An online monitoring and environmental optimization system for cable trenches

Abstract

This utility model relates to an online monitoring and environmental optimization system for cable trenches, belonging to the field of program control or liquid level control technology. The system mainly comprises an uninterruptible power supply, an industrial-grade PLC controller, a core detection module, and an actuator. It monitors the liquid accumulation in real time using distributed capacitive level gauges, collects environmental parameters using infrared gas detectors and temperature probes, and generates a water level distribution image using a two-dimensional laser scanner mounted on a moving slide rail. The controller uploads multi-source data to the power plant's DCS system via a core switch, establishes a safety level model based on liquid level and gas concentration, and delineates hazardous, warning, and safe zones, automatically triggering explosion-proof water pumps to drain accumulated water or explosion-proof fans to ventilate. Combined with industrial Ethernet communication, it achieves real-time monitoring, accurate imaging, and proactive optimization of environmental parameters in cable trenches, effectively preventing equipment failures caused by toxic gas explosions and water accumulation, and improving the operational safety of underground cable facilities.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of program control or liquid level control technology, and relates to an online monitoring and environmental optimization system for cable trenches, especially an online monitoring and environmental optimization system for cable trenches in explosive areas of waste incineration power plants. Background Technology

[0002] With the acceleration of urbanization and the rapid development of the waste-to-energy industry, cables are widely used in waste-to-energy plants, resulting in numerous cable trenches. As confined spaces, cable trenches present problems such as poor ventilation, the accumulation of toxic and harmful gases (e.g., hydrogen sulfide) and flammable gases, leading to oxygen deficiency or explosions; furthermore, poor drainage and liquid accumulation are common issues. The harsh operating environment within cable trenches easily causes corrosive damage to cables, affecting their lifespan. Current technologies for monitoring the environment within cable trenches rely solely on manual inspections or simple sensors, failing to comprehensively and accurately obtain key parameters such as water depth and gas concentration, hindering comprehensive environmental assessment and tiered management. Traditional ventilation and drainage equipment operates passively, unable to automatically adjust according to actual needs, resulting in unsatisfactory efficiency and energy consumption.

[0003] Patent CN206696656U discloses an online monitoring system for cable trenches, including a central processing unit, a fiber optic thermometer, and a partial discharge signal processor. This system automatically monitors the temperature of the cables in the cable trench, the layout discharge signal and temperature of the cable interfaces, as well as the temperature, combustible gas concentration, and ambient temperature within the cable trench. However, this patent still has the problem of not being able to monitor the water level distribution within the cable trench in real time. Patent CN214748156U discloses an internal detection system for cable wells, including temperature and humidity sensors, a water level sensor, and a cable partial discharge monitoring device. It can transmit monitoring data over long distances and promptly drain accumulated water from the cable well. However, this patent still has the problem of not being able to detect and analyze toxic and harmful gases within the cable trench in real time.

[0004] Currently, existing technologies have the following drawbacks: they cannot monitor the water level distribution in cable trenches in real time, making it difficult to detect potential water accumulation hazards and take countermeasures in a timely manner; they cannot detect and analyze toxic and harmful gases in cable trenches in real time, making it difficult to detect potential gas accumulation hazards and take ventilation measures in a timely manner; they lack a comprehensive assessment mechanism for the environment inside cable trenches, making it impossible to classify and assess the environment and optimize it in a targeted manner based on key parameters such as liquid level and gas concentration; they cannot achieve automated monitoring and optimization of the environment inside cable trenches, still requiring manual inspection and operation, which is inefficient; and they cannot monitor environmental parameters such as temperature and humidity in cable trenches in real time, making it difficult to fully understand the cable operating environment.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need to propose a new type of online monitoring and environmental optimization system for cable trenches. This system should use automated means to monitor key parameters such as liquid level and gas concentration in the cable trenches in real time. Based on the monitoring data, the system should conduct a graded assessment of the environment to activate ventilation and drainage equipment accordingly. The system should automatically adjust the operation mode of ventilation and drainage equipment according to actual needs to ensure a safe operating environment in the cable trenches, effectively prevent damage to cables from corrosive media, extend the service life of cables, and achieve intelligent management of the environment in the cable trenches. Utility Model Content

[0006] In view of the problems existing in the technology, such as the inability to monitor the water level distribution in cable trenches in real time, the inability to detect and analyze toxic and harmful gases in cable trenches in real time, and the lack of a comprehensive assessment mechanism for the environment inside cable trenches, the purpose of this utility model is to provide an online monitoring and environmental optimization system for cable trenches in order to solve the above problems.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:

[0008] An online monitoring and environmental optimization system for cable trenches includes:

[0009] Uninterruptible power supply provides stable power to the entire system;

[0010] The controller receives liquid level data, gas concentration data, and water level distribution image data, and uploads the data to the central control interface of the power plant's distributed control system through the core switch and wireless router to monitor the environment of the cable trench in real time.

