Information generation device, information generation method, and computer-readable storage medium

Abstract

The present application provides an information generation device, an information generation method, and a computer-readable storage medium. The information generation device includes a control unit that, in a state in which rotation of a rotating portion of a windmill is braked by a predetermined braking force, rotationally drives a pinion gear engaged with a ring gear by a motor, thereby causing a fastening portion for fixing the motor to a fixed portion to be strained; a strain amount acquisition unit that acquires a strain amount generated by the fastening portion; and an information generation unit that generates related information indicating a correspondence relationship between a driving torque of the motor and the strain amount when the motor is rotationally driven by the driving torque.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an information generation device, an information generation method, and a computer-readable storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] Wind turbine generators have a nacelle. The driving torque of one or more yaw drives is used to rotate the nacelle relative to the wind turbine tower in the yaw direction. In wind turbine generators, it is necessary to avoid overloading the yaw drive.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-140777 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0007] To avoid overloading the yaw drive, it is necessary to determine the load applied to it. For example, one method for determining the load is to use the strain generated by the fixing fixtures (fastening bolts) used to secure the yaw drive to the nacelle as an indicator of the load applied. However, due to individual differences in the yaw drive itself, the strain generated by the fixing fixtures deviates when any driving torque is generated. Because of this initial deviation in strain, the correspondence between the driving torque of the yaw drive and the strain generated by the fixing fixtures also deviates during the operation of the wind power unit. With this residual deviation, it is impossible to accurately determine the load applied to the yaw drive based solely on its driving torque.

[0008] To understand the deviation of this initial strain, calibration is required. Calibration uses information representing the correspondence between the strain produced by the stationary fixture and the drive torque of the yaw drive.

[0009] However, wind turbines are driven and controlled solely by the yaw drive mechanism. Therefore, when only one yaw drive is operated while braking the ring gear, excessive load is applied to that single yaw drive. As a result, the gyroscopic power transmission section of the yaw drive can sometimes be damaged.

[0010] Therefore, the following method was adopted: by having personnel manually rotate the yaw drive unit inside the cabin to measure the strain, relevant information representing the correspondence between the drive torque of each yaw drive unit and the strain generated by the stationary fixture was obtained.

[0011] However, this method places a heavy burden on staff. Therefore, a method for remotely obtaining relevant information is being sought as an alternative.

[0012] The purpose of this invention is to provide an information generation device, an information generation method, and a computer-readable storage medium capable of remotely generating information relating to the relationship between the strain generated by the fixture used to fix the yaw drive to the cabin and the drive torque of the yaw drive.

[0013] Solution for solving the problem

[0014] (1) One aspect of the present invention is an information generation device comprising: a control unit that, while braking the rotation of the swivel section of a windmill with a predetermined braking force, drives a pinion meshing with a ring gear to rotate using a motor, thereby causing strain in a fastening part for fixing the motor to a fixed part; a strain acquisition unit that acquires the strain generated by the fastening part; and an information generation unit that generates relevant information representing the correspondence between the driving torque of the motor and the strain when the motor is driven to rotate by the driving torque.

[0015] The aforementioned information generation device can remotely generate relevant information representing the correspondence between the strain generated by the fixing device used to fix the yaw drive device to the nacelle (the fixed part) and the driving torque of the yaw drive device.

[0016] (2) The control unit can also control the braking unit used to brake the relative rotation of the ring gear and the pinion to brake the gyratory unit.

[0017] (3) The motor may also include a shaft brake unit for braking the rotating shaft of the motor. The control unit may also control the shaft brake unit to brake the rotary part.

[0018] (4) The upper limit of the specified braking force may also be a value smaller than the allowable torque of the weakest rigidity among the rigidity of the pinion, the rigidity of the gyratory part and the rigidity of the motor's deceleration part.

[0019] (5) One aspect of the present invention is an information generation device comprising: a control unit that, while braking the rotation of the swivel section of a windmill using the braking force of a first motor, drives a pinion meshing with a ring gear to rotate using a second motor, thereby causing strain to be generated in a fastening part for fixing the first motor to a fixed part; a strain acquisition unit that acquires the strain generated by the fastening part; and an information generation unit that generates relevant information representing the correspondence between a predetermined driving torque and the strain when the second motor is driven to rotate by the predetermined driving torque.

