A wind turbine blade de-icing device

Abstract

This utility model discloses a wind turbine blade de-icing device, comprising a conductive heating coating layer and an insulating layer. The conductive heating coating layer is applied to the surface of the wind turbine blade, and the insulating layer is laid on the surface of the conductive heating coating layer. A power module is connected to the conductive heating coating layer, and a controller is connected to the power module. The controller controls the output power of the power module to control the heat generation of the conductive heating coating layer. This utility model uses a conductive heating coating layer and an insulating layer, which facilitates bonding between the substrate and the wind turbine blade, and has an extremely simple structure. The total thickness between the layers is approximately 0.07 mm, reducing the need for additional equipment on the wind turbine blade and effectively reducing the impact of mechanical and thermal stress on the wind turbine blade. Moreover, it has low operating costs, high de-icing efficiency, and high safety and reliability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of wind power generation technology, specifically relating to a wind turbine blade de-icing device. Background Technology

[0002] Wind turbine blades are one of the core components of wind turbine generators, responsible for capturing wind energy and converting it into mechanical kinetic energy, which then drives the generator to produce electricity. Wind turbine blades consist of a shell, main beam, web, and other major parts, with lengths ranging from tens to hundreds of meters. With the development of wind power generation technology, the length of wind turbine blades continues to increase to capture more wind energy and improve power generation efficiency.

[0003] In cold and humid environments, wind turbine blades are highly susceptible to icing. Blade icing alters the aerodynamic characteristics of the blades, leading to reduced power generation. Mild icing can reduce output power by 5-15%, while severe icing can reduce torque to zero, causing turbine shutdown. It also lowers the blade's natural frequency, making it more likely to approach the turbine's system resonant frequency, increasing the risk of resonance. Simultaneously, the unbalanced bending moment generated in the blade's plane of rotation is transmitted to the tower base, increasing the lateral load amplitude and equivalent fatigue load. Furthermore, low temperatures affect lubricant flow, increasing mechanical wear. All of these factors severely impact the wind turbine's power generation efficiency and lifespan, and may even cause serious safety accidents such as blade breakage.

[0004] To address the problem of blade icing, several de-icing technologies have been developed, including:

[0005] Mechanical de-icing, such as manually breaking up the ice using an operating platform or removing the ice layer through centrifugation or vibration, is inefficient, labor-intensive, and unsafe when operating at heights. Furthermore, improper operation can damage the blades, affecting their structural integrity and aerodynamic performance.

[0006] Electric heating de-icing involves placing heating elements on the blade surface to raise the surface temperature above 0°C, thus removing ice. However, traditional resistance wire heating systems consume extremely high power, reaching up to 10% of the blade's electricity generation, resulting in excessive energy consumption. While novel carbon fiber heating films and other technologies can reduce energy consumption through zoned temperature control, they are costly, and the durability and stability of materials like carbon fiber in complex environments require further verification. Furthermore, electric heating de-icing faces the challenge of lightning protection, as the heating materials such as metal wires and carbon fibers are prone to attracting lightning strikes, potentially causing serious damage to the wind turbine.

[0007] Air-thermal de-icing utilizes heated air inside the blade cavity, which is then transferred to the outer surface of the blade to remove ice. However, since wind turbine blades are mostly made of fiberglass, which has poor thermal conductivity, the heat transfer efficiency is low, resulting in significant heat loss. In blades exceeding 60 meters in length, there is also a power bottleneck, making it difficult to meet the de-icing requirements of large blades. Furthermore, the water film generated during air-thermal de-icing may refreeze at the trailing edge of the blade, affecting the de-icing effect.

[0008] Anti-icing coatings involve applying an anti-icing coating to the blade surface to reduce the adhesion between ice and the blade. However, the lifespan and durability of these coatings are insufficient. In long-term, complex outdoor environments, the coatings are prone to wear and aging, leading to a gradual decrease in their anti-icing effect. Furthermore, a single anti-icing coating cannot completely eliminate blade icing; it can only delay icing time and reduce the amount of ice to a certain extent.

[0009] In addition, some cutting-edge technologies, such as wall-climbing robots and drones, are costly when applied to de-icing and anti-icing operations of wind turbines. Furthermore, they are greatly affected by external factors such as wind and airflow when operating at high altitudes, resulting in poor operational stability and inability to effectively guarantee safety. In the event of a collision, they may cause huge economic losses to the wind turbine.

