Rotating table and wind power generation system

Abstract

To provide a rotatable table capable of highly accurately directing a wind turbine generator in a direction where wind blows, regardless of the presence and absence of a wind channel.SOLUTION: A rotatable table comprises: a bearing part for rotatably supporting a wind turbine generator; a controller that determines a rotation angle based on information on the wind direction and wind speed in the vicinity of the wind turbine generator, transmitted from an anemometer installed so that the wind direction and wind speed in the vicinity of the wind turbine generator can be measured; and a motor unit that rotates a bearing unit based on the rotation angle determined by the controller.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a rotating base and a wind power generation system. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, due to concerns about the global environment, there has been growing interest in power generation devices that use clean energy. One such power generation device is a wind turbine. A wind turbine rotates an impeller using wind speed and converts the rotational energy obtained by the rotation of the impeller into electrical energy.

[0003] The amount of power generated by a wind turbine is said to be proportional to the cube of the wind speed, and various studies have been conducted to improve the amount of power generated and the efficiency of power generation. For example, Patent Document 1 describes an assembly of wind turbines that includes multiple wind turbines each with its own wind tunnel. The assembly described in Patent Document 1 is configured such that the columns that support the wind turbines are rotatable via bearings, and the columns rotate due to the wind speed received by the outer circumferential surface of the wind tunnel, so that the air intakes of the wind turbines face the direction from which the wind is blowing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-97416 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, while the wind turbine generator assembly described in Patent Document 1 is designed to allow the wind turbine generator's air intake to face the direction of the wind, it still changes the direction of the air intake using the wind speed received by the outer surface of the wind tunnel. Therefore, the direction of the air intake cannot be controlled with high precision, and there is a slight misalignment between the direction of the wind blowing and the direction of the wind turbine generator's air intake. As a result, wind hitting the inner wall of the wind tunnel creates turbulence inside the wind tunnel, preventing the wind speed from being fully increased. Furthermore, it is difficult to apply this technology to wind turbine generators that do not have a wind tunnel.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems. That is, one of the objects of the present invention is to provide a turntable that can orient a wind turbine generator in the direction of the incoming wind with high precision, regardless of whether a wind tunnel is present or not. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The gist of the present invention is as follows.

[0008] [1] A turntable comprising: a bearing unit for rotatably supporting a wind power generation device; a control device for determining the rotation angle based on information about the wind direction and wind speed in the vicinity of the wind power generation device transmitted from a wind vane and anemometer installed so as to be able to measure the wind direction and wind speed in the vicinity of the wind power generation device; and a motor unit for rotating the bearing unit based on the rotation angle determined by the control device.

[0009] [2] The rotating table described in [1] above, wherein the control device further determines the rotation speed of the bearing unit based on information regarding wind direction and / or wind speed transmitted from the wind vane and the motor unit rotates the bearing unit based on the rotation speed determined by the control device.

[0010] [3] The turntable according to [1] or [2] above, further comprising a sensor unit that detects the direction in which the bearing unit is facing and transmits information relating to the detected direction to a control device, the control device determining the rotation direction of the bearing unit based on a comparison between information relating to wind direction transmitted from the anemometer and information relating to the direction transmitted from the sensor unit, and the motor unit rotating the bearing unit in the rotation direction determined by the control device.

[0011] [4] The turntable according to any one of the above [1] to [3], further comprising a slip ring unit having a rotation axis that is approximately parallel to the rotation axis of the bearing unit, and capable of outputting the power generated by the wind power generation device to the outside via the slip ring unit.

[0012] [5] A rotating table as described in [4] above, wherein the slip ring section has a plurality of conductor rings arranged in a radial direction of the slip ring section, and a plurality of brushes electrically connected to the conductor rings on the side of the slip ring section.

[0013] [6] A rotating table as described in [5] above, in which the upper part of the slip ring section is provided with a plurality of input terminals for inputting the electricity generated by the wind power generation device, and the plurality of brushes include external output brushes electrically connected to terminals for outputting the electricity input to the input terminals to the outside, and power output brushes electrically connected to terminals for outputting the electricity input to the input terminals to the rotating table's power supply.