[0020] (6) The upper limit of the specified driving torque may also be a value smaller than the allowable torque of the weakest rigidity among the rigidity of the pinion, the rigidity of the rotary part and the rigidity of the reduction part of the second motor.

[0021] (7) One aspect of the present invention is an information generation method comprising the following steps: under the condition that the rotation of the swivel part of the windmill is braked by a predetermined braking force, a motor is used to drive the pinion meshing with the ring gear to rotate, thereby causing strain to be generated in the fastening part used to fix the motor to the fixed part; the strain generated by the fastening part is obtained; and relevant information is generated, the relevant information representing the correspondence between the driving torque of the motor and the strain when the motor is driven to rotate by the driving torque.

[0022] (8) The upper limit of the specified braking force may also be a value smaller than the allowable torque of the weakest rigidity among the rigidity of the pinion, the rigidity of the gyratory part and the rigidity of the motor's deceleration part.

[0023] (9) One aspect of the present invention is an information generation method comprising the following steps: under the condition that the rotation of the swivel part of the windmill is braked by the braking force of the first motor, the pinion meshing with the ring gear is driven to rotate by the second motor, thereby causing strain to be generated in the fastening part used to fix the first motor to the fixed part; obtaining the strain generated by the fastening part; and generating relevant information, which represents the correspondence between a predetermined driving torque and the strain when the second motor is driven to rotate by the predetermined driving torque.

[0024] (10) The upper limit of the specified driving torque may also be a value smaller than the allowable torque of the weakest rigidity among the rigidity of the pinion, the rigidity of the gyratory part and the rigidity of the reduction part of the second motor.

[0025] (11) One aspect of the present invention is a computer-readable storage medium for causing a computer to perform the following process: under a state in which the rotation of the swivel section of a windmill is braked by a predetermined braking force, a motor is used to drive a pinion meshing with a ring gear to rotate, thereby causing strain in a fastener used to fix the motor to the fixed section; the strain generated by the fastener is obtained; and relevant information is generated, which represents the correspondence between the driving torque of the motor and the strain when the motor is driven to rotate by the driving torque.

[0026] (12) The upper limit of the specified braking force may also be a value smaller than the allowable torque of the weakest rigidity among the rigidity of the pinion, the rigidity of the gyratory part and the rigidity of the motor's deceleration part.

[0027] (13) One aspect of the present invention is a computer-readable storage medium for causing a computer to perform the following process: while the rotation of the swivel section of a windmill is braked by the braking force of a first motor, a pinion meshing with a ring gear is driven to rotate by a second motor, thereby causing strain in a fastener used to fix the first motor to the fixed section; obtaining the strain generated by the fastener; and generating relevant information representing the correspondence between a predetermined driving torque and the strain when the second motor is driven to rotate by the predetermined driving torque.

[0028] (14) The upper limit of the specified driving torque may also be a value smaller than the allowable torque of the weakest rigidity among the rigidity of the pinion, the rigidity of the gyratory part and the rigidity of the reduction part of the second motor.

[0029] The effects of the invention

[0030] According to the present invention, it is possible to remotely generate relevant information representing the correspondence between the strain generated by the fixture used to fix the yaw drive to the nacelle and the drive torque of the yaw drive. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a structural example of a wind power generation device in an embodiment.

[0032] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating a structural example of the information generation system in the implementation embodiment.

[0033] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the information generation system in the first embodiment.

[0034] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the information generation system in the second embodiment.

[0035] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the information generation system in the third embodiment.

[0036] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the information generation system in the fourth embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] (First Implementation)

[0039] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing a structural example of a wind power generation device 1.

[0040] The wind power generation device 1 includes, for example, a nacelle 10, a tower 20, blades 30, and a hub 40. The tower 20 and the nacelle 10 are examples of two structures included in the wind power generation device 1. The tower 20 and the nacelle 10 move relative to each other due to the force from the yaw drive.

[0041] Tower 20 is an example of the first structure. The first structure is a part of the wind power generation device 1 that is fixedly installed on the installation surface (ground, sea surface, etc.) of the wind power generation device 1.

[0042] The cabin 10 is an example of a second structure. The second structure moves relative to the first structure due to the driving force from the yaw drive 100. The second structure stops relative to the first structure due to the braking force from the yaw drive 100.

[0043] The nacelle 10 is mounted on the upper end (Z-direction end) of the tower 20. The blades 30 are mounted on the nacelle 10 via hubs 40. The nacelle 10 is gyroscopically driven to adjust the orientation of the blades 30 and hubs 40 in the yaw direction.