[0011] The core detection module, which is connected to the controller via an isolator, includes a water level probe, a CO probe, a CH4 probe, and a temperature probe, and is used to monitor environmental parameters in the cable trench in real time.

[0012] Explosion-proof water pump sets are used to pump out accumulated water from cable trenches; explosion-proof fan sets are used to control ventilation in cable trenches.

[0013] The water level measurement module monitors the amount of liquid accumulated in the cable well in real time through a distributed capacitive water level gauge to obtain liquid level data;

[0014] The toxic and explosive gas detection module uses a toxic and harmful gas detection device to detect in real time the concentration of toxic and explosive gases that will be generated in the leachate during fermentation, and obtain gas concentration data.

[0015] The laser scanning module images the cable trench wells to obtain water level distribution image data.

[0016] Furthermore, the water pump and fan pump unit module can start the fan to replace the gas in the cable well trench or start the water pump unit to remove the liquid in the cable well trench according to the environmental safety level signal in the well trench.

[0017] Furthermore, the water level measurement module adopts a distributed capacitance water level gauge with a measurement range of 0-500mm, an accuracy of ±1mm, and an operating temperature of 20-80℃. The housing of the level gauge is made of 316L stainless steel. It measures the difference in capacitance between the liquid being measured and the water level measurement module. It is installed inside a tube and inserted into the water sump inside the cable well in a suspended direct-insertion installation manner.

[0018] Furthermore, the toxic and explosive gas detection module adopts an infrared gas detector with a detection range of 0% to 100% LEL, a resolution of 1% LEL, and an operating temperature of -20 to 60°C. The gas detector is connected to the controller via a wireless network and transmits the gas concentration data in the cable well to the controller every 5 seconds.

[0019] Furthermore, the laser scanning module adopts a two-dimensional laser scanner with a scanning range of 180 degrees, a scanning accuracy of ±1mm, and a scanning frequency of 10Hz. The laser scanner is connected to the controller via an industrial Ethernet and transmits the water level distribution image data in the cable well to the controller every 10 seconds.

[0020] Furthermore, the controller is an industrial-grade PLC controller. The controller uses simulation algorithms to define the environment inside the cable trench well into different safety levels based on the liquid level and gas concentration in the trench, on the DCS cable trench well imaging interface. These safety levels include danger zones, warning zones, and safe zones.

[0021] Furthermore, by installing a movable slide rail at the top of the cable trench, a laser scanner is mounted on the slide rail, and the slide rail drives the laser scanner to move, thereby achieving imaging of the cable trench.

[0022] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0023] By installing mobile sliding rails and laser scanners, real-time monitoring of water level distribution within cable trenches is achieved, enabling timely detection of potential water accumulation and the implementation of drainage measures. A toxic and explosive gas detection module is equipped to monitor the concentration of toxic and explosive gases such as methane, CO, and H2S within the cable trenches in real time, promptly identifying potential gas accumulation hazards and activating ventilation equipment. The control module performs graded assessments of the cable trench environment based on key parameters such as liquid level and gas concentration, and activates ventilation and drainage equipment accordingly, achieving automated environmental optimization. This automated monitoring and optimization of the cable trench environment eliminates the need for manual inspections and operations, improving work efficiency. Furthermore, sensors for temperature and humidity comprehensively monitor the cable operating environment, ensuring the safe operation of the cables.

