A protective structure for integrated acoustic, vibration, and temperature sensors in wind turbine generators

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of sensor protection technology, and in particular to a protective structure for an integrated acoustic, vibration, and temperature sensor for wind turbine generators. The structure includes an integrated sensor, a protective structure, a collection structure, and a cooling structure. The protective structure includes a flow guide shroud with grooves on its surface. The shroud is located directly above the integrated sensor and can directly block rain, snow, and hail from directly impacting it, thus providing protection. In winter, ice or snow may fall on the flow guide shroud, increasing the weight of the entire sensor assembly and affecting safety. At this time, an electric heating wire inside the storage box heats the water collected within. A micro-pump injects the heated water through a first water pipe into the interior of a first nozzle. The hot water then flows out from the first nozzle along the flow guide shroud, which helps to accelerate the melting of ice, frost, or snow. The melted water then flows out along the hollow plate and the liquid guide plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of sensor protection technology, and in particular to an integrated acoustic, vibration and temperature sensor protection structure for wind turbine generators. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, wind turbines require monitoring of tower vibration, noise, and temperature during operation, typically using integrated sensors for data acquisition. However, due to the long-term exposure of wind turbines to harsh outdoor environments, sensors are susceptible to direct impacts from rain, snow, and hail, leading to decreased measurement accuracy or equipment damage. Existing protective structures often employ simple rain cover designs, which, while blocking some rainwater, fail to effectively address the increased weight caused by snow and ice accumulation in winter. Furthermore, they lack active cooling capabilities, making them prone to overheating and affecting sensor performance in high-temperature environments. In addition, traditional protective devices do not adequately consider rainwater collection and reuse, failing to establish a complete resource recycling system. Existing technologies attempt to address temperature control through air cooling or electric heating, but these methods suffer from high energy consumption and uneven heat dissipation. For example, using a single electric heater for de-icing increases system power consumption, while relying solely on natural air cooling has limited effectiveness in windless conditions. Moreover, most protective structures do not consider rainwater collection and reuse, resulting in water waste. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop an intelligent sensor protection device that integrates protection, collection, and cooling to cope with various challenges in complex environments and improve energy efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this utility model is to address the shortcomings of the prior art by proposing an integrated acoustic, vibration, and temperature sensor protection structure for wind turbine units.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a protective structure for an integrated acoustic, vibration, and temperature sensor of a wind turbine, comprising an integrated sensor, a protective structure, a collection structure, and a cooling structure. The protective structure includes a flow guide shroud with grooves on its surface. The flow guide shroud is located directly above the integrated sensor and can directly block the direct impact of rain, snow, and hail on the integrated sensor, thus providing protection. The collection structure is used to collect water after the rain, snow, and hail have melted for subsequent use. The cooling structure is used to cool the integrated sensor.

[0005] As a further embodiment of this utility model, the protective structure also includes a support pad fixed to the bottom of the integrated sensor, a circular hollow plate fixed to the top of the support pad by a support column, a flow guide shroud fixed to the top of the hollow plate, and a liquid guide plate fixed to the outside of the hollow plate.

[0006] As a further embodiment of this utility model, the collection structure includes a collection groove formed by a hollow plate, a filter plate provided on the top of the collection groove, an electric heating element installed inside the liquid guiding plate through a cavity, and a heat-conducting copper wire provided inside the filter plate, the heat-conducting copper wire being in contact with the electric heating element inside the cavity.

[0007] As a further embodiment of this utility model, a storage box is fixed to the bottom of the support pad, a drain pipe is connected to the bottom of the collection trough, and the end of the drain pipe is located inside the storage box. A nozzle is installed on the top of the flow guide cover, a micro pump is installed on the top of the support pad, the micro pump is connected to a pipeline, the top of the pipeline is connected to the nozzle, the bottom of the pipeline is located inside the storage box, and an electric heating wire is installed inside the storage box.

[0008] As a further embodiment of this utility model, the cooling structure includes a hollow tube wound around the bottom of an integrated sensor, an air inlet at one end of the hollow tube, a second nozzle installed inside the hollow tube, and the micro pump connected to another second pipeline, which extends into the interior of the hollow tube and is connected to the second nozzle.

[0009] As a further embodiment of this invention, a mounting plate is fixed to one side of the liquid guiding plate and the support pad.

[0010] As a further embodiment of this invention, the diameter of the liquid guiding plate is larger than the diameter of the support pad.

