Blade detection system

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of blade detection device and blade detection system, belong to wind power generation technical field.The blade detection device of the embodiment of the application includes moving mechanism;Laser transmitter is set on moving mechanism, for moving with moving mechanism and emits laser beam to the surface of blade, to scan blade.When crack appears in blade, the signal that laser beam irradiates to the reflection of blade changes, therefore, based on the laser beam that reflects back can detect whether blade is cracked, simple and convenient, and by the cooperation of moving mechanism and laser transmitter, the detection to entire blade can be realized, and timely find the damage of blade, guarantee the safe and stable operation of wind turbine unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of wind power generation technology, and in particular to a blade detection device and a blade detection system. Background Technology

[0002] During operation, wind turbine blades are subjected to high-speed centrifugal force and alternating airflow. Combined with the harsh working environment of wind turbines, this leads to blade cracking after prolonged operation. Blade cracking can cause instability in wind turbine operation, or even shutdown, adversely affecting the safety and stable operation of the wind power generation system.

[0003] Therefore, blade damage detection is of great significance for the safe and stable operation of wind turbine generators. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application provides a blade inspection device and a blade inspection system, which can effectively detect whether the blade has cracks, ensuring the safe and stable operation of the wind turbine generator set.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a blade detection device, including: Mobile mechanism; A laser emitter, mounted on a moving mechanism, is used to emit a laser beam onto the surface of the blade as the moving mechanism moves, in order to scan the blade.

[0006] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a blade detection system, including a first camera, a detection chip, and a blade detection device as described in the first aspect; The first camera is located inside the blade and is used to capture the first image of the inner surface of the blade under the illumination of the laser beam. The detection chip is connected to the first camera to receive the first image and output the crack detection results of the blade.

[0007] The blade inspection device of this application includes a moving mechanism and a laser emitter mounted on the moving mechanism. The laser emitter emits a laser beam onto the surface of the blade as the moving mechanism moves to scan the blade. When a crack appears on the blade, the signal reflected back from the blade by the laser beam changes. Therefore, the presence of a crack on the blade can be detected based on the reflected laser beam. This method is simple and convenient. Furthermore, through the cooperation of the moving mechanism and the laser emitter, the entire blade can be inspected, allowing for timely detection of blade damage and ensuring the safe and stable operation of the wind turbine generator. Attached Figure Description

[0008] The features, advantages, and technical effects of exemplary embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0009] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a blade detection device provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the movement position of a moving mechanism provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of a blade detection system provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing the position of a first camera provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 5 This application provides an image diagram of a transverse crack as an embodiment of the present application. Figure 6 This application provides an example of an image diagram corresponding to a longitudinal crack. Figure 7 This application provides an image diagram of a discontinuous crack as an embodiment of the present application. Figure 8 This is a structural diagram of another blade detection system provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0010] Among them, 10-blade detection device; 11-blade; 12-hub; 101-moving mechanism; 102-laser emitter; 30-Blade detection system; 301-First camera; 302-Detection chip; 303 Illumination device; 304-First image; 305-Second camera; 306-Wireless communication device; 307-Altitude sensor; 308-Power supply device; 40 - Pitch Controller.

[0011] In the accompanying drawings, the same parts use the same reference numerals. The drawings are not drawn to scale. Detailed Implementation

[0012] The features and exemplary embodiments of various aspects of this application will now be described in detail. Numerous specific details are set forth in the following detailed description to provide a comprehensive understanding of this application. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this application can be implemented without requiring some of these specific details. The following description of embodiments is merely intended to provide a better understanding of this application by illustrating examples. In the accompanying drawings and the following description, at least some well-known structures and techniques are not shown to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the application; and, for clarity, the dimensions of some structures may be exaggerated. Furthermore, the features, structures, or characteristics described below can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0013] The directional terms used in the following description refer to the directions shown in the figures and are not intended to limit the specific structure of the cable-stayed tower and wind turbine generator set of this application. It should also be noted in the description of this application that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0014] To better understand this application, the following will be combined with... Figures 1 to 8 The blade detection device and blade detection system provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail.

[0015] like Figure 1 As shown in the diagram, this application provides a schematic diagram of the structure of a blade detection device 10. The blade detection device 10 may include a moving mechanism 101 and a laser emitter 102. The laser emitter 102 is disposed on the moving mechanism 101. Exemplarily, the laser emitter 102 may be fixed to the moving mechanism 101, detachably connected to the moving mechanism 101, or in other ways, as long as the stability of the laser emitter 102 is ensured during the movement of the moving mechanism 101.

