Wind turbine and lightning current measuring device

Abstract

This application discloses a wind turbine and a lightning strike current measuring device. The wind turbine includes a lightning arrester, a lightning conductor, a magnetic field sensor, and a controller. The lightning arrester is installed on the blade of the wind turbine to receive lightning strike current. The lightning conductor is located inside the blade and arranged along the length of the blade. One end of the lightning conductor is electrically connected to the lightning arrester, and the other end is electrically connected to the nacelle of the wind turbine. The magnetic field sensor is installed on the yaw platform of the wind turbine to detect the electromagnetic induction value generated when the lightning strike current flows through the yaw platform. The controller is electrically connected to the magnetic field sensor and receives the electromagnetic induction value and calculates the lightning strike current value based on the electromagnetic induction value. The technical solution provided by this application, through the magnetic field sensor preset on the yaw platform, detects the electromagnetic induction value generated when the current flows through in real time and transmits the electromagnetic induction value to the controller electrically connected to it. The controller can accurately calculate the lightning strike current value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of wind turbine technology, and in particular to a wind turbine and a lightning strike current measuring device. Background Technology

[0002] Wind turbines are key equipment for clean energy and are often deployed in open areas such as high ground and coastal areas to obtain sufficient wind energy. However, lightning strikes are frequent in such scenarios, and the units are susceptible to lightning strikes. Lightning current may cause blades to crack and electrical components to burn out, affecting safe operation. Therefore, lightning protection design is the core focus of its research and development and operation and maintenance.

[0003] In existing technologies, wind turbine lightning protection systems can only conduct lightning current, and there is no dedicated lightning current intensity measurement scheme. On the one hand, it is impossible to accurately obtain lightning intensity data, making it difficult to quickly identify the root cause of the fault (such as excessive lightning intensity or defects in the lightning protection system itself), which greatly reduces maintenance efficiency. On the other hand, it is impossible to accumulate effective data to support the optimization of the lightning protection system, making lightning protection design rely on experience judgment for a long time, which lacks scientific rigor. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a wind turbine generator and a lightning current measuring device, which can accurately measure the intensity of lightning current on the wind turbine generator.

[0005] In a first aspect, this utility model provides a wind turbine generator, comprising:

[0006] A lightning arrester, installed on the blades of the wind turbine, is used to receive lightning strike current;

[0007] A lightning conductor is installed inside the blade and arranged along the length of the blade. One end of the lightning conductor is electrically connected to the lightning arrester, and the other end is electrically connected to the nacelle of the wind turbine.

[0008] At least one magnetic field sensor is provided, which is located on the yaw platform of the wind turbine and is used to detect the electromagnetic induction value generated when the lightning current flows through the yaw platform.

[0009] A controller is electrically connected to the magnetic field sensor. The controller is used to receive the electromagnetic induction value and calculate the lightning current value based on the electromagnetic induction value.

[0010] Beneficial Effects: When lightning strikes the blades of this wind turbine, the lightning arrester on the blades first receives the lightning current. A lightning conductor (electrically connected to the arrester at one end and the nacelle at the other) runs along the length of the blade, stably guiding the received lightning current into the nacelle, which then further transmits the current to the tower. During this process, the lightning current flows through the yaw platform between the nacelle and the tower. A magnetic field sensor pre-installed on the yaw platform continuously detects the electromagnetic induction value generated by the current flow and transmits this value to a controller electrically connected to it. The controller processes the received electromagnetic induction value using a pre-set algorithm to accurately calculate the lightning current value. Simultaneously, the lightning current is ultimately transmitted through the tower to the tower base, where it is grounded into the earth to complete the discharge. This effectively prevents blade damage and component burnout caused by current overload, ensuring the core safety of the unit.

[0011] Because the magnetic field sensor is installed on the yaw platform of the wind turbine, the area has fewer conductors and lower electromagnetic interference from external equipment. This allows the sensor to collect data in a low-interference environment, ensuring the accuracy of lightning current measurements. Furthermore, the sensor's small size allows it to be directly installed on the yaw platform without requiring additional space in the nacelle or blades, and it can withstand the load impacts of yaw movements, making it suitable for the complex outdoor operating environment of wind turbines.

[0012] Maintenance personnel can directly judge the fault by using the lightning current value calculated by the controller. If the current is within the standard but a fault occurs, it indicates a defect in the lightning protection system; if the current far exceeds the design threshold, it indicates that the lightning strike intensity is excessive, causing the damage. There is no need for blind disassembly and troubleshooting; the root cause of the fault can be directly identified, significantly shortening maintenance time and reducing maintenance costs.