[0011] The present invention proposes an integrated acoustic, vibration, and temperature sensor protection structure for wind turbine units, which has the following advantages:

[0012] 1. Because the fairing is located directly above the integrated sensor, it directly protects the sensor from the impact of rain, snow, and hail. A gap exists between the fairing and the integrated sensor for ventilation, preventing a humid environment inside. When the wind turbine is running, natural wind or airflow generated by the turbine itself flows across the surface of the fairing. The uneven structure of the grooves disrupts the laminar boundary layer, creating turbulence and enhancing the heat exchange efficiency between the airflow and the fairing surface, thus accelerating heat dissipation. Compared to a smooth surface, the grooved structure increases the contact area with air, allowing heat to be carried away more quickly. The grooves further increase the surface's hydrophobicity, accelerating the sliding of water droplets. When it rains, rainwater flows along the guide shroud to the top of the hollow plate, where it passes through a filter plate to remove small particles. The filtered rainwater then flows into the collection tank and through a drain pipe into the storage box, facilitating rainwater collection. A solenoid valve is installed at the top of the drain pipe. When the storage box reaches its maximum water level, the solenoid valve closes the drain pipe. When the collection tank is full, the water overflows and flows out along the edge of the guide plate, preventing rainwater from falling onto the sensor.

[0013] 2. In winter, ice or snow may fall on the flow guide, increasing the weight of the entire sensor assembly and affecting safety. At this time, the electric heating wire in the storage box is energized to heat the water collected in the storage box. The micro pump injects the heated water into the interior of the No. 1 nozzle through the No. 1 water pipe. Then, the hot water is discharged from the No. 1 nozzle and flows along the flow guide, which helps to accelerate the falling of ice, frost or snow and melt it into water. The melted water will also flow out along the hollow plate and the liquid guide plate. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the appearance structure proposed in this utility model;

[0015] Figure 2 The present utility model proposes Figure 1 Cross-sectional view;

[0016] Figure 3 The present utility model proposes Figure 1 Partial split diagram;

[0017] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure at point A proposed in this utility model;

[0018] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure at point B proposed in this utility model.

[0019] In the diagram: 1. Integrated sensor; 2. Flow guide; 3. Groove; 4. Support pad; 5. Support column; 6. Hollow plate; 7. Liquid guide plate; 8. Collection tank; 9. Filter plate; 10. Heating element; 11. Thermally conductive copper wire; 12. Storage box; 13. Drain pipe; 14. No. 1 nozzle; 15. Micro pump; 16. Heating wire; 17. Hollow tube; 18. Air inlet; 19. No. 2 nozzle; 20. Mounting plate. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0021] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying 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, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "setting" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model can be understood according to the specific circumstances. The embodiments of this utility model will be described below based on its overall structure.

[0022] A protective structure for an integrated acoustic, vibration, and temperature sensor of a wind turbine includes an integrated sensor 1, a protective structure, a collection structure, and a cooling structure. The protective structure includes a flow guide 2 with grooves 3 on its surface. The flow guide 2 is located directly above the integrated sensor 1 and can directly block the direct impact of rain, snow, and hail on the integrated sensor 1, thus providing protection. The collection structure is used to collect water from the melting of rain, snow, and hail for subsequent use. The cooling structure is used to cool the integrated sensor 1. The protective structure also includes a support pad 4 fixed to the bottom of the integrated sensor 1. A circular hollow plate 6 is fixed to the top of the support pad 4 by a support column 5. The flow guide 2 is fixed to the top of the hollow plate 6. A liquid guide plate 7 is fixed to the outside of the hollow plate 6. The diameter of the liquid guide plate 7 is larger than the diameter of the support pad 4. An mounting plate 20 is fixed to one side of the liquid guide plate 7 and the support pad 4.

[0023] It should be noted that screw holes are provided on both the tower section and the mounting plate 20 of the wind turbine. The integrated sensor 1 assembly is installed on the tower section of the wind turbine by the cooperation of the screw holes and screws. Since the shroud 2 is located directly above the integrated sensor 1, the integrated sensor 1 can directly block the direct impact of rain, snow and hail on the sensor, thus protecting it. There is a gap between the shroud 2 and the integrated sensor 1 for ventilation to prevent the formation of a humid environment inside. When the wind turbine is running, natural wind or the airflow generated by the turbine itself will flow over the surface of the shroud 2. The uneven structure of the groove 3 will destroy the laminar boundary layer to form turbulence, enhance the heat exchange efficiency between the airflow and the surface of the shroud 2, and accelerate heat dissipation. Compared with a smooth surface, the groove structure can increase the contact area with the air, so that the heat can be carried away more quickly. In addition, the groove 3 can further increase the hydrophobicity of the surface and accelerate the sliding of water droplets.

[0024] It is worth noting that because the fairing 2 has a conical slope, rain, snow, and hail can slide off along the slope, while the inclined surface does not easily accumulate rainwater, snow, or dust.

