Power generation facility monitoring system using optical cable

Abstract

The present invention relates to a power generation facility monitoring system using an optical cable, the system comprising: at least one sensing optical fiber installed in a power generation facility; and a measurement unit which transmits light to the sensing optical fiber, receives scattered light output from the sensing optical fiber, and calculates a detected physical quantity for the power generation facility on the basis of the received scattered light. The power generation facility monitoring system using an optical cable according to the present invention has the advantage of reducing the time and manpower required for inspection work, since a worker can more easily recognize whether a defect occurred in the power generation facility from a long distance by using the sensing optical fiber installed in the power generation facility.

Description

Power plant monitoring system using optical cables

[0001] The present invention relates to a power generation facility monitoring system using an optical cable, and more specifically, to a safety monitoring system capable of monitoring the facility by installing distributed optical fiber sensors in the power generation facility.

[0002] Typically, power plants are equipped with facilities that convert thermal energy and mechanical energy into electrical energy, and use energy sources such as water, coal, natural gas, or nuclear power to rotate turbines, which then produce electricity through generators connected to the turbines.

[0003] Power plants are categorized into hydroelectric, thermal, and nuclear power plants based on the type of energy source used and the resulting power generation method. As the lifespan of these power plant equipment increases, the risk of deformation or damage due to the high-pressure and high-temperature energy generated during power generation increases. Damage to power plant equipment increases the likelihood of worker safety accidents or disasters such as fires. Consequently, monitoring technology capable of detecting defects or deformations in power plant equipment is in demand.

[0004] Conventional monitoring techniques require power plants to be shut down, with workers conducting visual inspections or using non-destructive testing. This requires the power plant to be shut down during inspections, making it inefficient. Furthermore, workers must visit the facility in person to inspect the equipment, making it cumbersome.

[0005] The present invention was created to improve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a power plant monitoring system using an optical cable that allows workers to monitor power plants more easily by using a distributed optical fiber sensor.

[0006] In order to achieve the above purpose, a power generation facility monitoring system using an optical cable according to the present invention comprises at least one sensing optical fiber installed in a power generation facility, and a measuring unit that transmits light to the sensing optical fiber, receives scattered light output from the sensing optical fiber, and calculates a detection physical quantity for the power generation facility based on the received scattered light.

[0007] In addition, the power generation facility monitoring system using the optical cable of the present invention further includes a bonding unit installed in the power generation facility to bond the sensing optical fiber to the power generation facility.

[0008] The above-mentioned contact unit is installed in the power generation facility so as to be spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction of the sensing optical fiber, and has an installation hole formed so that the sensing optical fiber can pass through it, and has at least one fixing bracket having a cut portion formed along the longitudinal direction on a side facing the surface of the power generation facility so that the sensing optical fiber passing through the installation hole comes into contact with the surface of the power generation facility, and a pressing unit installed in the fixing bracket to press the sensing optical fiber so that the sensing optical fiber is in contact with the surface of the power generation facility through the cut portion.

[0009] The above-mentioned pressurizing portion is provided with a pressurizing rod installed on the inner surface of the fixed bracket opposite the cut portion so that the end can come into contact with the outer surface of the sensing optical fiber, and is capable of moving toward the cut portion, and an elastic member that provides elasticity to the pressurizing rod so that the pressurizing rod can move toward the cut portion.

[0010] The above pressurizing portion is formed to surround the outer circumference of the sensing optical fiber facing the pressurizing rod in order to prevent the sensing optical fiber from being deformed by the end of the pressurizing rod, and may further include a protective cover made of a hard material, with a portion facing the cut portion cut in the longitudinal direction so that the sensing optical fiber comes into contact with the surface of the power generation facility.

[0011] The above fixed bracket may further include a through slot formed at a position facing the protective cover, the pressurizing portion extending from the protective cover in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the sensing optical fiber so as to protrude outside the fixed bracket through the through slot, an auxiliary arm formed of a hard material, and a fixing block installed at an end of the auxiliary arm to fix the auxiliary arm to the power generation facility at a position spaced apart from the fixed bracket.

[0012] The above-mentioned fixing brackets may be installed in a number of pieces spaced apart from each other along the length of the sensing optical fiber, and may further include a protection unit installed between the fixing brackets to protect the sensing optical fiber.

[0013] The above protection unit is provided with a plurality of protection wires that are each fixed at both ends to adjacent fixing brackets and are arranged radially around the sensing optical fiber.