[0013] In addition, the magnetic field sensor can continuously collect lightning current data under different operating conditions. After the controller stores and statistically analyzes the data, it can establish a correlation model between "lightning intensity and failure probability" in combination with local meteorological conditions, providing data basis for wind turbine site selection and lightning protection level determination. It can also optimize the parameters of lightning protection components in a targeted manner, breaking the limitations of traditional lightning protection design that relies on experience, and promoting the upgrading of protection schemes towards precision and scientificity.

[0014] In one alternative embodiment, a plurality of yaw sliding bearings are arranged in a ring on the yaw platform, and the magnetic field sensor is disposed on the yaw sliding bearings.

[0015] Beneficial effects: After the lightning current is conducted to the yaw platform through the nacelle, it will diffuse towards the tower along the platform's annular structure. The yaw sliding bearings are distributed in an annular pattern, which highly coincides with the annular current path. The magnetic field sensor is located on the bearing, which can be directly located in the core area of ​​the annular magnetic field generated by the lightning current. Compared with randomly placed sensors in other positions on the platform, it can capture the magnetic field signal more directly and without attenuation. At the same time, the yaw sliding bearing itself is a metal structure, which helps the magnetic field sensor to stably identify the exclusive magnetic field of the lightning current, further reducing the impact of weak external interference on the measurement results.

[0016] In one optional embodiment, a plurality of magnetic field sensors are provided, each of which is disposed on a different yaw sliding bearing, and the plurality of magnetic field sensors are symmetrically distributed about the central axis of the yaw platform.

[0017] Beneficial effects: When lightning current flows through the yaw platform, although the overall conduction is circular, the circular magnetic field may exhibit localized unevenness in strength due to factors such as inhomogeneous materials of the yaw platform components and slight differences in current distribution. By symmetrically distributing multiple magnetic field sensors, magnetic field signals can be collected from the entire circumference of the yaw platform's circular path, enabling accurate measurement of the lightning current.

[0018] In one alternative implementation, the magnetic field sensor is configured as a teslameter.

[0019] Beneficial effects: The teslameter has a flexible wide range adjustment capability, which can accurately capture the weak magnetic field signal generated by weak lightning strikes, and can also stably measure the strong magnetic field signal generated by strong lightning strikes, preventing signal overflow and data distortion. At the same time, the high resolution of the teslameter can capture the subtle changes in the magnetic field of the instantaneous fluctuation of the lightning current, providing detailed data support for the controller to calculate the accurate current change curve and analyze the operating conditions of the lightning protection system, achieving full coverage of lightning strike scenarios of different intensities.

[0020] In one alternative embodiment, the lightning arrester is located at the tip of the blade.

[0021] Beneficial effects: The blade tip area is the highest point of the wind turbine during operation and is directly exposed to the open environment, making it the area with the highest probability of being struck by lightning. Placing the lightning arrester at the blade tip can actively receive the lightning current immediately, preventing lightning from directly striking the blade body. The blade body is mostly made of composite materials, which have weak resistance to lightning strikes. If struck directly by lightning, it can easily cause the blade to crack and the internal structure to burn out. The lightning arrester at the blade tip can directly guide the lightning current into the lightning conductor, reducing the damage to the blade body caused by lightning strikes from the source, and ensuring the structural integrity and service life of the blade.

[0022] In one alternative embodiment, the outer surface of the lightning arrester is coated with a conductive layer.

[0023] Beneficial effects: By coating the outer surface of the lightning rod with a conductive layer, the surface resistance of the lightning rod can be significantly reduced, enhancing its overall conductivity. When lightning strikes the lightning rod, the conductive layer can quickly disperse the lightning current and guide it into the lightning conductor, preventing current stagnation due to insufficient conductivity of the lightning rod itself. This reduces the risk of local overheating causing the lightning rod to melt or be damaged, ensuring the smooth conduction path of the lightning current and improving the overall lightning conduction efficiency of the lightning protection system.

[0024] In one alternative embodiment, the conductive layer is a tin-plated layer.

[0025] Beneficial effects: Tin itself has good conductivity. The tin plating layer can effectively reduce the surface resistance of the lightning arrester, ensuring that the lightning current is quickly received and smoothly dispersed and conducted into the lightning conductor, avoiding local overheating caused by current stagnation due to poor conductivity. At the same time, tin has relatively stable chemical properties and does not easily react violently with oxygen and water vapor in the air, maintaining stable conductivity over a long period of time. Even in outdoor environments, it can reduce the problem of decreased conductivity due to oxidation, ensuring the long-term reliability of the lightning arrester's lightning guiding function.