[0044] A yaw drive mechanism is built into the nacelle 10. The yaw drive mechanism generates a yaw driving force that rotates the nacelle 10 in the yaw direction. The yaw drive device is an example of a drive device and a wind turbine drive device.

[0045] The drive unit and the windmill drive unit generate a force that rotates the blades 30 and hub 40 in the direction of the wind (the orientation of the windmill) according to the wind direction. The yaw drive unit is a device that rotates the blades 30 and hub 40 in the direction of the wind (the orientation of the windmill) according to the wind direction. The nacelle 10 is an example of a structure that is not provided with the force generated by the drive unit. The tower 20 is an example of a structure that is provided with the force generated by the drive unit.

[0046] Tower 20 is located on land or at sea. Tower 20 extends vertically upward from the land or sea surface. A nacelle 10 is installed at the upper end of tower 20. A ring gear for driving the nacelle 10 to rotate in the yaw direction is built into tower 20.

[0047] Blade 30 is a wing that generates rotational force by receiving wind power. In this embodiment, there are three blades 30.

[0048] Hub 40 is mounted on nacelle 10. Multiple blades 30 are mounted on hub 40. Hub 40 transmits the rotational force (power) generated by the wind force received by blades 30 to the rotating shaft. Hub 40 transmits the rotational force to nacelle 10 via the rotating shaft.

[0049] A pitch drive mechanism is built into the hub 40. The pitch drive mechanism generates a pitch driving force that rotates each blade 30 in the pitch direction. A pitch drive mechanism is provided for each blade 30. The pitch drive mechanism rotates each blade 30 in the pitch direction according to the wind speed, thereby controlling the angle of each blade 30.

[0050] In the wind power generation device 1, the power generated by the rotation of the blades 30 is transmitted from the hub 40 to the generator (not shown) inside the nacelle 10. In the wind power generation device 1, the generator converts the power into electricity. Thus, the wind power generation device 1 generates wind power.

[0051] Next, the structure of information generation system 2 will be explained.

[0052] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing a structural example of the information generation system 2. The information generation system 2 is a system that generates relevant information for calibration. The information generation system 2 includes yaw drive devices 100-1 to 100-N and an information generation device 3.

[0053] The information generation device 3 can also be connected to the communication line 4. The communication line 4 can be either a wired or wireless communication line.

[0054] A yaw drive unit 100 that generates yaw driving force is installed in the engine room 10. Hereinafter, N yaw drive units 100-1 to 100-N (where "N" is an integer of 2 or more) are installed in the engine room 10. Hereinafter, when referring to yaw drive units collectively, yaw drive units 100-N (where "N" is an integer of 1 to N) are referred to as "yaw drive unit 100".

[0055] A ring gear 22 is formed on the inner wall of the tower 20. The ring gear 22 meshes with the pinion 150 of the yaw drive device 100.

[0056] When the ring gear 22 and pinion 150 are meshed, and the force of gusts or the like acts on the nacelle 10 or tower 20, a tangential force is generated between the ring gear 22 and pinion 150.

[0057] Tangential force refers to the force generated in the tangential direction of the gear forming surface of the ring gear 22. The tangential force provides torsional stress to the reduction section 164 in the yaw drive device 100. The tangential force provides tensile and compressive stress to the fixing device (fastening part) in the yaw drive device 100.

[0058] In this embodiment, an example is described in which a ring gear 22 is provided in the tower 20 and a yaw drive device 100 is fixed in the nacelle 10, but this is not a limitation. For example, a gear section equivalent to the ring gear 22 may be provided in the nacelle 10, and a yaw drive device equivalent to the yaw drive device 100 may be provided in the tower 20.

[0059] The yaw drive 100 includes, for example, a housing 110, a flange 120, a fastening bolt 130, an output shaft 140, and a pinion 150.

[0060] A flange 120 is mounted on the housing 110. The flange 120 is connected to the engine compartment 10 by fastening bolts 130 (fastening parts). The first end of the output shaft 140 is connected to the interior of the housing 110 and the flange 120. A pinion 150 is provided at the second end of the output shaft 140. The pinion 150 is configured to mesh with a ring gear 22. The pinion 150 is rotated by the driving force (driving torque) output from the output shaft 140.