[0014] In addition, the present invention further comprises a moving body installed so as to be movable along the protective wire, a plurality of brushes installed on the moving body so that their ends come into contact with the surface of the sensing optical fiber so as to remove foreign substances adhered to the surface of the sensing optical fiber, and a main body moving part that moves the moving body along the protective wire.

[0015] The power plant monitoring system using an optical cable according to the present invention has the advantage of reducing the time and manpower required for inspection work, as it allows workers to more easily detect the presence of defects in the power plant from a distance by using a sensing optical fiber installed in the power plant.

[0016] Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram of a power generation facility monitoring system using an optical cable according to the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a power generation facility monitoring system using an optical cable according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a power plant monitoring system using the optical cable of Figure 2.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a power plant monitoring system using an optical cable according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a power plant monitoring system using an optical cable according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a power generation facility monitoring system using an optical cable according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Hereinafter, a power plant monitoring system using an optical cable according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. The present invention can be modified in various ways and can take various forms, and specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the text. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to a specific disclosed form, but should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention. In describing each drawing, similar reference numerals are used to indicate similar components. In the attached drawings, the dimensions of structures are shown larger than actual size to ensure clarity of the present invention.

[0023] While terms like "first" and "second" may be used to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, a first component could be referred to as a "second component," and similarly, a second component could also be referred to as a "first component."

[0024] The terminology used in this application is only used to describe specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the present invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, it should be understood that the terms "comprise" or "have" indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but do not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0025] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates a power generation facility monitoring system (100) using an optical cable according to the present invention.

[0027] Referring to the drawing, the power generation facility monitoring system (100) using the optical cable comprises a sensing optical fiber (110) installed in the power generation facility (11), and a measuring unit (120) that transmits light to the sensing optical fiber (110), receives scattered light output from the sensing optical fiber (110), and calculates a detection physical quantity for the power generation facility (11) based on the received scattered light. Here, the power generation facility (11) is applied to power plant equipment such as a silo, a thermal fluid delivery pipe, etc.

[0028] The sensing optical fiber (110) extends a predetermined length in the longitudinal direction along the outer circumference of the power generation facility (11). Since the sensing optical fiber (110) is a conventionally commonly used optical fiber in a distributed optical fiber sensor, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. The distributed optical fiber sensor is a scattering sensor, and long-distance sensing is possible by measuring the backscattered light inside the optical fiber according to the physical quantity acting on the optical fiber using a pulsed light source. Examples of such distributed optical fiber sensors include a Rayleigh scattering type optical fiber sensor, a Raman scattering type optical fiber sensor, and a Brillouin scattering type optical fiber sensor.

[0029] Meanwhile, although not shown in the drawing, the sensing optical fiber (110) may be installed to surround the outer circumference of the power generation facility (11). Here, it is preferable that the sensing optical fiber (110) be installed over a relatively wide area of ​​the power generation facility (11). In addition, one or three or more sensing optical fibers (110) may be installed depending on the size of the target power generation facility (11).

[0030] The measuring unit (120) transmits light to a sensing optical fiber (110), receives scattered light output from the sensing optical fiber (110), and calculates a detection physical quantity of the corresponding power generation facility (11) based on the received scattered light to determine whether a defect has occurred in the corresponding power generation facility (11), and is equipped with a light source (121), an optical splitter (122), a calculation unit (123), and a determination unit (124).

[0031] A light source (121) is connected to a sensing optical fiber (110) and irradiates pulsed light to the sensing optical fiber (110). Here, the light source is equipped with a pulse generator, although not shown in the drawing, and emits pulsed light corresponding to a pulse driving signal output from the pulse generator. The pulse generator is controlled by a generating unit (123) and outputs a pulse driving signal corresponding to the pulse width of the pulsed light to be generated to the light source (121).

[0032] The optical splitter (122) is applied with a circulator, transmits the input light emitted from the light source (121) to the sensing optical fiber (110), and outputs the path of the light reflected from the sensing optical fiber (110) in a different path from the light incident path. In addition, it goes without saying that an optical fiber coupler (not shown) can be applied instead of the circulator as the optical splitter (122).

[0033] The output unit (123) controls the pulse generator to output pulsed light from the light source (121), detects the light output from the sensing optical fiber (110), and outputs data on the detected physical quantity of the power generation facility (11) transmitted to the sensing optical fiber (110) from the detected light. Here, the detected physical quantity includes vibration, applied external force, degree of deformation, temperature, etc. It is preferable that the light source (121), the optical splitter (122), and the output unit (123) configured as described above are provided in multiple numbers and installed respectively on the sensing optical fibers (110) installed in the power generation facility (11).