[0024] Other advantages, objectives, and features of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following examination and study, or may be learned from practice of this invention. The objectives and other advantages of this invention can be realized and obtained through the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, a preferred description of this utility model will be provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an online monitoring and environmental optimization system for cable trenches according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The following specific examples illustrate the implementation of this utility model. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this utility model from the content disclosed in this specification. This utility model can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can also be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of this utility model. It should be noted that the illustrations provided in the following embodiments are only schematic representations of the basic concept of this utility model. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0028] The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are schematic diagrams, not actual pictures. They should not be construed as limiting the present invention. To better illustrate the embodiments of the present invention, some parts in the drawings may be omitted, enlarged, or reduced, and do not represent the actual product dimensions. It is understandable to those skilled in the art that some well-known structures and their descriptions may be omitted in the drawings.

[0029] In the accompanying drawings of this utility model, the same or similar reference numerals correspond to the same or similar components. In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," and "rear" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, they are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the terms used to describe positional relationships in the drawings are only for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting this utility model. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0030] This utility model provides a method for online monitoring and environmental optimization of cable trenches, including:

[0031] Step 1: Collect environmental data within the cable trench;

[0032] Step 2: Analyze and process the collected environmental data;

[0033] Step 3: Determine if there are any potential hazards in the environment inside the cable trench. If yes, return to step 1; otherwise, proceed to step 4.

[0034] Step 4: Optimize the environment inside the cable well trench based on the analysis results.

[0035] Step 1 includes:

[0036] Step 1.1: Detect the amount of liquid accumulated in the cable well in real time using a distributed capacitive level gauge to obtain liquid level data;

[0037] Step 1.2: Real-time detection of the concentration of toxic and explosive gases such as methane, CO, and H2S produced in the leachate during fermentation using a toxic and harmful gas detection device, and obtaining gas concentration data;

[0038] Step 1.3: Install a movable slide rail on the top of the cable trench, install the laser scanner on the slide rail, and move the laser scanner by the slide rail to image the cable trench and obtain water level distribution image data.

[0039] Step 2 includes:

[0040] Step 2.1: Transmit the liquid level data, gas concentration data, and water level distribution image data to the controller;

[0041] Step 2.2: The controller uses a simulation algorithm to define the environment inside the cable trench well as different safety levels based on the liquid level and gas concentration in the trench.

[0042] Step 2.3: Safety levels can be divided into danger zones, warning zones, and safe zones. Specifically, if the water level in the cable well is in the high water level range and the gas concentration is in the medium water level range, it is defined as a danger zone and marked in red; if the water level in the cable well is in the medium water level range and the gas concentration is in the medium-low water level range, it is defined as a warning zone and marked in yellow; if the water level in the cable well is in the low water level range, the gas concentration is in the low water level range, and the temperature is in the low temperature range, it is defined as a safe zone and marked in blue.

[0043] Step 4 includes:

[0044] Step 4.1: Based on the environmental safety level signal inside the cable trench, start the ventilation fan in a timely manner to exchange the gas inside the cable trench;

[0045] Step 4.2: Based on the safety level signal of the environment inside the cable trench, start the pump group in a timely manner to remove the liquid inside the cable trench, improve the environment inside the cable trench, avoid damage to the cable from corrosive media in the harsh operating environment, ensure the safety and control of the environment inside the trench, and extend the service life of the cable.

[0046] Please see Figure 1 This diagram illustrates an online monitoring and environmental optimization system for cable trenches according to an embodiment of this utility model. The system includes: an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to provide stable power to the entire system; a controller, serving as the core control unit; a core detection module connected to the controller via an isolator, including a water level probe, a CO probe, a CH4 probe, and a temperature probe, used for real-time monitoring of environmental parameters within the cable trench; an explosion-proof water pump unit; a laser scanning module; and an explosion-proof fan unit. The system monitors potential safety hazards such as water accumulation, abnormal toxic gas concentrations, and abnormal temperatures by collecting environmental data within the cable trench in real time. Upon detecting an anomaly, the system automatically activates corresponding protective devices, such as pumping and ventilation, thereby optimizing the environment of the cable trench and ensuring the safety of equipment and personnel. Simultaneously, the system can wirelessly transmit detection data to a host computer via a data transmission module, enabling remote monitoring and data management. The system design fully considers the special environment of explosive areas in waste-to-energy plants; all components are explosion-proof, ensuring good reliability and safety performance, and making it suitable for environmental monitoring and optimization needs in such environments. The system also includes a water level measurement module, a toxic and explosive gas detection module, and a water pump and fan pump unit module.