[0061] Therefore, the pinion 150 causes the yaw drive 100 to rotate in the rotation direction (device movement direction, -X direction). Thus, the yaw drive 100 causes the nacelle 10 to rotate relative to the tower 20 in the yaw direction.

[0062] The fastening bolt 130 (fastening part) is an example of a fixing device. The fixing device is an element that secures the yaw drive 100 to the nacelle 10. The fixing device is not limited to the fastening bolt 130 and can be other known components. The output shaft 140 and pinion 150 are examples of a transmission part. The transmission part is an element that transmits driving force (driving torque) and braking force (braking torque) from the yaw drive 100 to the tower 20. When the drive unit is fixed in the tower 20, the transmission part is an element that transmits force from the tower 20 to the nacelle 10.

[0063] The yaw drive unit 100 includes a braking unit 160, a motor drive unit 162, and a reduction unit 164.

[0064] The braking unit 160 (shaft brake) generates braking force on the output shaft 140. The motor drive unit 162 generates driving force on the output shaft 140. The yaw drive device 100 is driven to rotate relative to the ring gear 22 along with the nacelle 10 by the driving force of the motor drive unit 162. The braking unit 160 generates braking force through electromagnetic action based on a control signal supplied from the outside. The braking unit 160 functions as an electromagnetic brake that generates braking force. For example, the braking unit 160 does not generate braking force when voltage is supplied (electromagnetic braking force). For example, the braking unit 160 generates braking force (electromagnetic braking force) when no voltage is supplied. The motor drive unit 162 generates driving force through electromagnetic action based on a control signal supplied from the outside. The deceleration unit 164 reduces the rotational speed corresponding to the driving force generated by the motor drive unit 162, thereby increasing the driving torque.

[0065] The yaw drive 100 is equipped with a strain sensor 166.

[0066] The strain sensor 166 is an example of a detection circuit. The strain sensor 166 (first strain acquisition unit) detects the strain value (signal) based on the cylindrical portion of the fastening bolt 130. The strain sensor 166 can also detect the strain value (signal) based on fastening devices such as nuts of the fastening bolt 130. The strain generated in the cylindrical portion of the fastening bolt 130 changes according to the tangential force.

[0067] The wind power generation device 1 is equipped with one or more hydraulic brakes (brake units) that provide braking force to the ring gear 22.

[0068] A hydraulic brake is, for example, a caliper brake mechanism. The hydraulic brake includes a hydraulic brake drive unit 52 and a friction element 50. The hydraulic brake drive unit 52 moves the friction element 50 along a path according to a control signal supplied from an external source. Figure 2 The movement is in the Z direction. The hydraulic brake drive unit 52 can apply braking force to the ring gear 22 by pressing the friction body 50 against the ring gear 22. Thus, the hydraulic brake drive unit 52 brakes the relative rotation of the ring gear 22 and the pinion 150.

[0069] In this way, the information generation device 3 can adjust the braking force (hydraulic braking force) applied from the hydraulic brake to the ring gear 22.

[0070] In the first embodiment, the hydraulic brake is released. That is, in the first embodiment, the braking force of the hydraulic brake is not applied to the ring gear 22.

[0071] The information generation device 3 includes a storage unit 31, a communication unit 32, a control unit 33, and an information generation unit 34.

[0072] Some or all of the functional units of the information generation device 3 are implemented by a processor (computer) such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) executing programs stored in the storage unit 31. The storage unit 31 is preferably a non-volatile recording medium (non-temporary recording medium) such as flash memory or HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The storage unit 31 may also include a volatile recording medium such as RAM (Random Access Memory). Some or all of the functional units of the information generation device 3 may also be implemented using hardware such as LSI (Large Scale Integrated Circuit) or ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0073] Storage unit 31 stores relevant information. This relevant information represents the correspondence between the strain generated by the fastening bolt 130-N (fixture) and the driving torque or braking torque of the yaw drive device 100-N. The form of this relevant information is not limited to a specific format; for example, it can be in the form of a data table.

[0074] The communication unit 32 performs communication with each yaw drive unit 100. For example, the communication unit 32 obtains the value of the current supplied to the motor drive unit 162-N from the current sensor of the yaw drive unit 100-N. The communication unit 32 can also perform communication with external devices (not shown) via the communication line 4.

[0075] The communication unit 32 (second strain acquisition unit) performs communication with the strain sensor 166. The communication unit 32 acquires the strain generated by the fastening bolt 130-N from the strain sensor 166-N.