[0025] Furthermore, when it rains, rainwater flows along the guide shroud 2 to the top of the hollow plate 6, and then passes through the filter plate 9 to filter out small particles in the rainwater. The filtered rainwater then flows into the collection tank 8 and then into the storage box 12 through the drain pipe 13, which facilitates the collection of rainwater. A solenoid valve is installed at the top of the drain pipe 13. When the storage box 12 reaches the highest water level, the solenoid valve will close the drain pipe 13. When the water in the collection tank 8 is full, the water will overflow and flow out along the edge of the liquid guide plate 7.

[0026] Furthermore, the collection structure includes a collection trough 8 formed by a hollow plate 6, a filter plate 9 disposed on the top of the collection trough 8, an electric heating element 10 installed inside the liquid guiding plate 7 through a cavity, a heat-conducting copper wire 11 disposed inside the filter plate 9, the heat-conducting copper wire 11 contacting the electric heating element 10 inside the cavity, a storage box 12 fixed to the bottom of the support pad 4, a drain pipe 13 connected to the bottom of the collection trough 8, and the end of the drain pipe 13 located inside the storage box 12, a nozzle 14 mounted on the top of the flow guide shroud 2, and a micro pump 15 mounted on the top of the support pad 4, the micro pump 15 being connected to a... Pipeline 1 is connected at its top to nozzle 14 and at its bottom to the inside of storage box 12. An electric heating wire 16 is installed inside storage box 12. When energized, the heating wire 16 heats the water collected inside storage box 12. A micro pump 15 pumps the heated water through pipe 1 to nozzle 14. The hot water then flows out from nozzle 14 and along the guide shield 2, which helps to accelerate the melting of ice, frost, or snow. The melted water also flows out along the hollow plate 6 and the guide plate 7. If storage box 12 is short of water, melted snow or ice water can also be collected.

[0027] The next step involves a cooling structure comprising a hollow tube 17 wound around the bottom of the integrated sensor 1. One end of the hollow tube 17 has an air inlet 18. A second nozzle 19 is installed inside the hollow tube 17. The micro pump 15 is connected to another second pipeline, which extends into the hollow tube 17 and connects to the second nozzle 19. Unheated water is drawn into the second nozzle 19 by the micro pump 15 and the second pipeline, and then sprayed into the hollow tube 17 through the second nozzle 19. Air then enters the hollow tube 17 from the air inlet 18, using the air force to carry away the heat absorbed during liquid evaporation, thereby reducing the sensor temperature.

[0028] The hollow tube 17 has a long length wrapped around the surface of the sensor, which can extend the heat exchange path. The longer hollow tube 17 can increase the heat dissipation area in contact with the sensor, allowing the heat to be carried away more fully by the water and air inside the tube, further improving the cooling effect. In winter, if the water inside the tube freezes, the long tube can disperse the ice expansion stress and reduce the risk of tube rupture.

[0029] As an example, the diameter of the liquid guide plate 7 is set to be larger than the diameter of the support pad 4 in order to protect the integrated sensor 1. If the diameter of the liquid guide plate 7 is smaller than the diameter of the support pad 4, the water drained along the edge of the liquid guide plate 7 will fall onto the support pad 4 and splash onto the integrated sensor 1, causing some damage.

[0030] Working principle: Both the tower section and mounting plate 20 of the wind turbine have screw holes. The integrated sensor 1 assembly is installed on the tower section of the wind turbine using the screw holes and screws. Since the shroud 2 is located directly above the integrated sensor 1, it directly blocks the impact of rain, snow, and hail, thus protecting the sensor. A gap exists between the shroud 2 and the integrated sensor 1 for ventilation, preventing the formation of a damp environment inside.

[0031] When the wind turbine is running, natural wind or airflow generated by the turbine itself flows over the surface of the shroud 2. The uneven structure of the grooves 3 disrupts the laminar boundary layer, creating turbulence, which enhances the heat exchange efficiency between the airflow and the surface of the shroud 2, accelerating heat dissipation. Compared to a smooth surface, the groove structure increases the contact area with air, allowing heat to be carried away more quickly. Furthermore, the grooves 3 can further increase the surface's hydrophobicity, accelerating the sliding off of water droplets.

[0032] When it rains, rainwater flows along the guide shroud 2 to the top of the hollow plate 6, then passes through the filter plate 9 to filter out small particles. The filtered rainwater then flows into the collection tank 8 and then into the storage box 12 through the drain pipe 13, facilitating rainwater collection. A solenoid valve is installed at the top of the drain pipe 13. When the storage box 12 reaches its maximum water level, the solenoid valve closes the drain pipe 13. When the collection tank 8 is full, the water overflows and flows out along the edge of the liquid guide plate 7, preventing rainwater from falling onto the sensor.