[0034] The determination unit (124) determines whether a defect has occurred in the power generation facility (11) based on the detected physical quantity of the power generation facility (11) measured through the calculation unit (123). That is, if the detected physical quantity of the power generation facility (11) calculated through the calculation unit (123) is greater than a preset value, the determination unit (124) determines that a defect such as a crack or bend has occurred and transmits information on the occurrence of a defect to the operator along with the displacement information provided by the calculation unit (123).

[0035] The power generation facility monitoring system (100) using an optical cable according to the present invention, which is configured as described above, has the advantage of reducing the time and manpower required for inspection work since a worker can more easily recognize the occurrence of a defect in the power generation facility (11) from a long distance by using a sensing optical fiber (110) installed in the power generation facility (11).

[0036] Meanwhile, FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate a power generation facility monitoring system (200) using an optical cable according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Elements that have the same function as those in the previously illustrated drawings are indicated with the same reference numerals.

[0038] Referring to the drawing, the power generation facility monitoring system (200) using the optical cable further includes a bonding unit (210) installed in the power generation facility (11) to bond the sensing optical fiber (110) to the power generation facility (11).

[0039] The above-mentioned adhesion unit (210) comprises a plurality of fixed brackets (220) installed on the power generation facility (11) so as to be spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction of the sensing optical fiber (110), and a pressure unit (230) installed on the fixed bracket (220) to adhere the sensing optical fiber (110) to the surface of the power generation facility (11).

[0040] The fixed bracket (220) is fixed to the power generation facility (11) on one side thereof, and an installation hole (221) is formed therethrough so that the sensing optical fiber (110) can pass through it. Here, it is preferable that the installation hole (221) be formed so as to pass through in the front-back direction. In addition, the fixed bracket (220) has a cut portion (222) formed along the longitudinal direction on one side thereof facing the surface of the power generation facility (11) so that the sensing optical fiber (110) passing through the installation hole (221) can contact the surface of the power generation facility (11). The cut portion (222) has a predetermined width and extends in the front-back direction.

[0041] The above-described fixed bracket (220) may be installed one by one or multiple by being spaced apart from each other along the length of the sensing optical fiber (110) depending on the size of the sensing optical fiber (110).

[0042] The above-mentioned pressurizing portion (230) is provided with a pressurizing rod (231) that is installed on the inner surface of the fixed bracket (220) facing the cut portion (222) so that the end can come into contact with the outer surface of the sensing optical fiber (110) and can move back and forth toward the cut portion (222), and an elastic member (232) that provides elasticity to the pressurizing rod (231) so that the pressurizing rod (231) moves toward the cut portion (222).

[0043] The pressure rod (231) is installed on the other side of the fixed bracket (220) so that one end is inserted into the installation hole (221). At this time, the pressure rod (231) is installed so as to be able to slide in a direction in which one end is adjacent to the cut portion (222) as described above. A gripping member (233) is installed on the other end of the pressure rod (231) so that the worker can operate it under the grip.

[0044] Meanwhile, the pressure rod (231) has a contact member (234) formed at one end thereof to contact the outer surface of the sensing optical fiber (110). The contact member (234) is formed to be curved to correspond to the curvature of the outer surface of the sensing optical fiber (110).

[0045] The elastic member (232) has one end in contact with the contact member (234) and the other end supported on the inner wall surface of the fixed bracket (220) to provide elastic force to move one end of the pressure rod (231) toward the sensing optical fiber (110). The elastic member (232) is applied as a coil spring, but is not limited thereto, and any elastic force providing means capable of providing elastic force to the pressure rod (231) can be applied.

[0046] Meanwhile, the pressurizing portion (230) further includes a protective cover (240) formed to surround the outer circumference of the sensing optical fiber (110) facing the pressurizing rod (231) in order to prevent the sensing optical fiber (110) from being deformed by the end of the pressurizing rod (231).

[0047] The above protective cover (240) has an insertion hole (241) formed therein so that the sensing optical fiber (110) can be inserted therethrough. Meanwhile, the protective cover (240) is formed so that a portion thereof, facing the cut portion (222), is cut in the longitudinal direction so that the sensing optical fiber (110) can contact the surface of the power generation facility (11). Here, it is preferable that the protective cover (240) be formed so that the cut portion has a width and length corresponding to the width and length of the cut portion (222) of the fixing bracket (220). In addition, it is preferable that the protective cover (240) be formed of a hard material such as metal in order to prevent the sensing optical fiber (110) from being deformed by the pressure rod (231).