[0016] The moving mechanism 101 can move from bottom to top. Exemplarily, the moving mechanism 101 can be a drone or other device capable of moving in a certain direction. Exemplarily, the moving mechanism 101 can move vertically below the hub 12 of the wind turbine generator set or vertically above the hub 12. The moving mechanism 101 can move horizontally or remain stationary. In practical applications, the blades 11 rotate, therefore the blade detection device 10 can detect all the blades 11 in the wind turbine generator set.

[0017] For example, such as Figure 2 As shown, the moving mechanism 101 can move between the hub 12 and the blade tip 11 at their lowest points in the vertical direction, as... Figure 2 The arrow points in the direction. Since the impeller rotates, the blades 11 also rotate with the impeller. Therefore, the moving mechanism 101 can stay in the same position for one rotation cycle to complete the detection of the three blades. After one rotation cycle, the moving mechanism 101 can move to the next position until the detection of each position of the blades is completed.

[0018] The laser emitter 102 can move with the moving mechanism 101 to emit a laser beam onto the surface of the blade 11, scanning the blade 11 and realizing the detection of the entire blade. In practical applications, the laser emitter 102 can be at any angle to the blade 11. For example, the laser emitter 102 can be perpendicular to the surface of the blade 11, or it can be at other angles. This ensures that the detection scheme is simple to operate and easy to implement.

[0019] For example, the laser emitter 102 can emit a colored laser beam, such as a red laser beam or a green laser beam, onto the surface of the blade 11, so that the blade can be visually detected to see if it is damaged, which is simple and convenient.

[0020] In some embodiments, the laser emitter 102 may be a single-line laser emitter, meaning that the laser beam always maintains the same direction during each scan. In other embodiments, the laser emitter 102 may also be a multi-line laser emitter, used to emit laser beams that intersect in at least two directions, such as transverse and longitudinal intersecting laser beams, thereby enabling simultaneous detection of the transverse and longitudinal directions of the blade 11 and improving detection efficiency.

[0021] Because the signal reflected back from the laser beam changes when a crack appears on the blade, the blade can be detected based on the reflected laser beam without filtering out background noise. This is simple and convenient. Moreover, through the cooperation of the moving mechanism and the laser emitter, the entire blade can be inspected online, and damage to the blade can be detected in time, ensuring the safe and stable operation of the wind turbine generator.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of a blade detection system provided in an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 3 As shown, the blade detection system 30 may include a first camera 301, a detection chip 302, and the blade detection device 10 described in the above embodiments.

[0023] The first camera 301 can be disposed inside the blade 11 to capture a first image of the inner surface of the blade 11 under laser beam illumination. The first camera 301 can be disposed at any position inside the blade 11, for example, in some embodiments, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the first camera 301 can be located inside the blade near the root. Each blade 11 can have one or more first cameras 301 installed inside it. Each first camera 301 corresponds one-to-one with the blade 11 it is located on, and the corresponding blade can be detected based on the identifier of the first camera 301.

[0024] The detection chip 302 is connected to the first camera 301 to receive the first image and output the crack detection result of the blade 11. For example, the detection chip 302 can be installed in the nacelle or it can be an existing processing unit on the wind turbine.

[0025] For example, when the laser emitter 102 emits a laser beam toward the surface of the blade 11, the first camera 301 can capture an image of the inner surface of the blade 11. Based on the inner surface image captured by the first camera 301, the detection chip 302 can automatically output the crack detection result, thereby improving the detection efficiency and accuracy of the blade.

[0026] Taking the emission of a green laser beam by laser emitter 102 as an example, such as Figures 5-7 As shown, where, Figure 5 When a horizontal crack appears on the blade, the horizontal laser beam emitted by the laser emitter 102 reaches the surface of the blade 11. Because of the crack on the surface of the blade 11, the laser beam passes through the blade 11 and forms a projection on the inner surface. Therefore, the first image 304 captured by the first camera 301 will contain colored horizontal lines. Figure 5 The lines in the image are actually green.

[0027] Figure 6 When a longitudinal crack appears on the blade, the vertical (longitudinal) laser beam emitted by the laser emitter 102 reaches the blade surface, and the first image 304 captured by the first camera 301 contains colored vertical lines, which indicates that there is a longitudinal crack on the blade 11.

[0028] Figure 7 As the blade develops discontinuous cracks, after the horizontal and vertical intersecting laser beams emitted by the laser emitter 102 reach the blade surface, the first image 304 captured by the first camera 301 contains multiple colored broken lines.

[0029] The detection chip 302 can output the crack detection result of the blade 11 based on the first image 304 captured by the first camera 301. For example, for... Figure 5 The detection chip 302 can output the detection result that there is a transverse crack in the blade 11. (This is in response to...) Figure 6 The detection chip 302 can output the detection result that there is a longitudinal crack in the blade 11. (This is in response to...) Figure 7 The detection chip 302 can output the detection result that there is an oblique crack in the blade 11.