[0010] In summary, existing wind turbine blade de-icing technologies have varying degrees of problems in terms of efficiency, energy consumption, cost, safety, and reliability. There is an urgent need to develop more efficient, economical, safe, and reliable de-icing technologies and devices to meet the growing demands of the wind power industry. Utility Model Content

[0011] The purpose of this invention is to provide a wind turbine blade de-icing device to solve the aforementioned problems in the prior art.

[0012] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a wind turbine blade de-icing device, comprising a conductive heating coating layer and an insulating layer, wherein the conductive heating coating layer is disposed on the surface of the wind turbine blade, and the insulating layer is laid on the surface of the conductive heating coating layer; a power module is connected to the conductive heating coating layer.

[0013] As an optional embodiment of the above technical solution, the conductive heating coating layer includes conductive paint, which is applied to the wind turbine blade.

[0014] As an optional implementation of the above technical solution, the spiral spacing of the conductive paint gradually decreases from the root of the wind turbine blade towards the tip.

[0015] As an optional implementation of the above technical solution, the thickness of the conductive paint is 0.025mm-0.05mm.

[0016] As an optional implementation of the above technical solution, the conductive paint is a copper-based conductive paint, a nickel-based conductive paint, or a silver-based conductive paint.

[0017] As an optional embodiment of the above technical solution, the insulating layer includes a corrosion-resistant insulating paint, which is applied to the surface of the conductive heating coating layer.

[0018] As an optional implementation of the above technical solution, the thickness of the corrosion-resistant insulating paint is 0.025mm-0.03mm.

[0019] As an optional implementation of the above technical solution, the wind turbine blade is equipped with a temperature detection device, which is used to detect the surface temperature of the wind turbine blade.

[0020] As an optional implementation of the above technical solution, the power module is connected to a conductive slip ring, which is installed between the main shaft and the hub of the wind turbine, and a flexible cable is connected between the conductive slip ring and the conductive heating coating layer.

[0021] As an optional implementation of the above technical solution, the flexible cable is equipped with a cable guiding mechanism and a tension adjusting mechanism. The cable guiding mechanism is used to adjust the direction of the flexible cable, and the tension adjusting mechanism is used to adjust the tension of the flexible cable.

[0022] As an optional implementation of the above technical solution, the connection between the conductive slip ring and the flexible cable is provided with a waterproof sealing structure.

[0023] As an optional implementation of the above technical solution, the hub is equipped with a backup power supply, which is connected to the conductive heating coating layer.

[0024] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0025] This invention employs a conductive heating coating layer and an insulating layer, which allows for easy bonding between the substrate and the wind turbine blades. The structure is extremely simple, with a total interlayer thickness of approximately 0.07 mm. This reduces the need for additional equipment on the wind turbine blades, effectively mitigating the impact of mechanical and thermal stresses on the blades. Furthermore, it boasts low operating costs, high de-icing efficiency, and high safety and reliability. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a wind turbine blade de-icing device in one embodiment of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of the conductive heating coating layer and the insulating layer in one embodiment of this utility model.

[0028] In the diagram: 1-Conductive heating coating layer; 2-Insulation layer; 3-Wind turbine blade. Detailed Implementation

[0029] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment provides a wind turbine blade de-icing device, including a conductive heating coating layer 1 and an insulating layer 2. The conductive heating coating layer 1 is spirally arranged on the surface of the wind turbine blade 3. When energized, the conductive heating coating layer 1 generates heat, thereby removing ice from the surface of the wind turbine blade 3. The insulating layer 2 is laid on the surface of the conductive heating coating layer 1, providing protection for it. The conductive heating coating layer 1 is connected to a power module, which is connected to a controller. The controller controls the output power of the power module to control the heat generation of the conductive heating coating layer 1.

[0030] To facilitate temperature control of the wind turbine blade 3, the controller is connected to a temperature detection device, which detects the surface temperature of the wind turbine blade 3. The temperature detection device includes a temperature sensor disposed on the surface of the wind turbine blade 3. When the surface temperature of the wind turbine blade 3 is below 0°C, the controller increases the output power of the power module, increasing the heat generation of the conductive heating coating layer 1; when the surface temperature of the wind turbine blade 3 reaches 5°C, the controller decreases the output power of the power module, reducing the heat generation of the conductive heating coating layer 1. It should be noted that the controller, power module, and temperature sensor, along with their corresponding control methods, are existing mature technologies and will not be described further.

