Storage system, storage system control method and computer program for controlling the storage system

Abstract

Bearing system (1) comprising: a bearing A (11) and a measuring execution unit A (100) therefor; a bearing B (21) and a measuring execution unit B (200) therefor; and a control unit (300) that controls the measuring execution unit A (100) and the measuring execution unit B (200), wherein the bearing A (11) slidably supports a shaft A (12) and the bearing B (21) slidably supports a shaft B (22), and wherein the measuring execution unit A (100) comprises: a measuring unit A (101) that measures an index indicating a service condition of the bearing A (11); and an operating condition execution unit A (103) that executes an operating condition A imposed on the bearing A (11), affects the service state of the bearing A (11), and can affect the service state of the bearing B (21), the measuring execution unit B (200) has: a measuring unit B (201) that measures an index indicating a service condition of the bearing B (21); and an operating condition execution unit B (203) that executes an operating condition B imposed on the bearing B (21), affects the service state of the bearing B (21), and can affect the service state of the bearing A (11), the control unit (300) has: an instruction storage unit (321, 325) that stores a plurality of combinations of operating condition A and operating condition B and an index A and an index B, wherein index A is obtained from storage A (11) and index B from storage B (21) when operating condition A and operating condition B are executed; and a control section (313, 317) that controls the operating condition execution unit A and the operating condition execution unit B (203) on the basis of contents stored in the instruction storage unit (321, 325) to control the index of warehouse A (11) and the index of warehouse B (21) so that their respective given objectives are achieved, the measuring execution unit A (100), the measuring execution unit B (200) and the control unit (300) are connected by a communication link and measured indices and executed operating conditions are sent from the measuring execution unit A (100) and the measuring execution unit B (200) to the control unit (300) via the communication link.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a bearing system and in particular to a system that controls a plurality of bearings in a bearing system in which the bearings are operated simultaneously or in conjunction with each other. State of the art

[0002] For example, in a hydroelectric power plant, water taken in through the intake of a dam is divided and allowed to flow through branch channels, and an electric power generator is provided for each of these channels. That is, multiple electric power generators operate in a plant or area called a hydroelectric power plant. Each of these electric power generators is large and therefore requires careful maintenance.

[0003] One of the most important aspects of maintaining an electric power generator is the bearing. This is because the generator's rotating shaft, driven by water flow, is supported by the bearing, which bears the greatest mechanical load. When the bearing wears out, the generator must be shut down to replace it.

[0004] One approach to reducing abrasion, that is, mechanical wear, of the bearing is to increase the viscosity of the lubricating oil supplied between the bearing and the rotating shaft. However, increased lubricating oil viscosity can also increase rotational resistance for the shaft, thus increasing the electrical power loss. Therefore, the viscosity of the lubricating oil should not be increased unnecessarily. While decreasing the viscosity of the lubricating oil does reduce electrical power loss, the trade-off is that the bearing is likely to wear out.

[0005] Here, the viscosity of the lubricating oil depends on the temperature of the lubricating oil; that is, if the temperature of the lubricating oil increases, the viscosity of the lubricating oil decreases, and if the temperature of the lubricating oil decreases, the viscosity of the lubricating oil increases.

[0006] Therefore, the temperature of the lubricating oil for the bearing of each of the electric power generators is controlled to always be a nominal value (suitable operating condition) specified for each of the electric power generators.

[0007] Bearing abrasion can be controlled by adjusting the bearing's sliding range, but there is also a trade-off for this approach from the point of view of the loss of the electrical power generator.

[0008] See JP 2001-297 973 A and JP 2016-153 669 A as prior art references disclosing techniques relating to the present invention. Bearing systems are known from US 4 643 592 A, DE 28 27 993 A1, CN 1 02 252 843 A, CN 1 02 562 783 A, WO 2014 / 174 097 A1, WO 2015 / 106 741 A1, and WO 2008 / 050 470 A1. Summary of the invention: Technical problems

[0009] When electrical power generators are used independently, suitable operating conditions (rated conditions) specified for the bearings of each generator are maintained. For example, the temperature of the lubricating oil is controlled to meet a temperature condition (rated temperature condition) specified for each bearing, thus minimizing bearing abrasion and bearing failure.