[0033] However, in winter, ice or snow may fall on the flow guide 2, increasing the weight of the entire sensor assembly and affecting safety. At this time, the electric heating wire 16 inside the storage box 12 is energized to heat the water collected inside the storage box 12. The micro pump 15 injects the heated water into the interior of the first nozzle 14 through the first water pipe. Then, the hot water is discharged from the first nozzle 14 and flows along the flow guide 2, which helps to accelerate the falling of ice, frost, or snow, allowing it to melt into water and reduce weight to achieve protection. The melted water will also flow out along the hollow plate 6 and the liquid guide plate 7. In addition, if the storage box 12 is short of water, the melted snow water or ice water can also be collected.

[0034] However, the temperature of the hot water decreases as it flows from the top to the bottom of the guide shroud 2, which increases the melting time of ice, frost, or snow on the hollow plate 6 and the liquid guide plate 7. This design addresses this by using an electric heating element 10 and a heat-conducting copper wire 11. The heating element 10 generates heat to heat the liquid guide plate 7, and then the heat generated by the heating element 10 heats the filter plate 9 through the heat-conducting copper wire 11. This heating shortens the melting time of ice, frost, or snow on the hollow plate 6 and the liquid guide plate 7.

[0035] When the sensor needs to be cooled, there is no need to heat the water in the storage box 12. The unheated water is brought to the inside of the second nozzle 19 by the micro pump 15 and the second pipeline. Then, liquid water is sprayed into the hollow tube 17 through the second nozzle 19. Then, air enters the inside of the hollow tube 17 from the air inlet 18. The air force carries away the heat absorbed when the liquid evaporates, thereby reducing the temperature of the sensor.

[0036] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model, but the scope of protection of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this utility model, based on the technical solution and inventive concept of this utility model, should be included within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A wind turbine generator unit's acoustic-vibrational-thermal integrated sensor protection structure, characterized in that: The device includes an integrated sensor (1), a protective structure, a collection structure, and a cooling structure. The protective structure includes a flow guide (2), the surface of which is provided with grooves (3). The flow guide (2) is located directly above the integrated sensor (1). The flow guide (2) can directly block the direct impact of rain, snow, and hail on the integrated sensor (1) and play a protective role. The collection structure is used to collect water after the rain, snow, and hail melt for subsequent use. The cooling structure is used to cool the integrated sensor (1). A nozzle (14) is installed on the top of the flow guide (2). The protective structure also includes a support pad (4) fixed at the bottom of the integrated sensor (1). A circular hollow plate (6) is fixed on the top of the support pad (4) by a support column (5). The flow guide (2) is fixed on the top of the hollow plate (6). A liquid guide plate (7) is fixed on the outside of the hollow plate (6). A storage box (12) is fixed on the bottom of the support pad (4).

2. The sound-vibration-temperature integrated sensor protection structure of a wind turbine generator according to claim 1, wherein, The collection structure includes a collection trough (8) opened in a hollow plate (6), a filter plate (9) is provided on the top of the collection trough (8), an electric heating element (10) is installed inside the liquid guiding plate (7) through a cavity, a heat-conducting copper wire (11) is provided inside the filter plate (9), the heat-conducting copper wire (11) is in contact with the electric heating element (10) inside the cavity, and a drain pipe (13) is connected to the bottom of the collection trough (8).

3. The sound-vibration-temperature integrated sensor protection structure of a wind turbine generator according to claim 1, wherein, A micro pump (15) is installed on the top of the support pad (4). The micro pump (15) is connected to a first pipeline. The top of the first pipeline is connected to a first nozzle (14). The bottom of the first pipeline is located inside the storage box (12). An electric heating wire (16) is installed inside the storage box (12). The micro pump (15) is connected to another second pipeline.

4. The sound-vibration-temperature integrated sensor protection structure of a wind turbine generator according to claim 1, wherein, The cooling structure includes a hollow tube (17) wound around the bottom of an integrated sensor (1), an air inlet (18) is provided at one end of the hollow tube (17), and a second nozzle (19) is installed inside the hollow tube (17).

5. The sound-vibration-temperature integrated sensor protection structure of a wind turbine generator according to claim 1, wherein The liquid guide plate (7) and the support pad (4) are fixed with an installation plate (20) on one side.

6. The sound-vibration-temperature integrated sensor protection structure of a wind turbine generator according to claim 1, wherein The diameter of the liquid guide plate (7) is larger than the diameter of the support pad (4).

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