[0030] Of course, it is also possible to determine whether the blade 11 has cracks directly based on the first image 304 through visualization. For example, if the first image 304 contains any one or more of the following: continuous colored lines, discontinuous lines, or spots, it can be considered that the blade 11 has cracks or damage.

[0031] Because laser beams have penetrating power, when there is a crack in the blade, a certain length of light line or multiple colored light spots will be formed inside the blade. The first camera inside the blade can effectively capture the light line or light spot, and thus accurately determine whether the blade has cracked.

[0032] In some embodiments, such as Figure 8 As shown, the blade detection system 30 may further include an illumination device 303 disposed inside the blade 11. In some embodiments, the illumination device 303 is disposed at the blade root. The illumination device 303 is used to illuminate the interior of the blade 11, facilitating the first camera 301 to capture clear images of the inner surface and improving the accuracy of the detection results.

[0033] For example, the lighting device 303 may be a lamp, or other device that can provide illumination to the interior of the blade 11. Figure 8 As shown, the lighting device 303 is connected to the detection chip 302. Exemplarily, the lighting device 303 can be connected to the detection chip 302 via wired or wireless means. The detection chip 302 can send a start signal to the lighting device 303, which, based on the received start signal, illuminates the interior of the blade 11, enhancing the light intensity inside the blade. In a bright environment, the first camera 301 can capture clearer images, allowing for a more accurate subsequent determination of whether the blade is damaged.

[0034] Considering that some cracks are small or in the early stages of cracking, the laser beam cannot be detected inside the blade at this time. To improve detection accuracy, in some embodiments, such as... Figure 8 As shown, the blade detection system 30 may also include a second camera 305, which is mounted on the moving mechanism 101 of the blade detection device 10 and connected to the detection chip 302, for acquiring a second image of the outer surface of the blade 11 under laser beam illumination.

[0035] The second camera 305 is used to capture images of the outer surface of the blade 11 under laser beam illumination. When a small crack appears on the blade 11, it can be detected by the second image captured by the second camera 305. Moreover, the image of the outer surface of the blade 11 captured by the second camera 305 is less affected by environmental factors and light intensity, and no additional lighting device is required, which simplifies the system structure and reduces costs.

[0036] In practical applications, the first camera 301 and the second camera 305 can work simultaneously, or only one of them can work, depending on the specific requirements. For example, the second camera 305 can be fixed to the moving mechanism 101, or it can be detachably connected to the moving mechanism 101.

[0037] Based on the second image, the detection chip 302 can output the crack detection result of the blade 11. Furthermore, the detection chip 302 can also output the final crack detection result based on the first and second images, achieving higher detection accuracy.

[0038] Taking the moving mechanism 101 in the blade detection device 10, which includes a drone, as an example, Figure 8 As shown, the blade detection system 30 may also include a wireless communication device 306, which is wirelessly connected to the pitch controller 40 of the UAV and the wind turbine generator respectively.

[0039] Specifically, the UAV sends a first indication signal to the pitch controller 40 via the wireless communication device 306. The first indication signal indicates that the UAV has reached the detection altitude. The pitch controller 40 is connected to the first camera 301, which receives the first indication signal and sends a start signal to the first camera 301. After receiving the start signal, the first camera 301 acquires an image of the inner surface of the blade 11. That is, the first camera 301 starts acquiring images only after receiving the start signal, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0040] For example, when the drone reaches a certain height, such as when the tip of the blade 11 is at its lowest point in the vertical direction, it can send a first instruction signal to the pitch controller 40 via the wireless communication device 306. Then, the pitch controller 40 sends a start signal to the first camera 301 to start the first camera 301 to collect images of the inner surface of the blade 11.

[0041] For example, the drone can also simultaneously transmit a start signal to the laser emitter 102, which can then emit a laser beam onto the surface of the blade 11 based on the received start signal.

[0042] For example, the pitch controller 40 may also transmit a start signal to the laser transmitter 102.

[0043] After the UAV in this embodiment reaches the designated location, it communicates with the pitch controller via a wireless communication device, causing the pitch controller to send a start signal to the first camera, which then starts the first camera to capture images of the inner surface of the blades, thereby reducing the power consumption of the first camera.

[0044] In some embodiments, such as Figure 8 As shown, the blade detection system 30 may further include a height sensor 307, which can be mounted on the drone to collect the drone's altitude and send a second indication signal to the drone. The second indication signal is used to indicate that the drone has reached the detection altitude. Exemplarily, the height sensor 307 may be fixed to the drone or located on the drone and detachably connected to it.