[0026] In one optional embodiment, the wind turbine further includes a carbon brush, which is disposed between the blade and the nacelle. One end of the carbon brush is electrically connected to the lightning conductor at the root of the blade, and the other end is electrically connected to the nacelle.

[0027] Beneficial effects: During operation, blades rotate around their roots to adjust their angles, while the nacelle is a fixed structure, making conventional rigid conductors unsuitable for this dynamic relative motion. Carbon brushes possess sliding conductivity characteristics, with one end continuously in contact with the lightning conductor at the blade root and the other end fixedly connected to the nacelle. This ensures that the conductive path remains unobstructed throughout the blade's rotation, guaranteeing that lightning current is stably guided from the blade's lightning conductor through the carbon brush into the nacelle. This prevents conductivity interruptions caused by blade rotation and avoids damage caused by lightning current stagnating on the blade.

[0028] In one optional embodiment, the wind turbine has three blades, and each blade is equipped with a lightning arrester and a lightning conductor.

[0029] Beneficial effects: All three blades of a wind turbine are rotating at high altitude, and each blade is susceptible to lightning strikes. Equipping each blade with an individual lightning rod and lightning conductor allows each blade to independently receive lightning current. Regardless of which blade is struck, its lightning rod can immediately receive the current and guide it to the subsequent lightning protection system via its own lightning conductor. This avoids situations where only some blades have lightning protection design, resulting in damage to unprotected blades. It achieves comprehensive lightning protection for the entire turbine blades, improving the overall lightning resistance of the unit.

[0030] Secondly, this utility model also provides a lightning strike current measuring device for wind turbines, comprising:

[0031] Lightning arresters are suitable for installation on the blades of wind turbines to receive lightning strike current.

[0032] The lightning conductor has one end electrically connected to the lightning arrester and the other end adapted to be electrically connected to the nacelle of the wind turbine.

[0033] At least one magnetic field sensor is provided, which is adapted to be installed on the yaw platform of the wind turbine and is used to detect the electromagnetic induction value generated when the lightning current flows through the yaw platform.

[0034] A controller, electrically connected to the magnetic field sensor, is used to receive the electromagnetic induction value and calculate the lightning current value based on the received electromagnetic induction value.

[0035] Beneficial effects: This lightning current measuring device has the same effect as the wind turbine generator because both have lightning rods, lightning conductors, magnetic field sensors and controllers, so it will not be described in detail here. Attached Figure Description

[0036] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0037] Figure 1 This is a front view of a wind turbine generator according to one embodiment provided in this application;

[0038] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of the middle cabin;

[0039] Figure 3 This is a plan view of the yaw platform in a wind turbine generator according to one embodiment provided in this application.

[0040] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0041] 110. Lightning arrester; 120. Lightning conductor; 130. Magnetic field sensor; 140. Carbon brush;

[0042] 210. Blade; 220. Nacelle; 230. Yaw platform; 231. Yaw sliding bearing; 240. Tower. Detailed Implementation

[0043] In related technologies, wind turbine lightning protection systems can only conduct lightning current, and there is no dedicated lightning current intensity measurement scheme. On the one hand, it is impossible to accurately obtain lightning intensity data, making it difficult to quickly identify the root cause of the fault (such as excessive lightning intensity or defects in the lightning protection system itself), which greatly reduces maintenance efficiency. On the other hand, it is impossible to accumulate effective data to support the optimization of the lightning protection system, making lightning protection design rely on experience judgment for a long time, which lacks scientific rigor.

[0044] In the early stages of this research and development, the team attempted to apply a mature industrial lightning current peak recorder to the measurement of lightning current in wind turbines. This device captures transient lightning signals by integrating high-precision sensing elements such as Rogowski coils and shunts, acquires waveforms through a high-speed sampling module of 10MHz or higher, and then records key parameters such as current peak value and polarity through a storage module. Theoretically, this can achieve comprehensive quantitative detection of lightning current.

[0045] However, this solution presents significant incompatibility issues with wind turbine applications: Firstly, the equipment requires the integration of multiple components, reaching a volume of tens of cubic decimeters, while the space in areas such as the wind turbine nacelle, blades, and yaw platform is limited, making installation impossible; forced installation could also affect mechanical stability. Secondly, the equipment requires a stable installation environment to ensure accuracy, which conflicts with the dynamic operating conditions of wind turbine yaw rotation and blade vibration. Furthermore, its power supply and data transmission requirements increase the complexity of the wind turbine system and may even introduce electromagnetic interference. Therefore, the team abandoned this solution and shifted to a more adaptable technical approach.

