How to ensure the safe operation of wind turbines?
Wind turbines rotate like "windmills", turning wind into electricity, but they are actually very "delicate" - problems can arise from excessive wind, aging parts, thunderstorms, and rain. According to statistics, global wind farms lose $4.7 billion annually due to equipment failures! How to ensure the stable operation of these 'giants'? Today I will tell you the key tricks in plain language!
1、 When designing: one must be inherently "hardcore" and withstand extreme tests
To ensure the safety of wind turbines, it is important to choose the right materials and calculate the stress accurately from birth, just like building a house and laying a foundation.
1. Blades and tower: Be sturdy and not blown apart by the wind!
The blades are made of carbon fiber (lighter and harder than fiberglass), which can withstand a level 12 typhoon without breaking.
The tower (the "backbone" of the wind turbine) should be accurately calculated for wind force and designed with sufficient safety margin, such as being able to withstand a once-in-50-year strong wind.
2. Lightning and electricity protection: Do not "get an electric shock" during thunderstorms!
A lightning rod is installed at the tip of the blade, and when lightning strikes, the current is directly introduced into the ground to protect the internal components.
Cables and motors should be wrapped with insulation materials to prevent leakage and short circuits, and to prevent fires.
3. Key components: Prepare an extra set, even if it breaks, it can be used for emergency rescue!
Three sets of hydraulic devices are installed for blade angle adjustment (pitch system), one set is broken, and the other two sets can be used for emergency pitch retraction to prevent runaway.
The wind turbine steering (yaw system) uses dual motors, doubling the torque and ensuring stable alignment with the wind direction even in strong winds.
2、 Run time: Daily "physical examination"+intelligent monitoring to prevent problems before they occur
The fan runs every day, and the parts will wear out. Regular inspections are necessary, and "black technology" must be used to closely monitor it!
1. Check the data every day: vibration and temperature are clear and distinct
Install vibration sensors on the gearbox and generator, like a stethoscope, to immediately sound an alarm if the sound is abnormal.
Take a temperature map with an infrared camera, and you can easily detect any overheating (such as loose cable joints) at a glance.
2. Regular "Big Health Care": changing oil, tightening screws, checking for wear and tear
The gearbox oil should be changed every 3-5 years. If there are too many metal particles in the oil, it indicates that the parts are "falling" and need to be repaired in advance.
Regularly inspect screws and bearings, tighten them if necessary, replace them if necessary, and don't regret them when they break.
3. Drone inspection: No need to climb the tower, just fly around and you will know the problem
Using drones to take photos of blades, AI automatically identifies cracks and lightning strikes, which is faster and safer than climbing up by humans.
Rust and cracks on the surface of the tower can also be clearly photographed, and paint should be applied in advance to prevent corrosion.
3、 How to deal with extreme weather conditions such as typhoons, icing, and lightning strikes?
Wind turbines are most afraid of "natural disasters", preparing in advance can minimize losses!
1. Typhoon is coming: retract the propeller in advance and reduce the speed
The weather forecast says a typhoon is coming, quickly adjust the blades to "feathering" (like a bird retracting its wings) to reduce wind resistance and prevent them from being blown down.
2. Blade icing: Heat to remove ice, do not let the weight exceed the standard
In winter in the north, the leaves may freeze. Install electric heating wires or spray de icing agents to prevent the thick ice layer from crushing the leaves.
3. Thunderstorm weather: The lightning protection system must be reliable
Check the lightning rod and grounding wire every year to ensure that the current can smoothly enter the ground during lightning strikes and not burn out the internal circuit.
Summary: Safe operation=good design+frequent inspection+emergency response skills
To ensure the safety of wind turbines, they must be designed with high-quality materials and sufficient redundancy. They must operate diligently, monitoring data and regularly maintaining them. In extreme weather conditions, they should not panic, such as stopping the propeller in advance and preventing lightning and ice damage.
In this way, your 'windmill' can turn steadily and for a long time, contributing more to clean energy!