[0076] The control unit 33 controls the operation of each yaw drive device 100 via the communication unit 32. The control unit 33 also controls the hydraulic brake drive unit 52 via the communication unit 32. By rotating the motor drive unit 162, the pinion 150 meshing with the ring gear 22 is driven to rotate. The control unit 33 rotates the motor drive unit 162 while braking the rotation of the nacelle 10 or the rotating parts such as the ring gear 22 of the wind power generation device 1 (windmill) with a predetermined braking force.

[0077] In the first embodiment, the specified braking force is the electromagnetic braking force of the braking unit 160-N (shaft braking unit). The upper limit of the specified braking force or driving torque is a value smaller than the allowable torque of the weakest rigidity among the rigidity of the ring gear 22 (rotary gear), the rigidity of the pinion 150, and the rigidity of the reduction unit 164 or the hydraulic brake drive unit 52.

[0078] For example, when the rigidity of the pinion 150 is at its weakest, the upper limit of the specified braking force (electromagnetic braking force) is a value smaller than the allowable torque of the pinion 150 driven by the motor drive unit 162.

[0079] The control unit 33 determines the braking force based on the allowable torque of the yaw drive unit 100 to avoid damage to the yaw drive unit 100. Next, the allowable torque is determined based on the specifications of the reduction unit 164 connected to the motor drive unit 162.

[0080] The control unit 33 acquires the drive torque of the motor drive unit 162 via the communication unit 32. For example, the control unit 33 calculates the drive torque of the motor drive unit 162 based on the value of the current supplied to the motor drive unit 162.

[0081] The information generation unit 34 generates relevant information indicating the correspondence between the driving torque of the motor drive unit 162-N and the strain generated by the fastening bolt 130-N. The information generation unit 34 may also record the relevant information in the storage unit 31.

[0082] Next, an example of the actions of information generation system 2 will be explained.

[0083] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the actions of the information generation system 2.

[0084] The control unit 33 releases the hydraulic braking force (friction braking force) that brakes the rotation of the ring gear 22 by the hydraulic brake drive unit 52 (hydraulic brake) (step S101). The control unit 33 uses yaw drive devices 100-2 to 100-N (one or more second yaw drive devices) to brake the rotation of the pinions 150-2 to 150-N using electromagnetic braking force. The control unit 33 determines, for example, the number of yaw drive devices 100 that generate braking force in a way that prevents the braking force from exceeding the allowable torque. As a result, the state of braking the rotation of the ring gear 22 using electromagnetic braking force is achieved (step S102). The control unit 33 drives the motor drive unit 162-1 of the yaw drive device 100-1 (first yaw drive device) to rotate (step S103).

[0085] The communication unit 32 (second strain acquisition unit) acquires the strain generated by the fastening bolt 130-1 from the strain sensor 166-1 (step S104). The control unit 33 acquires the drive torque of the motor drive unit 162-1 via the communication unit 32 (step S105). The information generation unit 34 generates relevant information indicating the correspondence between the drive torque of the motor drive unit 162-1 and the strain (step S106). The information generation unit 34 may also record the relevant information in the storage unit 31. The communication unit 32 may also send the relevant information to the communication line 4.

[0086] As described above, when the control unit 33 has applied a predetermined braking force (electromagnetic braking force) to brake the rotation of the nacelle 10 or the ring gear 22 and other rotating parts of the wind power generation device 1 (windmill), it drives the motor drive unit 162-1 to rotate. As a result, the control unit 33 causes strain to be generated in the fastening bolts 130-1 (fastening part) that fix the yaw drive device 100-1 to the nacelle 10 (fixed part).

[0087] The strain sensor 166-1 (first strain acquisition unit) and the communication unit 32 (second strain acquisition unit) acquire the strain generated by the fastening bolt 130-1.

[0088] The information generation unit 34 generates relevant information showing the correspondence between the driving torque of the motor drive unit 162-1 and the strain when the yaw drive device 100-1 is rotated using the driving torque.

[0089] Therefore, it is possible to remotely generate relevant information representing the correspondence between the strain generated by the fastener (fastening part) used to fix the yaw drive 100 to the nacelle 10 and the drive torque of the yaw drive 100. This can suppress instantaneous increases in the torque of the output shaft 140, thus preventing damage to the yaw drive 100 and the ring gear 22.