[0046] Based on this, the inventors of this application have redesigned the wind turbine. When lightning strikes the blade, the lightning arrester on the blade first receives the lightning current. A lightning conductor (electrically connected at one end to the lightning arrester and at the other end to the nacelle) installed along the length of the blade stably guides the lightning current received by the lightning arrester into the nacelle, which then further transmits the current to the tower. During this process, the lightning current flows through the yaw platform between the nacelle and the tower. A magnetic field sensor pre-installed on the yaw platform detects the electromagnetic induction value generated when the current flows through, and transmits this value to a controller electrically connected to it. The controller processes the received electromagnetic induction value using a pre-set algorithm to accurately calculate the lightning current value. Simultaneously, the lightning current is ultimately transmitted through the tower to the tower base, and then discharged into the ground by the tower base grounding device, effectively preventing blade damage and component burnout caused by current overload, thus ensuring the core safety of the unit.

[0047] Because the magnetic field sensor is installed on the yaw platform of the wind turbine, the area has fewer conductors and lower electromagnetic interference from external equipment. This allows the sensor to collect data in a low-interference environment, ensuring the accuracy of lightning current measurements. Furthermore, the sensor's small size allows it to be directly installed on the yaw platform without requiring additional space in the nacelle or blades, and it can withstand the load impacts of yaw movements, making it suitable for the complex outdoor operating environment of wind turbines.

[0048] Maintenance personnel can directly judge the fault by using the lightning current value calculated by the controller. If the current is within the standard but a fault occurs, it indicates a defect in the lightning protection system (such as poor contact of the lightning conductor or failure of the lightning arrester). If the current far exceeds the design threshold, it indicates that the damage is caused by excessive lightning strike intensity. There is no need for blind disassembly and troubleshooting; the root cause of the fault can be directly identified, significantly shortening maintenance time and reducing maintenance costs.

[0049] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are some embodiments of this application, but not all embodiments.

[0050] The following is combined with Figures 1 to 3 The following describes embodiments of the present invention.

[0051] According to embodiments of the present invention, on the one hand, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, a wind turbine generator is provided, including a lightning arrester 110, a lightning conductor 120, a magnetic field sensor 130, and a controller.

[0052] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, the lightning arrester 110 is installed on the blade 210 of the wind turbine, wherein the lightning arrester 110 is used to receive lightning strike current.

[0053] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, the lightning conductor 120 is installed inside the blade 210 and is installed along the length of the blade 210. One end of the lightning conductor 120 is electrically connected to the lightning arrester 110, and the other end is electrically connected to the nacelle 220 of the wind turbine.

[0054] Specifically, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, at least one magnetic field sensor 130 is provided. The magnetic field sensor 130 is installed on the yaw platform 230 of the wind turbine and is used to detect the electromagnetic induction value generated when lightning current flows through the yaw platform 230. The yaw platform 230 is located between the nacelle 220 and the tower 240.

[0055] Specifically, the controller is electrically connected to the magnetic field sensor 130. The controller is used to receive electromagnetic induction values ​​and calculate the lightning strike current value based on the received electromagnetic induction values.

[0056] When lightning strikes the blade 210 of this wind turbine, the lightning arrester 110 on the blade 210 first receives the lightning current. The lightning conductor 120, which runs along the length of the blade 210 (one end is electrically connected to the lightning arrester 110 and the other end is electrically connected to the nacelle 220), stably guides the lightning current received by the lightning arrester 110 into the nacelle 220, and then the nacelle 220 further transmits the current to the tower 240. During this process, the lightning current needs to flow through the yaw platform 230 between the nacelle 220 and the tower 240. The magnetic field sensor 130, which is preset on the yaw platform 230, will detect the electromagnetic induction value generated when the current flows through it in real time and transmit the electromagnetic induction value to the controller electrically connected to it. The controller processes the received electromagnetic induction value through a preset algorithm to accurately calculate the lightning current value. Meanwhile, the lightning current will eventually be transmitted to the tower base through the tower 240, and then discharged to the ground by the tower base grounding device, effectively avoiding damage to the blades 210 and component burnout caused by current overload, and ensuring the core safety of the unit.