[0047] The water level measurement module uses a distributed capacitive level gauge to detect the amount of liquid accumulated in the cable well in real time, obtaining the liquid level data. Specifically, a distributed capacitive level gauge is used, with a measurement range of 0–500 mm, an accuracy of ±1 mm, and an operating temperature of -20–80℃. The capacitive level gauge is connected to the controller via a cable, transmitting the liquid level data from the cable well to the controller every second.

[0048] The liquid level gauge housing is made of 316L stainless steel. It measures the liquid level by measuring the difference in capacitance between the measured liquid and the water level measurement module. Installed inside a tubular casing (a sleeve outside the probe), it is inserted into the water accumulation pit inside the cable well using a suspended, direct-insertion method. This effectively avoids interference signals from water mist and allows for real-time water level detection. The top of the tube has an electromagnet-equipped liquid level gauge probe that is attracted and released by the electromagnet. Online calibration is performed using the height difference. The measurement cycle is 0.1 seconds, with an accuracy of 1 mm. During fermentation, toxic and explosive gases such as methane, CO, and H2S are generated and extracted using a gas pump. The sampling pipeline is arranged in layers according to gas density to reduce sampling errors. The required gases are extracted to a safe area for detection. Different areas are switched using solenoid valves to transfer gas to the detection module. A single measurement point is tested for 3 minutes. This method allows for customization of the detection cycle based on the number of sampling pipelines in the detection area and reduces corrosion and damage to the measurement module from corrosive gases, extending the service life of the gas detection module.

[0049] The toxic and explosive gas detection module uses a toxic and harmful gas detection device to monitor in real time the concentration of toxic and explosive gases such as methane, CO, and H2S produced during the fermentation of the leachate, obtaining gas concentration data. Specifically, an infrared gas detector is used, with a detection range of 0% to 100% LEL, a resolution of 1% LEL, and an operating temperature of -20 to 60℃. The gas detector is connected to the controller via a wireless network, transmitting the gas concentration data from the cable well to the controller every 5 seconds.

[0050] A movable slide rail is installed at the top of the cable trench, and a laser scanner is mounted on the slide rail. The slide rail moves the laser scanner to image the cable trench and obtain water level distribution data. Specifically, a two-dimensional laser scanner is used, with a scanning range of 180 degrees, a scanning accuracy of ±1mm, and a scanning frequency of 10Hz. The laser scanner is connected to the controller via an industrial Ethernet network, transmitting the water level distribution image data from the cable trench to the controller every 10 seconds.

[0051] The controller receives liquid level data, gas concentration data, and water level distribution image data and uploads them to the central control interface of the power plant's Distributed Control System (DCS) for real-time environmental monitoring of the cable trench. DCS is a new type of control system based on microcomputer processing, characterized by decentralized hazard control and centralized operation and management. It integrates advanced computer technology, communication technology, CRT technology, and control technology—the 4C technologies. The concept of DCS is "decentralized control" and "centralized management," aiming to disperse the hazards caused by control as much as possible while centralizing management and display functions into an automated control system.

[0052] The controller used in this embodiment is an industrial-grade PLC controller, which has powerful data processing capabilities and simulation algorithm functions.

[0053] The controller uses simulation algorithms to define the environment inside the cable trench well as different safety levels based on the liquid level and gas concentration in the trench, on the DCS cable trench well imaging interface.

[0054] This safety level can be divided into danger zone, warning zone, and safe zone, specifically including:

[0055] If the water level in the cable well is more than 250 mm or the gas concentration is higher than 80% of the lower explosion limit (LEL) in the middle or high range, it is defined as a dangerous area and marked in red.

[0056] If the water level in the cable well is in the medium water level range of 50-250mm, the gas concentration is below 80% LEL;

[0057] If the gas concentration in the cable well is between 40% and 80% of the water level, and the water accumulation is less than 250 mm, it is defined as a warning zone and marked in yellow.

[0058] If the water level in the cable well is in the low range of 0-50mm, the gas concentration is in the low range of 0%-40% LEL, and the temperature is below 40℃, it is defined as a safe zone and marked in blue.

[0059] Based on the environmental safety level signal within the cable trench, the water pump and fan unit module are activated in a timely manner to ventilate the air within the cable trench. When the environmental level is a hazardous area or warning area, the controller sends a signal to activate the fan for ventilation. In this embodiment, the fan model used is BT35-11-7.1D, with an air volume of 11000 m³ / h. 3 / h.