[0090] (Second Implementation)

[0091] In the second embodiment, it differs from the first embodiment in that at least a portion of the hydraulic braking force (the braking force of one or more hydraulic brakes selected from one or more hydraulic brakes based on predetermined conditions) is applied to the ring gear 22 from the friction body 50. The second embodiment will be described focusing on the parts that differ from the first embodiment.

[0092] When the control unit 33 has braked the rotation of the ring gear 22 using a predetermined braking force, it drives the motor drive unit 162 to rotate. In the second embodiment, the predetermined braking force applied to the ring gear 22 is the hydraulic braking force (friction braking force) of the hydraulic brake drive unit 52.

[0093] The upper limit of the specified braking force or driving torque is a value smaller than the allowable torque of the weakest rigidity among the rigidity of the ring gear 22 (rotary gear), the pinion 150, and the reduction section 164 or the hydraulic brake drive section 52.

[0094] For example, when the rigidity of the pinion 150 is at its weakest, the upper limit of the specified braking force (friction braking force) is a value smaller than the allowable torque of the pinion 150 driven by the motor drive unit 162.

[0095] The control unit 33 determines the braking force based on the allowable torque of the yaw drive device 100 to avoid damage to the yaw drive device 100.

[0096] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the actions of the information generation system 2.

[0097] The control unit 33 selects one or more hydraulic brake drive units 52 from among them. The control unit 33 uses the selected hydraulic brake drive unit 52 to brake the rotation of the ring gear 22. That is, the control unit 33 uses at least a portion of the hydraulic braking force to brake the rotation of the ring gear 22 (step S201). The control unit 33 releases the electromagnetic braking force (braking torque) of the braking units 160-2 to 160-N of the yaw drive device 100-2 to 100-N (step S202).

[0098] The control unit 33 drives the motor drive unit 162-1 to rotate (step S203). The communication unit 32 obtains the strain generated by the fastening bolt 130-1 from the strain sensor 166-1 (step S204).

[0099] The control unit 33 acquires the drive torque of the motor drive unit 162-1 via the communication unit 32 (step S205). The information generation unit 34 generates relevant information indicating the correspondence between the drive torque of the motor drive unit 162-1 and the strain (step S206). The information generation unit 34 may also record the relevant information in the storage unit 31. The communication unit 32 may also send the relevant information to the communication line 4.

[0100] As described above, the control unit 33 selects a hydraulic brake drive unit 52 (brake unit) from one or more hydraulic brake drive units 52. The control unit 33 controls the selected hydraulic brake drive unit 52. The information generation unit 34 generates relevant information indicating the correspondence between the drive torque and the strain of the motor drive unit 162-1.

[0101] Therefore, it is possible to remotely generate relevant information representing the correspondence between the strain generated by the fastening bolt 130 and the driving torque of the yaw drive device 100.

[0102] (Third Implementation)

[0103] In the third embodiment, the aspect in which the yaw drive devices 100-1 to 100-N rotate and drive the pinions 150-1 to 150-N differs from that in the second embodiment. The third embodiment will be described focusing on the parts that differ from the second embodiment.

[0104] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the actions of the information generation system 2.

[0105] The control unit 33 uses the hydraulic brake drive unit 52 to brake the rotation of the ring gear 22 by means of hydraulic braking force (step S301). The control unit 33 drives the motor drive units 162-1 to 162-N to rotate.

[0106] The upper limit of the hydraulic braking force or driving torque is a value smaller than the allowable torque of the weakest rigidity among the rigidity of each pinion 150, the rigidity of the ring gear 22 (rotary gear), and the rigidity of the reduction section 164 or the hydraulic brake drive section 52.

[0107] For example, when the pinion 150 is at its weakest, the upper limit of the hydraulic braking force is a value smaller than the allowable torque of each pinion 150 (step S302).

[0108] The communication unit 32 acquires the strain generated by the fastening bolts 130-1 to 130-N from the strain sensor 166-N for each yaw drive device 100-1 to 100-N (step S303).

[0109] The control unit 33 acquires the drive torque for each yaw drive device 100 (1 to 100-N) via the communication unit 32 (step S304). The information generation unit 34 generates relevant information representing the correspondence between the drive torque and the strain for each yaw drive device 100 (1 to 100-N) (step S305). The information generation unit 34 may also record the relevant information in the storage unit 31. The communication unit 32 may also send the relevant information to the communication line 4.