[0031] Specifically, the conductive heating coating layer 1 comprises conductive paint, which is applied to the wind turbine blade 3 in a spiral pattern. Preferably, the spiral spacing of the conductive paint gradually decreases from the root of the wind turbine blade 3 towards the tip. The conductive paint is applied in a spiral pattern, but unlike uniform spiral winding, the spiral spacing gradually decreases from the root of the wind turbine blade 3 towards the tip; that is, the spiral spacing is larger at the root and smallest at the tip. This is because the blade tip has a higher linear velocity and greater friction with the air during wind turbine operation, making it easier to dissipate heat. By denser application of conductive paint at the blade tip, the heat generation in this area can be increased, compensating for heat loss and ensuring a balanced overall temperature of the wind turbine blade 3, effectively preventing icing at the blade tip due to excessively low temperatures. The thickness of the conductive paint is 0.025mm-0.05mm, and the conductive paint is copper-based, nickel-based, or silver-based conductive paint.

[0032] In this embodiment, the insulating layer 2 comprises a corrosion-resistant insulating paint, which is applied to the surface of the conductive and heat-generating coating layer 1. Preferably, the thickness of the corrosion-resistant insulating paint is 0.025mm-0.03mm. The total thickness of the conductive paint and the corrosion-resistant insulating paint is approximately 0.07mm, minimizing the additional equipment on the wind turbine blade 3 and effectively reducing the impact of mechanical and thermal stress on the wind turbine blade 3.

[0033] To facilitate power supply to the conductive paint, the power module is connected to a conductive slip ring, which is installed between the main shaft and hub of the wind turbine. A flexible cable connects the conductive slip ring to the conductive heating coating layer 1. The flexible cable is equipped with a cable guiding mechanism and a tension adjusting mechanism. The cable guiding mechanism adjusts the cable's direction, and the tension adjusting mechanism adjusts the cable's tension. A waterproof seal is provided at the connection between the conductive slip ring and the flexible cable to enhance waterproofing. A backup power supply is located inside the hub and is connected to the conductive heating coating layer 1. If the conductive slip ring fails and the power module cannot supply power to the conductive paint, the backup power supply can be used to power and de-ice the conductive paint.

[0034] The de-icing principle of this invention is as follows: A layer of conductive paint or other conductive coating is applied to the icy areas of the wind turbine blade 3 to form a conductive layer. Then, an insulating paint layer is applied on top of the conductive paint to form an insulating layer 2. The interlayer structure of the wind turbine blade 3, from the inside out, is: blade surface layer - conductive layer - insulating layer 2. When the power is turned on, the conductive paint conducts heat to the surface of the insulating paint under the resistance effect. A set of temperature sensors is installed on the blade surface. When the temperature sensors detect that the surface temperature of the wind turbine blade 3 is greater than 0°C, the purpose of preventing the wind turbine blade 3 from icing is achieved.

[0035] To address the issue of energizing the conductive layer during the rotation of the wind turbine blade 3, a composite power supply method combining a slip ring conductive system and a wireless power supply auxiliary system is adopted. A closed-loop temperature control circuit is also constructed to achieve stable energizing of the conductive layer and precise temperature control, ensuring that the surface temperature of the wind turbine blade 3 remains above 0℃ and effectively preventing icing.

[0036] Slip Ring Conductive System: A dual-channel precision conductive slip ring is installed at the connection between the wind turbine's main shaft and the hub. The stator portion of the conductive slip ring is fixed to the main shaft and connected to the external power module; the rotor portion is connected to the hub and then to the conductive layer inside the wind turbine blade 3 via a multi-strand flexible cable. The flexible cable uses a highly flexible, bend-resistant polyurethane sheathed cable with a silver-plated copper wire internal conductor to reduce resistance and signal loss. To prevent excessive entanglement and wear of the cable during the rotation of the wind turbine blade 3, a cable guiding mechanism and a tension adjustment mechanism are installed inside the hub to adjust the direction and tension of the flexible cable in real time. Cable clamps and protective sleeves are used to prevent damage to the cable due to vibration and friction during the rotation of the wind turbine blade 3. A waterproof and dustproof sealing device is installed at the connection between the conductive slip ring and the flexible cable, using double-layer O-ring seals and sealant to prevent external rainwater and dust from intruding and affecting conductivity. In addition, the existing lightning protection device of the wind turbine blade 3 is retained.