[0057] Because the magnetic field sensor 130 is mounted on the yaw platform 230 of the wind turbine, the area of ​​the yaw platform 230 has fewer conductors and lower electromagnetic interference from external equipment. This allows the magnetic field sensor 130 to collect data in a low-interference environment, ensuring the accuracy of lightning current measurements. Furthermore, the magnetic field sensor 130 is small in size and can be directly mounted on the yaw platform 230 without occupying additional space in the nacelle 220 or blades 210. It can also withstand the load impact of yaw movements, making it suitable for the complex outdoor operating environment of wind turbines.

[0058] Maintenance personnel can directly judge the fault by using the lightning current value calculated by the controller. If the current is within the standard but a fault occurs, it indicates a defect in the lightning protection system (such as poor contact of the lightning conductor 120 or failure of the lightning arrester 110). If the current far exceeds the design threshold, it indicates that the damage is caused by excessive lightning strike intensity. There is no need for blind disassembly and troubleshooting; the root cause of the fault can be directly identified, significantly shortening maintenance time and reducing maintenance costs.

[0059] In addition, the magnetic field sensor 130 can continuously collect lightning current data under different operating conditions (such as different wind speeds and regions). After the controller stores and statistically analyzes the data, it can establish a correlation model between "lightning intensity and failure probability" in combination with local meteorological conditions, providing data basis for wind turbine site selection and lightning protection level determination. It can also optimize the parameters of lightning protection components in a targeted manner (such as adjusting the current carrying capacity of the lightning conductor 120 and the impact-resistant material of the lightning arrester 110 according to the historical maximum lightning current), breaking the limitations of traditional lightning protection design that relies on experience, and promoting the upgrading of protection schemes towards precision and science.

[0060] Specifically, the lightning arrester 110 can be positioned at any location on the blade 210. The lightning arrester 110 can be fixed to the blade 210 by adhesive bonding or by fasteners. In this embodiment, no specific restrictions are placed on the connection method between the lightning arrester 110 and the blade 210.

[0061] Specifically, the magnetic field sensor 130 can be a Hall current sensor, a Rogowski coil, etc. In this embodiment, the type of magnetic field sensor 130 is not specifically limited.

[0062] Specifically, one magnetic field sensor 130 or multiple magnetic field sensors 130 can be installed on the yaw platform 230. The multiple magnetic field sensors 130 can be installed at intervals. In this embodiment, the number of magnetic field sensors 130 is not specifically limited.

[0063] Specifically, the controller can be an existing controller such as a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), a microcontroller, or a computer control system. In this embodiment, the type of controller is not specifically limited.

[0064] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the yaw platform 230 is provided with multiple yaw sliding bearings 231, which are arranged in a ring at intervals. The magnetic field sensor 130 is installed on the yaw sliding bearings 231.

[0065] After the lightning strike current is conducted through the nacelle 220 to the yaw platform 230, it will diffuse along the platform's annular structure towards the tower 240. The yaw sliding bearing 231 is distributed in an annular pattern, which highly coincides with the annular current path. The magnetic field sensor 130 is located on the bearing, which can be directly located in the core area of ​​the annular magnetic field generated by the lightning strike current. Compared with arbitrarily placed in other positions on the platform, it can capture the magnetic field signal more directly and without attenuation. At the same time, the yaw sliding bearing 231 itself is a metal structure (or is directly connected to the platform's conductive parts), which helps the magnetic field sensor 130 to stably identify the exclusive magnetic field of the lightning strike current, further reducing the impact of weak external interference (such as stray magnetic fields from other electrical components of the yaw platform 230) on the measurement results.

[0066] In addition, the yaw sliding bearing 231 is an inherent core component of the yaw platform 230. The magnetic field sensor 130 is integrated into the bearing, eliminating the need for additional mounting holes or brackets on the platform, which facilitates the installation of the magnetic field sensor 130.

[0067] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3As shown, there are multiple magnetic field sensors 130, which are respectively mounted on different yaw sliding bearings 231, and the multiple magnetic field sensors 130 are symmetrically distributed about the central axis of the yaw platform 230.

[0068] When the lightning current flows through the yaw platform 230, although the overall conduction is circular, the circular magnetic field may exhibit localized unevenness due to factors such as inhomogeneous materials of the yaw platform 230 components (e.g., wire connectors, metal supports) and slight differences in current distribution. When multiple magnetic field sensors 130 are symmetrically distributed, magnetic field signals can be collected from the entire circumference of the yaw platform 230's circular path. For example, if the magnetic field signal is weak on one side due to component obstruction, the sensors on the symmetrical sides can capture complementary signals. By averaging or cross-validating multiple sets of data through the controller, local interference can be effectively offset, path deviations corrected, and accurate measurement of the lightning current achieved.

