Key Application of Vibration Sensor in Thermal Power Generation

Thermal power generation, as one of the major ways of power production worldwide, requires the safe and efficient operation of its equipment. Vibration sensors, as a crucial monitoring device, play an irreplaceable role in thermal power plants. By monitoring the vibration of equipment in real time, vibration sensors can provide important basis for the assessment of equipment health status, fault diagnosis and preventive maintenance, thus ensuring the stable operation of thermal power plants, improving power generation efficiency and reducing maintenance costs.Thermal power sensor

The principle of vibration sensors

Vibration sensors are devices that convert mechanical vibration quantities into electrical signals based on physical principles. Common vibration sensors can be classified into piezoelectric, magnetoelectric, and eddy current types according to their working principles.

1. Piezoelectric vibration sensor

The piezoelectric vibration sensor utilizes the piezoelectric effect of piezoelectric materials. When the sensor is subjected to vibration, the piezoelectric element generates charges, which are converted into voltage signals through a charge amplifier for output. Its advantages include high sensitivity and wide frequency response, making it suitable for measuring high-frequency vibration signals, such as the vibration monitoring of turbine blades.

2. Magnetoelectric vibration sensor

The magnetoelectric vibration sensor operates based on the principle of electromagnetic induction. Vibration causes a conductor to cut through magnetic field lines, generating an induced electromotive force. This type of sensor has a simple structure and high reliability, and is suitable for measuring medium and low-frequency vibrations. It is often used for vibration monitoring of generator rotors, motors, and other equipment.

3. Eddy current vibration sensor

The eddy current vibration sensor utilizes the eddy current effect. It measures the vibration by detecting the change in distance between the sensor and the object being measured. It features non-contact measurement and strong anti-interference ability, and is widely used in the vibration monitoring of turbine shaft systems. It can accurately measure parameters such as shaft displacement and eccentricity.

The Application of Vibration Sensors in Thermal Power Generation

1. Steam Turbine Monitoring

The steam turbine is one of the core equipment in thermal power plants, and its operating condition directly affects the efficiency and safety of power generation. Vibration sensors are installed on key parts of the steam turbine such as the bearing housing and rotor, enabling real-time monitoring of the turbine's vibration. By analyzing the vibration signals, problems such as blade damage, rotor imbalance, and bearing wear can be detected promptly.

2. Generator Monitoring

Vibration monitoring of generators is equally important. Vibration sensors can be installed on the stator, rotor, and bearings of the generator to monitor its vibration during operation. By analyzing the vibration data, issues such as rotor eccentricity, loose windings, and bearing faults can be identified. Timely detection and handling of these potential faults can effectively extend the generator's service life and enhance the reliability of power generation.

3. Auxiliary Equipment Monitoring

Auxiliary equipment in thermal power plants, such as feedwater pumps, fans, and coal crushers, are numerous and widely distributed. Monitoring the vibration of these auxiliary devices is also crucial for ensuring the stable operation of the entire power generation system. Vibration sensors can be installed on key parts of these auxiliary devices to monitor their vibration in real time. For example, vibration monitoring of feedwater pumps can promptly detect problems such as bent pump shafts and worn impellers; vibration monitoring of fans can warn of bearing damage and unbalanced blades; vibration monitoring of coal crushers can quickly identify abnormal conditions such as loose internal components and bearing failures, avoiding shutdown accidents caused by auxiliary equipment failures.

4. Boiler Monitoring

Boilers, as an important component of thermal power plants, also require vibration monitoring. Vibration sensors can be installed on the boiler's furnace wall, steam drum, and water-cooled wall to monitor the vibration during operation. Through vibration monitoring, problems such as uneven heating, furnace wall cracking, and excessive vibration of water-cooled wall tubes can be detected in a timely manner, allowing for appropriate measures to be taken to ensure the safe operation of the boiler.

Advantages of Vibration Sensors in Thermal Power Generation

1. Real-time Monitoring and Early Warning

Vibration sensors can collect vibration data of equipment in real time and transmit it to the monitoring system. Through real-time analysis of vibration data, abnormal vibration conditions of equipment can be detected promptly, and early warning signals can be issued to remind maintenance personnel to take corresponding measures, preventing further deterioration of equipment failures and ensuring the safe operation of power generation equipment.

2. Enhance Fault Diagnosis Accuracy

The vibration signals collected by vibration sensors contain rich information about the operating status of equipment. Through methods such as spectral analysis and time-domain analysis of vibration signals, the type, location, and severity of equipment faults can be accurately determined, providing a strong basis for fault diagnosis. Compared with traditional regular maintenance methods, the application of vibration sensors can more precisely locate faults, reduce unnecessary equipment disassembly and repair work, and improve the efficiency and accuracy of fault diagnosis.

3. Reduce Maintenance Costs

By conducting real-time monitoring and fault early warning of equipment through vibration sensors, preventive maintenance of equipment can be achieved. Maintenance personnel can reasonably arrange maintenance time and content based on the actual operating status and vibration data trends of the equipment, avoiding excessive maintenance and downtime losses caused by sudden equipment failures. This condition-based maintenance approach can effectively reduce equipment maintenance costs and improve equipment operation efficiency and economic benefits.

4. Extend Equipment Service Life

Timely detection and handling of abnormal vibration issues of equipment can prevent long-term operation under adverse conditions, reducing equipment wear and damage. The application of vibration sensors can help maintenance personnel better understand the health status of equipment and take effective maintenance measures, thereby extending the service life of equipment and reducing equipment replacement costs.

Vibration sensors in thermal power generation can provide strong support for equipment health assessment, fault diagnosis, and preventive maintenance through real-time monitoring of equipment vibration, ensuring the safe and stable operation of thermal power plants.

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