[0014] [7] A wind power generation system comprising: a turntable according to any one of [1] to [6] above; and a wind power generation device rotatably supported by the turntable, the wind power generation device having a wind tunnel. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the rotating base of the present invention, by controlling the rotation angle of the rotating base based on information about the wind direction and speed in the vicinity of the wind turbine generator transmitted from an anemometer installed so as to be able to measure the wind direction and speed in the vicinity of the wind turbine generator, it is possible to orient the wind turbine generator in the direction from which the wind is blowing with high precision, regardless of whether a wind tunnel is used or not, thereby improving the amount of power generated and the efficiency of the wind turbine generator. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a top view illustrating an example of a turntable according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an example of a turntable taken along line XX shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an example of a turntable according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a turntable according to an embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the drawings and embodiments. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the preferred numerical values ​​and configurations described below.

[0018] [Rotating table] The turntable will be described in detail below. Fig. 1 is a top view showing an example of a turntable according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an example of the turntable taken along line XX shown in Fig. 1. The turntable 1 shown in Figs. 1 and 2 includes a bearing unit 2, a motor unit 3, a control device 4, a slip ring unit 5, a support plate 6, a flange 7, and a cover 8.

[0019] The bearing unit 2 is a double-structure ball bearing having a rotation axis L. Because it has a double structure, it is resistant to moments acting on the bearing unit 2, and the durability and safety of the turntable 1 can be improved.

[0020] The bearing unit 2 includes an inner ring 2a, an outer ring 2b, a plurality of upper rolling elements 2c, a plurality of lower rolling elements 2d, a lower plate 2e, and an upper plate 2f. The upper rolling elements 2c and the lower rolling elements 2d rotate along the rotation axis L, and are arranged so that the outer ring 2b can rotate relative to the inner ring 2a. The inner ring 2a is fixed to the lower plate 2e but not to the upper plate 2f. The outer ring 2b is fixed to the upper plate 2f but not to the lower plate 2e. Therefore, as the outer ring 2b rotates, the upper plate 2f rotates, but the inner ring 2a and the lower plate 2e do not rotate.

[0021] 1, the bearing portion 2 is not shown because it is hidden by the flange 7, but when viewed from above, the bearing portion 2 has a generally donut shape with a central hole 9 located at the center. In FIG. 1, the rotation axis L is an axis that passes through approximately the center of the central hole 9.

[0022] As the bearing portion 2, instead of the double structure ball bearing as described above, a known bearing such as a roller bearing, a tapered roller bearing, or a needle bearing may be used.

[0023] The motor unit 3 is provided so as to transmit power to the outer ring 2b for rotating the outer ring 2b. There are no particular limitations on the type of motor used in the motor unit 3, and for example, a brush motor, a brushless motor, a stepping motor, etc. Among these, it is preferable to use a brushless motor from the viewpoint of high durability and the ability to efficiently output high torque.

[0024] The operation of the motor unit 3 is controlled by a control device 4, which will be described later. The motor unit 3 preferably operates based on, for example, a rotation angle, a rotation speed, a rotation direction, and the like, determined by the control device 4.

[0025] The control device 4 receives information about the wind direction and speed in the vicinity of the wind turbine generator from an anemometer installed so as to be able to measure the wind direction and speed in the vicinity of the wind turbine generator. The control device 4 and the anemometer may be connected by wire or wirelessly.

[0026] The anemometer is not particularly limited as long as it can measure the wind direction and speed in the vicinity of the wind power generator, and any conventionally known anemometer such as a windmill type can be used. From the viewpoint of not requiring maintenance because it does not have a drive system, it is preferable to use an ultrasonic anemometer.

[0027] The vicinity of the wind turbine generator where the anemometer is installed is not particularly limited, but is preferably within a 3-meter radius of the impeller of the wind turbine generator, and more preferably within a 2-meter radius. Furthermore, if the wind turbine generator is equipped with a wind tunnel, the anemometer is preferably installed within a 3-meter radius of the wind tunnel's air intake, and more preferably within a 2-meter radius. Measuring the wind direction and wind speed at such a location makes it possible to orient the wind turbine generator in a more appropriate direction, thereby improving the power generation efficiency of the wind turbine generator.

[0028] The control device 4 determines the rotation angle of the turntable 1 (the rotation angle of the outer ring 2b) based on the received information on wind direction and wind speed. For example, the control device 4 preferably determines the rotation angle so that the impeller of the wind turbine generator supported on the turntable 1 faces approximately directly in the wind direction. This configuration can improve the power generation efficiency of the wind turbine generator.