[0069] The yaw platform 230 of a wind turbine operates in a complex outdoor environment for extended periods and requires frequent yaw maneuvers to align with the wind direction. The magnetic field sensor 130 is susceptible to failure due to vibration and environmental erosion (such as windblown sand and rain). Multiple magnetic field sensors 130 are symmetrically distributed to form a redundant detection system. When one or a few magnetic field sensors 130 fail, the remaining symmetrically distributed sensors 130 can still cover the core magnetic field area of ​​the yaw platform 230, continuing to perform lightning current detection and preventing the entire lightning protection monitoring function from being interrupted due to the failure of a single magnetic field sensor 130.

[0070] Specifically, the yaw sliding bearing 231 itself is uniformly distributed in a ring along the central axis of the yaw platform 230, and multiple magnetic field sensors 130 are correspondingly set on different yaw sliding bearings 231. The symmetrical layout can be completely matched with the inherent distribution of the yaw sliding bearings 231, without the need to adjust the position of the yaw sliding bearings 231 or add asymmetrical supports to the platform. This minimizes the modification of the original structure of the yaw platform 230, reducing the difficulty of installation and the risk of structural damage.

[0071] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the magnetic field sensor 130 is a Tesla meter.

[0072] The teslameter has a flexible wide range adjustment capability, which can accurately capture the weak magnetic field signal generated by weak lightning strikes, and can also stably measure the strong magnetic field signal generated by strong lightning strikes, preventing signal overflow and data distortion. At the same time, the high resolution of the teslameter can capture the subtle changes in the magnetic field of the instantaneous fluctuation of the lightning current, providing detailed data support for the controller to calculate the accurate current change curve and analyze the operating conditions of the lightning protection system, achieving full coverage of lightning strike scenarios of different intensities.

[0073] The Tesla design features an integrated electromagnetic shielding structure that effectively resists stray magnetic field interference from components such as the yaw motor and control cabinet near the yaw platform 230, ensuring that only the magnetic field signal specific to lightning strike current is captured. Furthermore, its outer shell has reliable dustproof and waterproof protection capabilities, and can withstand outdoor wind, sand, rain, and drastic changes in temperature and humidity. The internal components are also reinforced to adapt to the periodic vibration of yaw action and the instantaneous impact of lightning strikes. It can operate stably for a long time without the need for additional protective devices or frequent maintenance, perfectly matching the complex outdoor, long-term operating requirements of wind turbines.

[0074] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the lightning arrester 110 is located in the tip region of the blade 210.

[0075] The tip region of blade 210 is the highest point of the wind turbine during operation and is directly exposed to the open environment, making it the area with the highest probability of being struck by lightning. Placing the lightning arrester 110 at the blade tip can actively receive the lightning current immediately, preventing lightning from directly striking the main body of blade 210 (such as the blade body and blade root). The main body of blade 210 is mostly made of composite materials, which have weak resistance to lightning strikes. If struck directly by lightning, it can easily cause the blade body to crack and the internal structure to burn out. The lightning arrester 110 at the blade tip can directly guide the lightning current into the lightning conductor 120, reducing the damage to the main body of blade 210 caused by lightning strikes from the source, and ensuring the structural integrity and service life of blade 210.

[0076] With the lightning arrester 110 located at the blade tip, the lightning current can be directly conducted to the blade root and nacelle 220 along the lightning conductor 120 without changing the conduction direction. This minimizes the current conduction path within the blade 210, reducing the risk of localized overheating caused by current stagnation. Simultaneously, the short conduction path reduces current loss within the blade 210, ensuring that the lightning current is quickly and stably introduced into the subsequent lightning protection system (nacelle 220, tower 240), improving overall lightning protection efficiency and avoiding lightning protection failure caused by tortuous conduction paths.

[0077] Specifically, the lightning arrester 110 is integrated into the blade tip region without requiring structural modifications to the blade 210 body, thus preserving the aerodynamic shape and mechanical properties of the blade 210. If the lightning arrester 110 were located on the blade body, it might alter the airflow direction on the blade 210 surface, increasing wind resistance and affecting power generation efficiency. However, the lightning arrester 110 at the blade tip is small and compact, and its impact on the aerodynamic performance of the blade 210 is negligible. This ensures lightning protection while not interfering with the normal power generation operation of the wind turbine.

