes a storage module and a display module. The storage module is used to store historical data, and the display module is used to display the final temperature to the user.

[0045] In this embodiment, when multiple sub-temperature sensing probes 1 operate normally simultaneously, since the sensors are located in the same position, the temperatures of the sub-temperature sensing probes 1 should be basically consistent. To ensure temperature measurement accuracy, the average value of the temperatures at multiple measurement points can be taken, or a high or low value can be taken based on requirements. Different types of sub-temperature sensing probes 1 use different parameters of the optical signal to resolve the temperature during demodulation. For example, gallium phosphate and fiber gratings use spectral wavelength, fluorescence uses spectral intensity, and enamel uses interference fringes. Each data processing unit resolves the temperature using the parameters it uses, and uses the unused parameters as self-diagnostic parameters to determine the performance status of the current measurement point. When a measurement point is determined to be abnormal, the data of that measurement point is blocked, and the temperature value of the measurement point with normal performance is taken. This method further improves the reliability of the sensor. Thus, the performance of the temperature sensor is improved quadratically, that is, the failure rate is reduced quadratically. Assuming that the failure rate of the electrical signal temperature sensor is 10%, the failure rate of the single-point fiber optic temperature sensor is 5%, the failure rate of the dual-point fiber optic temperature sensor combined with the self-diagnostic algorithm is doubled, and the failure rate is reduced to 0.25%.

[0046] It should be understood that the specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative or explanatory of the principles of this utility model and do not constitute a limitation thereof. Therefore, any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made without departing from the spirit and scope of this utility model should be included within its protection scope. Furthermore, the appended claims are intended to cover all variations and modifications falling within the scope and boundaries of the appended claims, or equivalent forms of such scope and boundaries.

[0047] The above description does not provide detailed explanations of the technical aspects of each layer's patterning and etching. However, those skilled in the art should understand that various methods existing in the prior art can be used to form layers and regions of the desired shape. Furthermore, to form the same structure, those skilled in the art can also design methods that are not entirely identical to those described above.

[0048] The present invention has been described above with reference to embodiments thereof. However, these embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. Various substitutions and modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention, and all such substitutions and modifications should fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0049] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and modifications can be made to the embodiments of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0050] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely illustrative examples for clear explanation and are not intended to limit the implementation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. However, obvious variations or modifications derived therefrom are still within the protection scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A multi-point fiber optic temperature sensor, characterized in that, include: Multiple sub-temperature sensing probes (1), optical fiber (2) and optical fiber connector (3), wherein the multiple sub-temperature sensing probes are connected in series or in parallel; When multiple sub-temperature sensing probes (1) are connected in parallel, the number of optical fibers (2) and optical fiber connectors (3) is the same as the number of sub-temperature sensing probes, forming a temperature measurement route with the same number of sub-temperature sensing probes (1). The temperature measurement route includes sub-temperature sensing probes, optical fibers and optical fiber connectors. When multiple sub-temperature sensing probes (1) are connected in series, the number of optical fibers (2) and optical fiber connectors (3) is less than or equal to the number of sub-temperature sensing probes.

2. The multi-point fiber optic temperature sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sub-temperature sensing probes include direct bandgap semiconductor temperature sensing probes, fluorescence temperature sensing probes, fiber optic grating temperature sensing probes, and Fabry-Perot cavity temperature sensing probes.

3. A temperature measurement system using a multi-point fiber optic temperature sensor, characterized in that, The temperature measurement system includes the multi-point fiber optic temperature sensor as described in claim 1 or 2, and the temperature measurement system further includes: Demodulator (5), the multi-point fiber optic temperature sensor is connected to demodulator (5); The demodulator (5) generates an excitation light source whose wavelength covers the working range of the multi-point fiber optic temperature sensor. The excitation light source is transmitted to the multi-point fiber optic temperature sensor, and the multiple sub-temperature sensing probes of the multi-point fiber optic temperature sensor reflect the excitation light source respectively, generating multiple reflected signals. The multiple reflected signals are transmitted to the demodulator (5), and the demodulator (5) obtains the final temperature by analyzing the multiple reflected signals.

4. The temperature measurement system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The demodulator (5) includes an excitation light source module (501) for generating an excitation light source.

5. The temperature measurement system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The excitation light source module (501) includes light source units. The relationship between the light source units and optical fibers includes that a single light source unit corresponds to all optical fibers, and each optical fiber uses the single light source unit in a polling manner; the number of light source units is the same as the number of optical fibers, with one light source unit corresponding to one optical fiber; or multiple light source units correspond to one optical fiber.

6. The temperature measurement system according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a connection interface (4), through which the demodulator (5) is connected to the multi-point fiber optic temperature sensor.

7. The temperature measurement system according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes an adapter (6), through which the multi-point fiber optic temperature sensor is connected to the connection interface (4).

8. The temperature measurement system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The connection interface (4) is configured as an optical coupler, and the adapter component (6) is configured as an adapter optical cable.

9. The temperature measurement system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The demodulator (5) includes a data processing module (502), which processes multiple reflected signals to obtain multiple initial temperatures and obtains the final temperature based on the multiple initial temperatures.

10. The temperature measurement system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The data processing module (502) includes data processing units, the number of which is less than or equal to the number of sub-temperature sensing probes (1).

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