[0037] Wireless power supply auxiliary system: A wireless power supply transmitting module is installed inside the hub, and a wireless power supply receiving module is installed at the root of the wind turbine blade. The wireless power supply auxiliary system adopts magnetic resonance coupling technology, and both the transmitting and receiving modules are equipped with high-gain planar helical antennas to improve energy transmission efficiency. When the slip ring conductive system fails or is under maintenance, the wireless power supply auxiliary system is activated, serving as a backup power source to provide emergency power to the conductive layer, ensuring uninterrupted anti-icing function of the wind turbine blade.

[0038] The power module adopts an isolated DC-DC power module, which converts the AC power input from the grid into a stable DC power suitable for the operation of the conductive layer. The output voltage can be adjusted according to the length of the wind turbine blade and the heating requirements to regulate its output power. The power module has overvoltage, overcurrent and short circuit protection functions to ensure the safe operation of the system.

[0039] Controller: A programmable logic controller (PLC) is installed in the nacelle control cabinet as the core control unit. The PLC receives real-time surface temperature data of the wind turbine blade 3 from the temperature sensor. When the surface temperature of the wind turbine blade 3 is below 0°C, the PLC increases the output power of the power module, increasing the heat generation of the conductive paint; when the surface temperature of the wind turbine blade 3 reaches 5°C, the PLC reduces the output power of the power module, reducing the heat generation of the conductive paint, thus achieving energy-saving operation. Simultaneously, the PLC connects to the remote monitoring center via a communication module, uploading real-time information such as the temperature and power status of the wind turbine blade 3, facilitating remote monitoring and fault diagnosis by maintenance personnel.

[0040] This invention employs conductive and insulating paint technologies, which facilitates the bonding of the substrate and the wind turbine blade 3. The structure is extremely simple, with a total interlayer thickness of approximately 0.07 mm. This reduces the need for additional equipment on the wind turbine blade 3, effectively mitigating the impact of mechanical and thermal stresses on the wind turbine blade 3. Furthermore, it boasts low operating costs, high de-icing efficiency, and high safety and reliability.

[0041] In this description of the utility model, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. They can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical or electrical connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of these terms in this utility model. Furthermore, the specific features and structures described in the embodiments are included in at least one implementation method. Those skilled in the art can combine features from different implementation methods without contradiction. The scope of protection of this utility model is not limited to the specific implementation methods described above. Based on the basic technical concept of this utility model, implementation methods that can be conceived by those skilled in the art without creative effort are all within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A wind turbine blade de-icing device, characterized in that, It includes a conductive heating coating layer (1) and an insulating layer (2). The conductive heating coating layer (1) is laid on the surface of the wind turbine blade (3), and the insulating layer (2) is laid on the surface of the conductive heating coating layer (1). The conductive heating coating layer (1) is connected to a power module.

2. The wind turbine blade de-icing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conductive heating coating layer (1) includes conductive paint, which is applied to the wind turbine blade (3).

3. The wind turbine blade de-icing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The spiral spacing of the conductive paint gradually decreases from the root of the wind turbine blade (3) toward the tip.

4. The wind turbine blade de-icing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The thickness of the conductive paint is 0.025mm-0.05mm.

5. The wind turbine blade de-icing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The conductive paint is a copper-based conductive paint, a nickel-based conductive paint, or a silver-based conductive paint.

6. The wind turbine blade de-icing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The insulating layer (2) includes a corrosion-resistant insulating paint, which is applied to the surface of the conductive heating coating layer (1).

7. The wind turbine blade de-icing device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The thickness of the corrosion-resistant insulating paint is 0.025mm-0.03mm.

8. The wind turbine blade de-icing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The wind turbine blade (3) is equipped with a temperature detection device, which is used to detect the surface temperature of the wind turbine blade (3).

9. The wind turbine blade de-icing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power module is connected to a conductive slip ring, which is installed between the main shaft and the hub of the wind turbine. A flexible cable is connected between the conductive slip ring and the conductive heating coating layer (1).

10. The wind turbine blade de-icing device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The flexible cable is equipped with a cable guiding mechanism and a tension adjusting mechanism. The cable guiding mechanism is used to adjust the direction of the flexible cable, and the tension adjusting mechanism is used to adjust the tension of the flexible cable. The connection between the conductive slip ring and the flexible cable is provided with a waterproof sealing structure. The hub is equipped with a backup power supply, which is connected to the conductive heating coating layer (1).

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