[0078] In one embodiment, the outer surface of the lightning arrester 110 is coated with a conductive layer.

[0079] By coating the outer surface of the lightning rod 110 with a conductive layer, the surface resistance of the lightning rod 110 can be significantly reduced, enhancing its overall conductivity. When lightning strikes the lightning rod 110, the conductive layer can quickly disperse the lightning current and guide it into the lightning conductor 120, preventing current stagnation due to insufficient conductivity of the lightning rod 110 itself. This reduces the risk of local overheating causing the lightning rod 110 to melt or be damaged, ensuring the smooth conduction path of the lightning current and improving the overall lightning conduction efficiency of the lightning protection system.

[0080] Specifically, wind turbines are mostly deployed outdoors, and the lightning arrester 110 is exposed to complex environments such as wind, rain, dust, and extreme temperatures for extended periods, making it prone to oxidation, corrosion, or wear, leading to a decline in conductivity. The conductive layer on the outer surface (such as a metal plating) can form a protective barrier, isolating moisture and corrosive substances from the external environment from contacting the lightning arrester 110 substrate, thus slowing down the oxidation and corrosion rate of the substrate. At the same time, the conductive layer usually has high hardness and wear resistance, which can resist surface wear caused by wind and sand impacts, maintain the long-term stable conductivity and structural integrity of the lightning arrester 110, extend its service life, and reduce the frequency of maintenance and replacement.

[0081] Specifically, the conductive layer can be a copper conductive layer, an aluminum conductive layer, etc. In this embodiment, the type of conductive layer is not specifically limited.

[0082] In one embodiment, the conductive layer is a tin-plated layer.

[0083] Tin itself has good electrical conductivity. The tin plating layer can effectively reduce the surface resistance of the lightning arrester 110, ensuring that the lightning current is quickly received and smoothly dispersed and conducted into the lightning conductor 120, avoiding local overheating caused by current stagnation due to poor conductivity. At the same time, tin has relatively stable chemical properties and does not easily react violently with oxygen and water vapor in the air, maintaining stable conductivity for a long time. Even in outdoor environments, it can reduce the problem of decreased conductivity due to oxidation, ensuring the long-term reliability of the lightning conduction function of the lightning arrester 110.

[0084] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the wind turbine also includes a carbon brush 140, which is disposed between the blade 210 and the nacelle 220. One end of the carbon brush 140 is electrically connected to the lightning conductor 120 at the root of the blade 210, and the other end of the carbon brush 140 is electrically connected to the nacelle 220.

[0085] During operation, the blade 210 rotates around its root to adjust its angle (pitch control), while the nacelle 220 is a fixed structure, and conventional rigid conductors cannot accommodate this dynamic relative motion. The carbon brush 140 has sliding conductivity characteristics, with one end continuously in contact with the lightning conductor 120 at the blade root and the other end fixedly connected to the nacelle 220. This ensures that the conductive path remains unobstructed during the rotation of the blade 210, guaranteeing that the lightning current is stably introduced into the nacelle 220 from the lightning conductor 120 through the carbon brush 140, thus preventing the interruption of conductivity due to the rotation of the blade 210 and the lightning current remaining on the blade 210, which could cause damage.

[0086] The carbon brush 140 has good conductivity, enabling it to conduct lightning current with low resistance, reducing energy loss and the risk of local overheating during current transmission. At the same time, the carbon brush 140 itself has moderate hardness and is wear-resistant, with a low coefficient of sliding friction at the contact point with the blade root lightning conductor 120. Even if the blade 210 frequently rotates with pitch, it can maintain stable conductive contact for a long time, and is not prone to poor contact due to wear. It does not require frequent replacement and is suitable for the long-term, high-frequency dynamic operation characteristics of wind turbines, ensuring the reliability of the lightning conduction path.

[0087] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the wind turbine has three blades 210, and each blade 210 is equipped with a lightning arrester 110 and a lightning conductor 120.

[0088] All three blades 210 of the wind turbine are rotating at high altitude, and each blade 210 is susceptible to lightning strikes. By equipping each blade 210 with an individual lightning rod 110 and a lightning conductor 120, each blade 210 can independently receive lightning current. Regardless of which blade 210 is struck by lightning, its lightning rod 110 can immediately receive the lightning current and guide it to the subsequent lightning protection system via its own lightning conductor 120. This avoids the situation where only some blades 210 have lightning protection design, resulting in damage to unprotected blades 210. This achieves comprehensive lightning protection for all blades 210 of the turbine, improving the overall lightning resistance of the unit.