[0110] As described above, the control unit 33 controls the hydraulic brake drive unit 52 (brake unit). The control unit 33 drives the motor drive units 162-1 to 162-N of the yaw drive devices 100-1 to 100-N to rotate. The information generation unit 34 generates relevant information representing the correspondence between the drive torque and the strain for each yaw drive device 100-1 to 100-N.

[0111] Therefore, it is possible to generate, at one time, relevant information representing the correspondence between the strain generated by the fastening bolt 130 and the driving torque of the yaw drive device 100, for all yaw drive devices 100.

[0112] (Fourth Implementation)

[0113] In the fourth embodiment, braking is achieved by using the electromagnetic braking force (braking force) of the braking unit 160-1 to brake the rotation of the ring gear 22 via the pinion 150-1. The aspect of generating relevant information indicating the correspondence between the electromagnetic braking force of the braking unit 160-1 and the strain of the fastening bolt 130-1 differs from the first embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, the description will focus on the parts that differ from the first embodiment.

[0114] The communication unit 32 performs communication with each yaw drive unit 100. For example, the communication unit 32 obtains the value of the current supplied to the braking unit 160-N from the current sensor of the yaw drive unit 100-N.

[0115] The control unit 33 controls the braking unit 160. The control unit 33 calculates the driving torque of the braking unit 160-N based on the value of the current supplied to the braking unit 160-N. The information generation unit 34 generates relevant information showing the correspondence between the driving torque of the braking unit 160-N and the strain generated by the fastening bolt 130-N.

[0116] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the actions of the information generation system 2.

[0117] The control unit 33 releases the hydraulic braking force that brakes the rotation of the ring gear 22 of the hydraulic brake drive unit 52 (step S401). The control unit 33 uses the yaw drive device 100-1 to brake the rotation of the pinion 150-1 by means of electromagnetic braking force (step S402). The control unit 33 drives the motor drive units 162-2 to 162-N to rotate (step S403).

[0118] The communication unit 32 acquires the strain generated by the fastening bolt 130-1 from the strain sensor 166-1 (step S404). The control unit 33 acquires the driving torque of the braking unit 160-1 via the communication unit 32 to replace the driving torque of the motor drive unit 162-1 (step S405). The information generation unit 34 generates relevant information indicating the correspondence between the driving torque of the braking unit 160-1 and the strain (step S406). The information generation unit 34 may also record the relevant information in the storage unit 31. The communication unit 32 may also send the relevant information to the communication line 4.

[0119] As described above, the control unit 33 uses the yaw drive device 100-1 to brake the rotation of the pinion 150-1 via electromagnetic braking force. The control unit 33 drives the motor drive units 162-2 to 162-N of the yaw drive devices 100-2 to 100-N to rotate. The information generation unit 34 generates relevant information indicating the correspondence between the driving torque and strain of the braking unit 160-1 of the yaw drive device 100-1.

[0120] Therefore, it is possible to remotely generate relevant information representing the correspondence between the strain generated by the fastening bolt 130 and the driving torque of the yaw drive device 100.

[0121] The embodiments disclosed in this specification that consist of multiple objects may involve integrating these multiple objects into one unit; conversely, a portion consisting of a single object may be divided into multiple objects. Regardless of whether integration is performed, the configuration can be carried out in a manner that achieves the purpose of the invention.

[0122] The embodiments disclosed in this specification that have multiple functions distributedly can also have some or all of those functions provided in a consolidated manner. Conversely, embodiments that have multiple functions provided in a consolidated manner can have some or all of those functions provided in a distributed manner. Regardless of whether the functions are consolidated or distributed, they can be configured in a way that achieves the purpose of the invention.

[0123] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the specific structure is not limited to these embodiments, and also includes designs that do not depart from the spirit of the present invention.

[0124] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0125] 1: Wind power generation device; 2: Information generation system; 3: Information generation device; 4: Communication line; 10: Nacelle; 20: Tower; 22: Ring gear; 30: Blade; 31: Storage unit; 32: Communication unit; 33: Control unit; 34: Information generation unit; 40: Hub; 50: Friction body; 52: Hydraulic brake drive unit; 100: Yaw drive unit; 110: Housing; 120: Flange; 130: Fastening bolt; 140: Output shaft; 150: Pinion; 160: Braking unit; 162: Motor drive unit; 164: Reduction unit; 166: Strain sensor.

