풍력 발전소의 적외선 열화상 적용

2025년 7월 19일

As a crucial pillar of the global energy transition, wind power is rapidly advancing. However, early wind turbines and substations often lack comprehensive temperature monitoring systems. Abnormal temperature rises in components such as brake discs, gearboxes, and cable joints are difficult to detect in time, increasing the risk of equipment failures and fire hazards. Additionally, traditional manual routine inspections are costly and inefficient, making it difficult to meet the maintenance demands of distributed wind power plant operations.

To address this industry pain point, infrared thermal imaging technology enables non-contact, real-time, and precise temperature monitoring, providing all-weather monitoring of wind turbines and high-voltage equipment in substations.

Without modifying existing electrical systems, this solution leverages an intelligent early warning platform to analyze temperature trends of key components, accurately identify anomalies, and issue remote warnings. This significantly reduces maintenance costs while enhancing equipment reliability. By establishing a comprehensive temperature monitoring system, thermal imaging technology not only improves wind power plant O&M efficiency but also lays the foundation for future unmanned intelligent management.

Application of Infrared Thermal Imaging in Wind Power Plants

1. Real-Time Monitoring of Wind Turbine Blades

Wind turbine blades are subject to multiple forces, including wind and centrifugal forces, over long-term operation, making them prone to structural defects such as surface cracks and delamination. However, existing monitoring methods primarily rely on manual inspections at high altitudes, UAV photography, or high-definition cameras, which can only detect external blade conditions and lack effective early warning for blade failures or fractures caused by abnormal temperature.

To enhance monitoring accuracy, an infrared camera can be installed on the wind speed sensor bracket outside the turbine nacelle to continuously capture real-time infrared images and temperature data of the blades, enabling remote monitoring. Maintenance personnel can also use handheld infrared thermal imaging devices for routine inspections, combining infrared data analysis software to accurately assess blade conditions, detect potential hazards early, and effectively reduce the risk of equipment failures.

2. Inspection of Main Contacts in Grid Connection Switchgear

Adhesion of the main contacts in wind turbine grid connection switchgear is a major cause of wind turbine fires. This risk is especially high in turbines that have been in operation for more than 10 years, as aging switchgear suffers from diminished arc-extinguishing capability and severe electrical corrosion of the main contacts.

To enhance safety, infrared thermal imaging cameras can be installed near the main contacts in the switchgear to continuously monitor temperature changes and collect thermal image data. If a contact’s temperature rises sharply or exceeds the normal threshold, the system triggers an alarm to provide an early warning of potential risks, effectively reducing the likelihood of fire incidents.

3. Detection of Main Shaft Brake Systems

During high-speed braking, the main shaft brake system of a wind turbine generates significant heat. Excessive temperatures can lead to turbine fires, yet most turbine designs currently lack temperature monitoring for brake systems, posing a substantial safety risk.

To mitigate this risk, infrared thermal imaging equipment can be installed near the main shaft brake to capture real-time temperature data. If temperatures exceed the warning threshold, the system triggers an alarm. For turbines equipped with automatic fire protection systems, this solution can also initiate fire-fighting measures, effectively preventing fire hazards and enhancing the operational safety and reliability of wind turbines.

4. Detection of Generator Housing

During long-term operation, wind turbine generators may experience abnormal heating due to excessive load, bearing wear, or poor heat dissipation, which can lead to equipment failures or even scrapping, resulting in economic losses and safety risks. Traditional contact-based thermocouple monitoring methods struggle to comprehensively cover the generator housing temperature, leading to missed detections while also posing challenges in wiring and maintenance.

To enhance monitoring efficiency, a thermal camera can be mounted on a pillar or bracket near the generator to ensure full coverage of the housing surface while maintaining a monitoring distance of at least 50cm. If the temperature exceeds a preset threshold, the system will automatically trigger an alarm and send notifications to the backend, alerting management personnel to investigate anomalies promptly and ensure stable equipment operation.

5. Detection of Gearbox and Bearing

The gearbox in a wind turbine system is responsible for increasing the rotational speed of the wind rotor and transmitting power to the generator, making it a critical mechanical component. The bearings inside the gearbox endure alternating loads and, after prolonged operation, may develop defects such as pitting, cracks, and surface spalling, potentially leading to gearbox failure and reduced power generation efficiency.