[0045] For example, after receiving the second instruction signal, the UAV sends the first instruction signal to the pitch controller 40 via the wireless communication device 306.

[0046] This embodiment can detect the position of the drone based on the altitude sensor. After the drone reaches the designated position, the altitude sensor sends a second indication signal to the drone. Based on the received second indication signal, the drone sends a first indication signal to the pitch controller and activates the first camera and laser emitter, etc., to realize the detection of the blades. This can effectively reduce system power consumption and avoid invalid detection.

[0047] In some embodiments, the blade detection system 30 may further include a remote control device for sending a movement signal to a drone, which receives the movement signal and moves in a preset direction. This preset direction may include an upward or downward direction. The drone's altitude can be flexibly adjusted via the remote control device to detect the entire blade.

[0048] In some embodiments, such as Figure 8 As shown, the blade detection system 30 may also include a power supply device 308, which is connected to the moving mechanism 101, the first camera 301 and the detection chip 302 in the blade detection device 10, respectively, and is used to supply power to the moving mechanism 101, the first camera 301 and the detection chip 302.

[0049] For example, the power supply device 308 may be a 24V power supply, a battery, or other power supply device.

[0050] In some embodiments, the power supply device 308 may include a first power supply device and a second power supply device. The first power supply device is used to supply power to the mobile mechanism 101. For example, when the mobile mechanism 101 is a drone, the first power supply device may be a battery. The second power supply device may be a 24V power supply, or it may be a device on a wind turbine, such as a pitch control cabinet. That is, the pitch control cabinet can be used to supply power to structures such as the first camera 301, the detection chip 302, and the lighting device 303, ensuring that the detection scheme can proceed normally.

[0051] The blade detection system provided in this application embodiment can perform online detection of blades in real time through the linkage of a blade detection device, a first camera, a lighting device, a height sensor, and other devices, thereby improving detection efficiency and accuracy.

[0052] In some embodiments, the detection chip of this application can also communicate with an azimuth sensor on the wind turbine. The azimuth sensor is mounted on the rotor shaft and is used to collect the azimuth angle of the rotor and send it to the detection chip. Based on the received azimuth angle and the height of the moving mechanism collected by the altitude sensor, the detection chip can output the crack position of the blade, for example, the distance from the crack position to the blade root. This eliminates the need to inspect each blade individually, improving maintenance efficiency.

[0053] Although this application has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, various modifications can be made thereto and components can be replaced with equivalents without departing from the scope of this application. In particular, the technical features mentioned in the various embodiments can be combined in any manner, provided there is no structural conflict. This application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A blade detection system, characterized in that, Includes a first camera, a detection chip, and a blade detection device; The first camera is located inside the blade and is used to capture a first image of the inner surface of the blade under laser beam illumination. The detection chip is connected to the first camera and is used to receive the first image and output the crack detection result of the blade. The blade detection device includes a moving mechanism and a laser emitter. The laser emitter is mounted on the moving mechanism and is used to emit a laser beam toward the surface of the blade as the moving mechanism moves to scan the blade.

2. The blade detection system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The blade detection system also includes: An illumination device is installed inside the blade and connected to the detection chip. It is used to receive the start signal sent by the detection chip and to illuminate the inside of the blade.

3. The blade detection system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The blade detection system also includes: The second camera is mounted on the moving mechanism of the blade detection device and connected to the detection chip, and is used to acquire a second image of the outer surface of the blade under laser beam illumination. The detection chip is also used to receive the second image and output the crack detection result of the blade.

4. The blade detection system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The moving mechanism of the blade detection device includes a drone, and the blade detection system also includes a wireless communication device, which is wirelessly connected to the drone and the pitch controller of the wind turbine generator respectively. The UAV is used to send a first instruction signal to the pitch controller via the wireless communication device; The pitch controller is connected to the first camera and is used to receive the first indication signal and send a start signal to the first camera.

5. The blade detection system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The blade detection system also includes: An altitude sensor, mounted on the drone, is used to collect the altitude of the drone and send a second indication signal to the drone; The UAV is used to receive the second indication signal and send the first indication signal to the pitch controller via the wireless communication device.

6. The blade detection system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The blade detection system also includes: Remote control device for sending movement signals to the drone; The drone is used to receive the movement signal and move along a preset direction.

7. The blade detection system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The blade detection system also includes: A power supply device is connected to the moving mechanism, the first camera, and the detection chip in the blade detection device, respectively, and is used to supply power to the moving mechanism, the first camera, and the detection chip.

8. The blade detection system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The laser emitter includes a multi-line laser emitter for emitting laser beams that intersect in at least two directions.

Images