[0060] Based on the environmental safety level signal within the cable trench, the water pump and fan pump modules are activated in a timely manner to remove liquid from the cable trench, improving the environment and preventing damage to the cables from corrosive media in harsh operating conditions. This ensures a safe and controlled environment within the trench, extending the cable's service life. When the environmental level is classified as a hazardous or warning zone, the controller sends a signal to activate the submersible pump unit for drainage. The pump unit consists of two wave pumps; in this embodiment, the model used is QDX1.5-32-0.75, with a head of 32 meters and a flow rate of 1.5 m³ / h. 3 / h. By using a water pump set for water level control, the water level can be kept at a low value of 50mm, ensuring that the liquid level remains within a safe range.

[0061] Through the above steps, this utility model realizes real-time monitoring and automatic optimization of the environment inside the cable trench in the explosive area of ​​the waste incineration power plant, effectively avoiding damage to the cable from corrosive media, ensuring the safety and control of the environment inside the cable trench, and thus extending the service life of the cable.

[0062] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solution of this utility model and are not intended to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solution of this utility model without departing from the spirit and scope of this technical solution, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A cable trench online monitoring and environmental optimization system, characterized by, include: Uninterruptible power supply provides stable power to the entire system; The controller is an industrial-grade PLC controller that receives liquid level data, gas concentration data, and water level distribution image data, and uploads the data to the central control interface of the power plant's distributed control system through the core switch and wireless router to monitor the environment of the cable trench in real time. The core detection module, which is connected to the controller via an isolator, includes a water level probe, a CO probe, a CH4 probe, and a temperature probe, and is used to monitor environmental parameters in the cable trench in real time. An explosion-proof water pump set, connected to the controller, is used to pump out the liquid in the cable trench when a control command corresponding to the environmental safety level signal is received. An explosion-proof fan unit, connected to the controller, is used to ventilate the cable trench when it receives a control command corresponding to the environmental safety level signal. The water level measurement module monitors the amount of liquid accumulated in the cable well in real time through a distributed capacitive water level gauge to obtain liquid level data; The toxic and explosive gas detection module uses a toxic and harmful gas detection device to detect in real time the concentration of toxic and explosive gases that will be generated in the leachate during fermentation, and obtain gas concentration data. The laser scanning module images the cable trench wells to obtain water level distribution image data; The controller is used to generate a safety level signal characterizing the environmental state of the cable trench based on the liquid level data and the gas concentration data, and to control the operation of the explosion-proof water pump group and the explosion-proof fan group based on the safety level signal.

2. A cable trench online monitoring and environment optimization system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water level measurement module adopts a distributed capacitance water level gauge with a measurement range of 0-500mm, an accuracy of ±1mm, and an operating temperature of 20-80℃. The housing of the level gauge is made of 316L stainless steel. It measures the difference in capacitance between the liquid being measured and the water level measurement module. It is installed inside a tube and inserted into the water sump inside the cable well in a suspended, direct-insertion installation manner.

3. The cable trench online monitoring and environment optimization system of claim 1, wherein: The toxic and explosive gas detection module uses an infrared gas detector with a detection range of 0% to 100% LEL, a resolution of 1% LEL, and an operating temperature of -20 to 60°C. The gas detector is connected to the controller via a wireless network and transmits the gas concentration data in the cable well to the controller every 5 seconds.

4. The cable trench online monitoring and environment optimization system of claim 1, wherein: The laser scanning module uses a two-dimensional laser scanner with a scanning range of 180 degrees, a scanning accuracy of ±1mm, and a scanning frequency of 10Hz. The laser scanner is connected to the controller via an industrial Ethernet and transmits the water level distribution image data in the cable well to the controller every 10 seconds.

5. The online monitoring and environmental optimization system for cable trenches according to claim 1, characterized in that: The controller uses a simulation algorithm to define the environment inside the cable trench well into different safety levels based on the liquid level and gas concentration in the trench, on the DCS cable trench well imaging interface. These safety levels include danger zone, warning zone, and safe zone.

6. The online monitoring and environmental optimization system for cable trenches according to claim 1, characterized in that: By installing a movable slide rail at the top of the cable trench, a laser scanner is mounted on the slide rail, and the slide rail drives the laser scanner to move, thereby achieving imaging of the cable trench.

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