[0048] Meanwhile, although not shown in the drawing, the protective cover (240) has a plurality of supporting protrusions formed on the inner wall surface so as to support the sensing optical fiber (110) at a distance therefrom so as to provide a flow space between the inner wall surface and the sensing optical fiber (110) through which air can flow. It is preferable that the supporting protrusions protrude toward the center of the insertion hole (241) at mutually distanced positions on the inner wall surface of the protective cover (240). Since the sensing optical fiber (110) is supported at a distance therefrom by the supporting protrusions on the inner wall surface of the protective cover (240), the protective cover (240) is prevented from being fixed to the sensing optical fiber (110), and even if rainwater flows in between the protective cover (240) and the sensing optical fiber (110), it can be easily dried, thereby preventing errors in the measurement values ​​of the sensing optical fiber (110) from occurring due to moisture.

[0049] The pressurizing unit (230) configured as described above is provided to be spaced apart from each other along the length direction of the sensing optical fiber (110) so as to bring the sensing optical fiber (110) into close contact with the power generation facility (11), thereby improving the accuracy of measuring whether there is a defect in the power generation facility (11) using the sensing optical fiber (110).

[0050] Meanwhile, FIG. 4 illustrates a power generation facility monitoring system (300) using an optical cable according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Referring to the drawing, the power generation facility monitoring system (300) using the optical cable further includes a protection unit (310) installed between the fixing brackets (220) to protect the sensing optical fiber (110).

[0052] The above protection unit (310) is provided with a plurality of protection wires (311) whose opposite ends are respectively fixed to the adjacent fixing brackets (220). The protection wires (311) extend a predetermined distance along the longitudinal direction of the sensing optical fiber (110), and both ends are respectively fixed to the fixing brackets (220). At this time, it is preferable that the protection wires (311) are arranged radially with the sensing optical fiber (110) as the center.

[0053] When an obstacle approaches the sensing optical fiber (110), the obstacle comes into contact with the protection wires (311), and the obstacle is prevented from colliding with the sensing optical fiber (110) by the protection wires (311). The protection unit (310) configured as described above can prevent the sensing optical fiber (110) from being damaged or deformed by an external obstacle other than the power generation facility (11) by means of a plurality of protection wires (311).

[0054] Meanwhile, FIG. 5 illustrates a power generation facility monitoring system (400) using an optical cable according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Referring to the drawing, the power generation facility monitoring system (400) using the optical cable further includes a cleaning unit (410) that moves along the protection wire (311) to clean the sensing optical fiber (110).

[0056] The above cleaning unit (410) comprises a moving body (420) that is installed to be movable along the protection wire (311), a plurality of brushes (430) that are installed on the moving body (420) so that their ends come into contact with the surface of the sensing optical fiber (110) so as to remove foreign substances adhered to the surface of the sensing optical fiber (110), and a main body moving part (440) that moves the moving body (420) along the protection wire (311).

[0057] The moving body (420) is formed with a plurality of penetration holes (421) so that the protection wire (311) can pass through them. It is preferable that the penetration holes (421) are formed in the moving body (420) at positions corresponding to each protection wire (311) so as to pass through them along the longitudinal direction of the sensing optical fiber (110). In addition, the moving body (420) is formed with a passage hole (422) so that the sensing optical fiber (110) can pass through it. Here, it is preferable that the passage hole (422) is formed so that the side facing the power generation facility (11) is open.

[0058] A plurality of brushes (430) are formed on the inner wall surface of the passage (422), and their ends are formed to protrude so as to contact the outer surface of the sensing optical fiber (110). The brushes (430) are preferably formed of a flexible material having a predetermined elasticity so that they can be easily bent when in contact with the sensing optical fiber (110).

[0059] The main body moving part (440) is provided with a plurality of wheels (441) rotatably installed on the moving body (420) so that the outer surface thereof is in contact with the outer surface of the power generation facility (11), and a rotation motor (not shown) that rotates the wheels (441). Meanwhile, the main body moving part (440) is not limited thereto, and can be applied to any driving means that can move the moving body (420) along the longitudinal direction of the protection wire (311).

[0060] As described above, the cleaning unit (410) moves the moving body (420) equipped with the brush (430) along the protection wire (311) to remove foreign substances adhered to the sensing optical fiber (110), thereby preventing an error from occurring in the measurement value measured through the sensing optical fiber (110) due to the weight of the foreign substances.

[0061] Meanwhile, FIG. 6 illustrates a pressurizing unit (510) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Referring to the drawing, the pressurizing portion (510) has a plurality of auxiliary arms (511) extending from the protective cover (240), and a fixing block (512) installed at the end of the auxiliary arms (511) to fix the auxiliary arms (511) to the power generation facility (11) at a position spaced apart from the fixing bracket (220).

