Application of Fiber Bragg Grating Sensing Technology - Application of FBG Sensor - Application of FBG-Application of FBG Demodulator - Application of FBG Sensing in Industry
FBG Sensing Technology for SHM of Water Turbines
Hydropower is one of the major renewable energy sources that has been widely adopted in many countries. Water turbines are critical components of hydropower plants that convert water flow energy into mechanical energy to drive the generators. However, the operation of water turbines is subjected to various structural health issues that may affect their efficiency and safety. Therefore, structural health monitoring (SHM) of water turbines has become increasingly important in the hydropower industry. In this article, we will discuss the problems that fiber grating sensing technology can solve, and how Beijing Dacheng Yongsheng Technology Co., Ltd.(short for DCYS ) can support the SHM of water turbines in the hydropower industry.
Fiber Bragg Grating Sensing Principle：
Fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) are periodic structures that are inscribed in the core of an optical fiber. These structures reflect a specific wavelength of light that is determined by the periodicity of the grating. When the grating is subjected to mechanical or thermal strain, the reflected wavelength changes in a predictable manner. By monitoring the reflected wavelength, changes in strain, temperature, and other parameters can be detected. FBG sensors can be used to monitor a wide range of parameters, including strain, stress, temperature, and vibration.
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Common Structural Health Issues to Water Turbines:
Water turbines are subjected to various structural health issues such as fatigue cracking, material degradation, cavitation erosion, and vibration-induced damage. These issues may cause a reduction in the efficiency and output of the turbines, and even lead to catastrophic failure.
Why SHM of Water Turbines is Needed:
SHM of water turbines is essential for ensuring their safe and efficient operation. By monitoring the structural health of water turbines, the operators can detect the early signs of damage, assess the severity of the damage, and plan the maintenance and repair activities accordingly. Moreover, SHM can also help to improve the design and operation of water turbines by providing valuable feedback on their performance and reliability.
Difficulties in SHM of Water Turbines :
SHM of water turbines is challenging due to several factors. Firstly, the harsh operating environment of water turbines, including high pressures, high temperatures, and high vibration levels, makes it difficult to install and maintain the sensing systems. Secondly, the complex geometries and materials of water turbines require customized sensing solutions that can adapt to different measurement locations and conditions. Lastly, the large-scale and distributed nature of hydropower plants makes it challenging to collect and analyze the massive amount of data generated by the sensing systems.
What Problems can be Solved by FBG Sensing Technology:
FBG sensing technology can address some of the challenges faced by SHM of water turbines. Firstly, FBG sensors are small in size and can be easily embedded into the structure of water turbines, minimizing the impact on their performance. Secondly, FBG sensors are highly sensitive and can measure multiple physical parameters simultaneously, providing comprehensive information on the structural health of water turbines. Thirdly, FBG sensors can be networked together to form a distributed sensing system that can cover a large area and detect the damage propagation in real-time. Lastly, FBG sensors are immune to electromagnetic interference, making them suitable for use in the harsh environment of water turbines.
Recommended fiber grating strain demodulator:
This product is a high-range fiber bragg grating strain sensor (FBG strain gauge) used for strain measurement. It can be used in a single-ended structure, where it is inserted into the object to be measured for strain measurement. It can also be used in a double-ended structure, where it is fixed with a fixture or bonded directly to the surface for strain measurement, enabling multi-point strain measurement when connected in series. The structure of this product is the same as that of fiber bragg grating stress sensors.
Product Overview:
The OFSCN® high-range fiber bragg grating strain sensor (FBG strain gauge) consists of fiber connectors (FC, SC, LC, ST, etc.), high elastic materials, and single-point FBG encapsulation. Depending on the materials used, it can work at room temperature or a maximum high temperature of 120 degrees Celsius (customizable upon request).
This product is characterized by its small size, light weight, high tensile and compressive strength, waterproof and moisture-proof properties, and full sealing. By utilizing the strain characteristics of FBG, this sensor can be inserted, welded, bonded, or adhered to the internal or surface of the test structure for strain detection and monitoring.
2500με Fiber Bragg Grating Strain Sensor - FBG Strain Gauge - Metal Encapsulation - High Temperature FBG Strain SensorThe product is a fiber Bragg grating strain sensor (FBG strain gauge) encapsulated in seamless steel tube, used for strain measurement. In most cases, it is a single-point single-ended structure, or it can be produced as a multi-point single-ended structure. In a few cases, it can also be a double-ended structure. The deployment method of the product depends on the supporting fixtures, which can be directly inserted into the test object, or installed by surface welding with corresponding fixtures, bolted with drilled holes for fixation, adhesive surface mounting, tied with straps for fixation, or fixed with clamps, among various installation methods. This product is a basic structural product, which can be calibrated as a FBG displacement sensor, or used as a FBG stress sensor.
Product Summary:
The OFSCN® Capillary Seamless Steel Tube Fiber Bragg Grating Strain Sensor (FBG strain gauge) is composed of fiber optic connectors (FC, SC, LC, ST, etc.), stainless steel seamless tubes, and single-point FBG encapsulation.
It can also be customized as a high-temperature resistant fiber Bragg grating strain sensor.
This product features a small size, lightweight, high tensile and compressive strength, waterproof, moisture-proof, and fully sealed characteristics. By utilizing the strain characteristics of the FBG, this sensor can be inserted, clamped, surface-mounted, glued, or embedded into the measured structure to perform strain detection and monitoring.
Beijing Dacheng Yongsheng Technology Co., Ltd.:
Beijing Dacheng Yongsheng Technology Co., Ltd.(short for DCYS) is a professional manufacturer of fiber grating sensors, fiber grating demodulators and system software. Specializing in the production of various fiber grating sensors, including temperature, strain, stress, displacement, vibration, shape sensors, etc. DCYS also produces fiber grating demodulators, and can customize and develop related application software.
Recommended fiber grating demodulator:
This product is produced by DCYS, and it is a high-speed high-frequency fiber Bragg grating demodulator(Interrogator). The fiber grating demodulator is compatible with various specifications and models of OFSCN® fiber bragg grating sensors (temperature, strain, stress FBG sensors, etc.). It features adjustable port density (4, 8, 12, 16 channels) and high-speed high-refresh rate capabilities.
DCYS Helps to do SHM of WaterTurbines:
With our expertise and experience, DCYS can help the hydropower industry to solve some of the challenges in the SHM of water turbines.
Other Points Need to Be Clarified:
In conclusion, fiber grating sensing technology has shown great potential in the structural health monitoring of water turbines in the hydropower industry. With its high accuracy, sensitivity, and reliability, it can detect and diagnose various types of structural health issues, such as fatigue, cracking, deformation, and misalignment, in real-time and remotely. Compared with traditional sensing technologies, fiber grating sensing technology has many advantages, including small size, light weight, easy installation, and low maintenance cost, which make it more suitable for the harsh and dynamic environment of the hydropower industry.