[0029] Furthermore, when the wind speed exceeds a predetermined threshold and places an excessive burden on the wind turbine generator, it is preferable that the control device 4 determines the rotation angle so that, for example, the impeller of the wind turbine generator supported by the turntable 1 does not face the wind direction directly. This configuration reduces the possibility of breakdown of the wind turbine generator and improves safety. The predetermined threshold can be set appropriately depending on the size, weight, durability, etc. of the wind turbine generator, but is preferably set to a wind speed of 30 m / s, for example, and more preferably to a wind speed of 20 m / s.

[0030] Furthermore, when the wind speed becomes even greater than the above-mentioned predetermined threshold (for example, a wind speed of 40 m / s or more, preferably a wind speed of 60 m / s or more), it is preferable to control the direction of the air intake so that it faces the direction from which the wind is blowing slowly, in order to prevent the wind power generation equipment from being destroyed by extremely strong crosswinds that the wind power generation equipment receives.

[0031] It is preferable that the control device 4 determines the rotation speed of the turntable 1 (the rotation speed of the outer ring 2b) based on the received information on wind direction and wind speed. For example, when the wind speed is low, it is preferable to more quickly move the impeller substantially directly facing the wind direction to improve power generation efficiency. On the other hand, when the wind speed is high, it is preferable to slow down the rotation speed in order to reduce the burden on the wind power generation device and the turntable from the wind and reduce the incidence of breakdowns.

[0032] Preferably, the turntable 1 further includes a sensor unit (not shown) that detects the direction in which the bearing unit 2 faces and transmits information about the detected direction to the control device 4. There are no particular limitations on the sensor unit, but a digital compass is preferable, for example, from the viewpoint of being able to detect an accurate direction without being affected by magnetism due to the power (current) sent from the wind power generation device.

[0033] The control device 4 preferably determines the rotation direction (rotation direction of the outer ring 2b) and rotation angle of the turntable 1 based on a comparison between information about wind direction and wind speed transmitted from the anemometer and information about direction transmitted from the sensor unit. With this configuration, it is possible to determine whether clockwise or counterclockwise rotation is more appropriate, and more quickly align the impeller approximately directly with the wind direction, thereby improving power generation efficiency.

[0034] Preferably, the rotating table 1 further includes a power supply circuit (not shown) and a battery (not shown) for supplying power to the motor unit 3 and the control device 4. The battery is preferably configured to be capable of storing power generated by the wind power generation device and transmitted via the slip ring unit 5 described below.

[0035] The slip ring unit 5 is provided so that the power generated by the wind power generator can be output to the outside via the slip ring unit 5 without causing any malfunctions associated with the rotation of the turntable 1 and the wind power generator supported by the turntable 1. A conventionally known slip ring can be used as the slip ring unit 5, but for example, an SR type slip ring as shown in Fig. 1 is preferable.

[0036] The slip ring unit 5 has, for example, a rotation axis that is approximately parallel to the rotation axis L of the bearing unit 2, and preferably has a rotation axis that is approximately the same as the rotation axis L. Furthermore, the slip ring unit 5 preferably has a structure that includes a plurality of conductor rings arranged along the radial direction of the slip ring unit 5 (the direction along the rotation axis of the slip ring unit 5), and a plurality of brushes that are electrically connected to the conductor rings on the side surfaces of the slip ring unit.

[0037] One or more input terminals for inputting power transmitted from the wind turbine are provided on the upper part of the slip ring unit 5. Each conductor ring is, for example, electrically connected to a corresponding input terminal, and each is structured to be independently rotatable 360 ​​degrees.

[0038] One or more brushes are provided on the side of the conductor ring, and the conductor ring and the brushes are electrically connected. When the conductor ring rotates, the brushes do not rotate, but the electrical connection between the conductor ring and the brushes is maintained. The brushes are also electrically connected to an external output terminal for outputting power to the outside. This structure makes it easy to output power normally to the outside without causing problems such as tangling of the power transmission cable connected from the wind turbine to the input terminal, even when the input terminal side is rotating.

[0039] The width of the brush (the length in the radial direction of the slip ring portion 5) is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of reducing the effect on current flow due to the rotation of the conductor ring and reducing wear on the contact points of the conductor ring and the brush, it is preferably 1 mm or more, more preferably 3 mm or more, and even more preferably 5 mm or more. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of space saving, for example, the brush width is preferably 15 mm or less, more preferably 10 mm or less, and even more preferably 6 mm or less.