Claims

1. An information generation device, comprising: The control unit, while braking the rotation of the swivel section of the windmill with a specified braking force, uses a motor to drive the pinion meshing with the ring gear to rotate, thereby causing strain in the fastening part used to fix the motor to the fixed part. The strain acquisition unit acquires the strain generated by the fastening part; as well as An information generation unit generates relevant information that represents the correspondence between the driving torque of the motor and the strain when the motor is driven to rotate by the driving torque.

2. The information generation device according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit controls the braking unit, which brakes the relative rotation of the ring gear and the pinion, to brake the gyratory part.

3. The information generation apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The motor includes a shaft brake unit for braking the rotating shaft of the motor. The control unit controls the shaft braking unit to brake the rotary unit.

4. The information generation apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The upper limit of the specified braking force is a value smaller than the allowable torque of the weakest rigidity among the rigidity of the pinion, the rigidity of the gyratory part, and the rigidity of the motor's reduction part.

5. An information generation device, comprising: The control unit, while braking the rotation of the swivel section of the windmill with the braking force of the first motor, uses the second motor to drive the pinion meshing with the ring gear to rotate, thereby causing strain in the fastening part used to fix the first motor to the fixed part. The strain acquisition unit acquires the strain generated by the fastening part; as well as An information generation unit generates relevant information that represents the correspondence between a specified driving torque and the strain when the second motor is driven to rotate by the specified driving torque.

6. The information generation apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, The upper limit of the specified driving torque is a value smaller than the allowable torque of the weakest rigidity among the rigidity of the pinion, the rigidity of the rotary section, and the rigidity of the reduction section of the second motor.

7. An information generation method, comprising the following steps: With the rotation of the windmill's rotating part braked by a specified braking force, the motor drives the small gear meshing with the ring gear to rotate, thereby causing strain in the fastening part used to fix the motor to the fixed part. Obtain the strain generated by the fastening part; and Generate relevant information that represents the correspondence between the driving torque of the motor and the strain when the motor is driven to rotate by the driving torque.

8. The information generation method according to claim 7, wherein, The upper limit of the specified braking force is a value smaller than the allowable torque of the weakest rigidity among the rigidity of the pinion, the rigidity of the gyratory part, and the rigidity of the motor's reduction part.

9. An information generation method, comprising the following steps: While the rotation of the swivel section of the windmill is braked by the braking force of the first motor, the pinion meshing with the ring gear is driven to rotate by the second motor, thereby causing strain to be generated in the fastening part used to fix the first motor to the fixed part. Obtain the strain generated by the fastening part; and Generate relevant information that represents the correspondence between a specified drive torque and the strain when the second motor is driven to rotate by the specified drive torque.

10. The information generation method according to claim 9, wherein, The upper limit of the specified driving torque is a value smaller than the allowable torque of the weakest rigidity among the rigidity of the pinion, the rigidity of the rotary section, and the rigidity of the reduction section of the second motor.

11. A computer-readable storage medium for causing a computer to perform the following processes: With the rotation of the windmill's rotating part braked by a specified braking force, the motor drives the small gear meshing with the ring gear to rotate, thereby causing strain in the fastening part used to fix the motor to the fixed part. Obtain the strain generated by the fastening part; and Generate relevant information that represents the correspondence between the driving torque of the motor and the strain when the motor is driven to rotate by the driving torque.

12. The computer-readable storage medium according to claim 11, wherein, The upper limit of the specified braking force is a value smaller than the allowable torque of the weakest rigidity among the rigidity of the pinion, the rigidity of the gyratory part, and the rigidity of the motor's reduction part.

13. A computer-readable storage medium for causing a computer to perform the following processes: While the rotation of the swivel section of the windmill is braked by the braking force of the first motor, the pinion meshing with the ring gear is driven to rotate by the second motor, thereby causing strain to be generated in the fastening part used to fix the first motor to the fixed part. Obtain the strain generated by the fastening part; and Generate relevant information that represents the correspondence between a specified drive torque and the strain when the second motor is driven to rotate by the specified drive torque.

14. The computer-readable storage medium according to claim 13, wherein, The upper limit of the specified driving torque is a value smaller than the allowable torque of the weakest rigidity among the rigidity of the pinion, the rigidity of the rotary section, and the rigidity of the reduction section of the second motor.

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