[0089] According to an embodiment of the present invention, on the other hand, as... Figures 1 to 3 As shown, a lightning strike current measuring device is also provided, including a lightning arrester 110, a lightning conductor 120, a magnetic field sensor 130, and a controller.

[0090] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, the lightning arrester 110 is installed on the blade 210 of the wind turbine, wherein the lightning arrester 110 is used to receive lightning strike current.

[0091] Specifically, such as Figure 1As shown, one end of the lightning conductor 120 is electrically connected to the lightning arrester 110, and the other end is electrically connected to the nacelle 220 of the wind turbine.

[0092] Specifically, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, at least one magnetic field sensor 130 is provided. The magnetic field sensor 130 is installed on the yaw platform 230 of the wind turbine and is used to detect the electromagnetic induction value generated when lightning current flows through the yaw platform 230. The yaw platform 230 is located between the nacelle 220 and the tower 240.

[0093] Specifically, the controller is electrically connected to the magnetic field sensor 130. The controller is used to receive electromagnetic induction values ​​and calculate the lightning strike current value based on the received electromagnetic induction values.

[0094] This lightning current measuring device has the same effect as the wind turbine generator because both have a lightning arrester 110, a lightning conductor 120, a magnetic field sensor 130, and a controller. Therefore, it will not be described in detail here.

[0095] The terms "upper" and "lower" are used to describe the relative positions of the various structures in the accompanying drawings. They are only for clarity of description and are not intended to limit the scope of implementation of this application. Any changes or adjustments to the relative positions without substantially altering the technical content shall also be considered within the scope of implementation of this application.

[0096] It should be noted that, in this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0097] Furthermore, in this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection 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 can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0098] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this disclosure. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0099] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A wind turbine generator, characterized in that, include: A lightning arrester (110) is installed on the blade (210) of the wind turbine and is used to receive lightning current. A lightning conductor (120) is located inside the blade (210) and arranged along the length of the blade (210). One end of the lightning conductor (120) is electrically connected to the lightning arrester (110), and the other end is electrically connected to the nacelle (220) of the wind turbine. At least one magnetic field sensor (130) is provided, and the magnetic field sensor (130) is provided on the yaw platform (230) of the wind turbine, for detecting the electromagnetic induction value generated when the lightning current flows through the yaw platform (230); The controller is electrically connected to the magnetic field sensor (130) and is used to receive the electromagnetic induction value and calculate the lightning current value based on the electromagnetic induction value.

2. The wind turbine generator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The yaw platform (230) has multiple yaw sliding bearings (231) arranged in a ring, and the magnetic field sensor (130) is located on the yaw sliding bearings (231).

3. The wind turbine generator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The magnetic field sensor (130) is provided in multiple ways, and the multiple magnetic field sensors (130) are respectively provided on different yaw sliding bearings (231), and the multiple magnetic field sensors (130) are symmetrically distributed about the central axis of the yaw platform (230).

4. The wind turbine generator according to claim 3, characterized in that, The magnetic field sensor (130) is configured as a teslameter.

5. The wind turbine generator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lightning arrester (110) is located at the tip of the blade (210).

6. The wind turbine generator according to claim 5, characterized in that, The outer surface of the lightning arrester (110) is coated with a conductive layer.

7. The wind turbine generator according to claim 6, characterized in that, The conductive layer is a tin-plated layer.

8. The wind turbine generator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The wind turbine also includes a carbon brush (140), which is located between the blade (210) and the nacelle (220). One end of the carbon brush (140) is electrically connected to the lightning conductor (120) at the root of the blade (210), and the other end is electrically connected to the nacelle (220).

9. The wind turbine generator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The wind turbine is provided with three blades (210), and each blade (210) is provided with a lightning arrester (110) and a lightning conductor (120).

10. A lightning strike current measuring device for a wind turbine generator, characterized in that, include: Lightning arrester (110), suitable for installation on the blade (210) of a wind turbine, for receiving lightning current; A lightning conductor (120) has one end electrically connected to the lightning arrester (110) and the other end adapted to be electrically connected to the nacelle (220) of a wind turbine. At least one magnetic field sensor (130) is provided, and the magnetic field sensor (130) is adapted to be installed on the yaw platform (230) of the wind turbine generator for detecting the electromagnetic induction value generated when the lightning current flows through the yaw platform (230); A controller is electrically connected to the magnetic field sensor (130), the controller is used to receive the electromagnetic induction value and calculate the lightning current value based on the received electromagnetic induction value.

Images