[0040] Furthermore, the slip ring unit 5 preferably includes a power output input terminal for outputting power to the power supply (power supply circuit and battery) of the rotating table 1, in addition to an input terminal (external output input terminal) that ultimately outputs power to the external output terminal. The conductor ring electrically connected to the power output input terminal is preferably electrically connected to the power supply of the rotating table 1 via a brush that contacts the conductor ring. With this configuration, it becomes possible to rotate the rotating table 1 using power generated by the wind turbine generator.

[0041] The support plates 6 are arranged to rotate in conjunction with the upper plate 2f of the bearing unit 2. There are no particular restrictions on the shape or number of the support plates 6, and they may be set appropriately depending on the size, weight, etc. of the wind turbine generator to be supported. The support plates 6 shown in Figures 1 and 2 are rectangular with a predetermined thickness, and a total of four are provided, each at an angle of 90 degrees. The provision of the support plates 6 can improve the stability of the turntable 1.

[0042] The flange 7 is connected to the support plate 6 by bolts or the like, and is provided so as to rotate in conjunction with the upper plate 2f of the bearing part 2. The flange 7 is also connected to the wind turbine generator by bolts or the like, and supports the wind turbine generator. There are no particular restrictions on the shape of the flange 7, and it may be set appropriately depending on the size, weight, shape, etc. of the wind turbine generator to be supported.

[0043] The cover 8 is provided to protect the motor unit 3, control device 4, power supply circuit, battery, etc. from wind, rain, etc. The cover 8 and the members provided inside it do not rotate with the rotation of the outer ring 2b, but remain in a fixed position. The material of the cover 8 is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of excellent strength and weather resistance, for example, fiber-reinforced plastic, acrylic resin, polycarbonate, etc. are preferable. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of weather resistance, materials to which ultraviolet absorbers, carbon black, etc. are added are also preferable.

[0044] Fig. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an example of a turntable according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, Fig. 3 shows a modification of the turntable shown in Figs. 1 and 2, and illustrates how three-phase AC is input to the slip ring unit 5.

[0045] In the rotating table 1 of Figure 3, the wind turbine generator and the slip ring unit 5 are connected in a three-phase, three-wire system. The U phase is output to the outside as the R phase through the topmost conductor ring. The V phase is output to the outside as the S phase through the second-highest conductor ring. The W phase is output to the outside as the T phase through the third-highest conductor ring. By transmitting power using three-phase AC, it is possible to reduce electrical loss during power transmission.

[0046] Note that the other members constituting the turntable 1 in Fig. 3 may differ in shape, size, etc. from the turntable 1 shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, but their functions are the same. That is, in the turntable 1 shown in Fig. 3, the members having the same reference numerals as those in the turntable 1 shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 can adopt the contents explained using Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 to the extent necessary.

[0047] 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a rotating table according to an embodiment of the present invention. The arrow A indicates DC power sent from the wind turbine generator, which is sent to the power supply circuit 43 via the slip ring unit 5 and stored in a battery (not shown). The battery is electrically connected to the CPU 41a (control device), the motor driver 32, and the brushless motor 31, and the power stored in the battery serves as the power source for these components. The arrow B indicates three-phase AC power sent from the wind turbine generator, which is transmitted to the outside of the rotating table 1 via the slip ring unit 5 as shown by the arrow C.

[0048] The CPU 41a receives information about the wind direction and wind speed near the wind turbine generator supported by the rotating base 1 from an anemometer 10 installed near the wind turbine generator. The CPU 41a also receives information about the direction in which the rotating base 1 (bearing section) is facing from a digital compass 42. The CPU 41a determines the rotation angle, rotation speed, and rotation direction of the rotating base 1 based on the above information about the wind direction and wind speed, information about the direction in which the rotating base 1 is facing, and a comparison between the information about the wind direction and wind speed and the information about the direction in which the rotating base 1 is facing.

[0049] The rotating base 1 may be configured so that multiple units can be connected via communication. In such a configuration, it is preferable to control the rotation angles and the like of all the connected rotating bases based on information from one anemometer 10, for example. Specifically, it is preferable that one CPU 41a configured to receive information from the anemometer 10 determines the rotation speed and the like of the rotating base 1, and transmits the determined information sequentially to the CPUs of the subsequent rotating bases, such as from CPU 41a to CPU 41b and then to CPU 41c. Note that the communication connection may be wireless or wired.