[0063] Here, the fixed bracket (220) is formed with a plurality of penetration slots (223) that penetrate the fixed bracket (220) at positions facing the protective cover (240). The penetration slots (223) are formed on each of the left and right sides of the fixed bracket (220) and extend a predetermined length along the longitudinal direction of the sensing optical fiber (110). In addition, the penetration slots (223) may be formed to have a predetermined width in the front-back direction.

[0064] The auxiliary arms (511) are formed on the outer surface of the protective cover (240) facing the through slots (223), and extend in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the sensing optical fiber (110) so as to protrude out of the fixed bracket (220) through the through slots (223). In addition, it is preferable that the auxiliary arms (511) are formed of a hard material having a predetermined strength, such as metal.

[0065] The fixed block (512) is installed at the end of the auxiliary arm (511) exposed to the outside of the fixed bracket (220) and is fixed to the outer surface of the power generation facility (11). Although not shown in the drawing, the fixed block (512) is fixed to the surface of the power generation facility (11) by welding or bolting.

[0066] As described above, the auxiliary arm (511) is fixed to the power generation facility (11) at a location spaced from the sensing optical fiber (110) by the fixed block (512), and since it is formed of a rigid material, the displacement generated in the power generation facility (11) at the location by the auxiliary arm (511) can be transmitted to the sensing optical fiber (110). Therefore, there is an advantage in that the measurable range of the sensing optical fiber (110) is expanded.

[0067] The description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments disclosed herein, but is to be construed in the broadest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. At least one sensing optical fiber installed in a power generation facility; A measuring unit that transmits light to the sensing optical fiber, receives scattered light output from the sensing optical fiber, and calculates a detection physical quantity for the power generation facility based on the received scattered light; Power plant monitoring system using optical cables.

2. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a bonding unit installed in the power generation facility to bond the sensing optical fiber to the power generation facility; Power plant monitoring system using optical cables.

3. In paragraph 2, The above-mentioned adhesion unit At least one fixing bracket, which is installed in the power generation facility so as to be spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction of the sensing optical fiber, has an installation hole formed so that the sensing optical fiber can pass through it, and has a cut portion formed along the longitudinal direction on a side facing the surface of the power generation facility so that the sensing optical fiber passing through the installation hole contacts the surface of the power generation facility; and A pressurizing unit installed on the above fixed bracket and pressurizing the sensing optical fiber so that the sensing optical fiber is in close contact with the surface of the power generation facility through the cut portion; Power plant monitoring system using optical cables.

4. In paragraph 3, The above pressurized part A pressure rod installed on the inner surface of the fixed bracket facing the cut portion so that the end can contact the outer surface of the sensing optical fiber, and is retractable toward the cut portion; and An elastic member that provides elasticity to the pressure rod so that the pressure rod moves toward the corresponding cut portion; Power plant monitoring system using optical cables.

5. In paragraph 4, The above pressurizing portion is formed to surround the outer circumference of the sensing optical fiber facing the pressurizing rod in order to prevent the sensing optical fiber from being deformed by the end of the pressurizing rod, and is made of a hard material, but further includes a protective cover in which a portion facing the cut portion is cut in the longitudinal direction so that the sensing optical fiber comes into contact with the surface of the power generation facility. Power plant monitoring system using optical cables.

6. In paragraph 5, The above fixed bracket has a penetrating slot formed at a position facing the above protective cover, The above pressurized part An auxiliary arm formed of a rigid material, extending from the protective cover in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the sensing optical fiber and protruding out of the fixed bracket through the through slot; and Further comprising a fixing block installed at the end of the auxiliary arm and fixing the auxiliary arm to the power generation facility at a position spaced from the fixing bracket; Power plant monitoring system using optical cables.

7. In paragraph 3, The above fixed brackets are installed in multiple numbers spaced apart from each other along the length of the sensing optical fiber, Further comprising a protection unit installed between the fixed brackets to protect the sensing optical fiber; Power plant monitoring system using optical cables.

8. In paragraph 7, The above protection unit is provided with a plurality of protection wires, each end of which is fixed to the adjacent fixing brackets and arranged radially around the sensing optical fiber; Power plant monitoring system using optical cables.

9. In paragraph 9, A movable body installed so as to be movable along the above protective wire; A plurality of brushes installed on the moving body so that the ends thereof come into contact with the surface of the sensing optical fiber so as to remove foreign substances adhered to the surface of the sensing optical fiber; and Further comprising a main body moving part that moves the above-mentioned moving body along the above-mentioned protective wire; Power plant monitoring system using optical cables.

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