[0050] In this case, it is also preferable that operation information and the like can be transmitted from downstream CPUs to upstream CPUs, such as from CPU 41c to CPU 41b, and then from CPU 41b to CPU 41a. For example, by having CPU 41a store the number of turntables connected downstream, it becomes possible to issue an alert when communication from a downstream turntable is interrupted. Furthermore, for example, CPU 41a may be configured to issue an alert when it receives information indicating an operational abnormality from a downstream turntable. In the above example, multiple turntables are connected in series for communication, but one CPU may also be connected in parallel for communication with multiple other CPUs, such as CPU 41a and CPU 41b, or CPU 41a and CPU 41c.

[0051] Information regarding the rotation angle, rotation speed, and rotation direction of the turntable 1 determined by the CPU 41a is sent to the motor driver 32. Based on this received information, the motor driver 32 drives the brushless motor 31. When the brushless motor 31 is driven, the turntable rotates.

[0052] [Wind power generation system] The wind turbine generator supported by the turntable of the present invention is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint that the improvement in power generation efficiency obtained when the wind turbine generator is positioned approximately directly facing the current wind direction is significant, it is preferable that the wind turbine generator be of a horizontal axis type, and furthermore, that the wind turbine generator be equipped with a wind tunnel.

[0053] By rotatably supporting a horizontal-axis wind turbine equipped with a wind tunnel on a rotating platform such as the one described above, it is possible to instantly orient the wind tunnel's air intake toward the direction from which the wind is blowing, improving power generation efficiency, for example, when the wind speed is low. Furthermore, when the wind speed is high and the load on the impeller of the wind turbine is too great, the wind tunnel's air intake can be controlled so that it does not face the direction from which the wind is blowing, thereby reducing the failure rate of the wind turbine. Furthermore, when the wind speed is very high and there is a risk of the wind turbine collapsing due to a very strong crosswind that the wind tunnel receives, it is possible to reduce the possibility of the wind turbine collapsing by controlling the direction of the air intake to slowly face the direction from which the wind is blowing. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 1 turntable 2 Bearing section 2a Inner circle 2b outer ring 2c Upper rolling element 2d Lower rolling element 2e lower plate 2F Upper Floor 3 Motor section 4. Control device 5 Slip ring section 6 Support plate 7 flange 8 Cover 9 Center hole 10 Anemometer 31 Brushless motor 32 Motor Driver 41a CPU 41b CPU 41c CPU 42 Digital Compass 43 Power supply circuit

Claims

1. a bearing portion for rotatably supporting the wind turbine generator; a control device that determines the rotation angle, rotation speed, and / or rotation direction based on information about the wind direction and wind speed in the vicinity of the wind power generation device transmitted from a wind vane and anemometer that is installed so as to be able to measure the wind direction and wind speed in the vicinity of the wind power generation device; a motor unit that rotates the bearing unit based on the rotation angle, rotation speed, and / or rotation direction determined by the control device; A slip ring unit capable of outputting the power generated by the wind power generation device to the outside. Equipped with The slip ring portion has a rotation axis that is substantially parallel to the rotation axis of the bearing portion. Rotating table.

2. A power supply for supplying power to the motor section and / or the control device Equipped with The slip ring portion is capable of outputting power to the power supply, The power supply is capable of storing the power generated by the wind power generation device. The turntable of claim 1 .

3. The slip ring portion has a plurality of conductor rings arranged in a radial direction of the slip ring portion, and a plurality of brushes electrically connected to the conductor rings on the side surfaces of the slip ring portion, The brush has a width of 1 mm or more, The slip ring unit outputs the power generated by the wind power generation device to the outside as three-phase AC.

3. A turntable according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A sensor section that detects the direction in which the bearing section is facing and transmits information about the detected direction to the control device. Equipped with a control device determining a rotation angle, a rotation speed, and / or a rotation direction based on the information about the wind direction and wind speed and the received directional information; The sensor unit includes a digital compass. The turntable according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The control device is capable of communicating with control devices of other rotary tables, determining the rotation angle, rotation speed, and / or rotation direction of the other turntable based on information on wind direction and wind speed transmitted from the wind vane and anemometer provided on one turntable; The turntable according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The control device issues an alert based on information about the operation of the other turntable received from a control device of the other turntable.

6. The turntable of claim 5.

7. A turntable according to any one of claims 1 to 6, a wind power generation device rotatably supported by a rotating base, The wind power generation device has a wind tunnel. Wind power generation system.

8. The anemometer is an ultrasonic type and is installed within a radius of 3 m from the impeller of the wind power generator. The wind power generation system according to claim 7.

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