[0010] However, as a result of a study by the current inventors, a question has arisen as to whether it is appropriate, when a plurality of electric power generators work together under certain conditions, for example, when the electric power generators are provided for their respective corresponding diversion channels for water from a dam, as in a hydroelectric power plant, to set the temperature of the lubricating oil for the bearing of each of the electric power generators to a nominal condition, or whether not.

[0011] Normally, the electrical power generators supplied to the branch lines are of the same type, and therefore the lubricating oils for the bearings of these generators are set to the same temperature. However, according to a study by the current inventors, there is a case where a difference in bearing loss occurs between the bearings of electrical power generators supplied at the same time, even when the lubricating oil temperature and other previously specified operating conditions are the same. As a result, bearing wear progresses unevenly, and therefore some of the bearings must be replaced before periodic maintenance. Conversely, some of the bearings are replaced at the time of periodic maintenance, even though they are still sufficiently usable due to the slow progression of wear.The reason for this situation is unclear, but it could be a slight difference in water flow or flow rate among the branch channels. Another reason could be a difference in the environment, such as temperature, which depends on the installation's location within a hydroelectric power plant.

[0012] Whatever the reason, it is certain that when multiple storage facilities are operated simultaneously or in conjunction with one another, it is not sufficient for each facility to simply operate under its optimal conditions as a whole. There is a possibility that the composition fallacy has occurred. Such a tendency is highly likely when multiple storage facilities are operated in close proximity. Problem solving

[0013] Current inventors have identified such a problem and thought that, for example, the loss of energy and the change in abrasion (extent of abrasion progress) in the bearing of each of the electrical power generators should not only depend on the operating conditions of that bearing, but should also be related to the operating conditions of the other bearings.

[0014] A typical example, in which two electrical power generators are operated in parallel, is described below. The temperature of the lubricating oil for the bearings (bearing A, bearing B) of each of the electrical power generators is fixed to a nominal value as one operating condition, and the losses (standard losses LR1, LR2) of bearing A and bearing B are each determined by calculating the power consumption of the bearing (Example #1). On the other hand, the temperature of the lubricating oil for bearing B is changed to a nominal value +α (the temperature of the lubricating oil for bearing A is fixed to a nominal value), and the losses of each bearing are determined (Example #2). Table 1 below shows various combinations of the temperature of the lubricating oil supplied to bearing A (temperature A) and the temperature of the lubricating oil supplied to bearing B (temperature B).The temperatures of the lubricating oils are controlled according to nine patterns, and the bearings are operated for a predetermined period. The average loss of each bearing during this time is determined. If this loss is greater than the standard loss LR1 or LR2, it is represented as (+), and if it is less than the standard loss LR1 or LR2, it is represented as (-). The magnitude of the loss is represented by the number of characters. Table 1 shows an example. [Table 1] Pattern Temperature A Temperature B Loss of Warehouse A Loss of Warehouse B #1 Nominal value Nominal value LR1 LR2 #2 Nominal value Nominal value + α - - #3 Nominal value + α Nominal value - #4 Nominal value + α Nominal value + α - - #5 Nominal value Nominal value - α + ++ #6 Nominal value - α Nominal value + #7 Nominal value - α Nominal value - α ++ ++ #8 Nominal value + α Nominal value - α - ++ #9 Nominal value - α Nominal value + α +++ -

[0015] In Table 1 Temperature A represents the temperature of the lubricating oil for bearing A, and Temperature B represents the temperature of the lubricating oil for bearing B. Of the results shown in Table 1, the temperature of the lubricating oil for each bearing is preferably controlled according to Pattern #2 or Pattern #4. That is, the total bearing losses are preferably a predetermined limit or less, i.e., in the case of Table 1, (2-) or less (the number of (-) signs is 2 or less).

[0016] In the example described above, if the total losses of storage A and storage B are (2+) or greater (the number of (+) signs is 2 or more), the electrical power generation capacity is reduced. Therefore, it is preferable not to adopt such operating patterns for controlling a storage system. The execution of such an operating pattern can be stopped when a loss exceeding a predefined limit is measured. This limit can be freely defined. For example, a limit can be set for the total losses of storage A and storage B, or for the losses generated by each storage unit.

[0017] In the example above, the (+) and (-) signs, representing the loss of each warehouse, can be added together. For example, in the case of pattern #8, where the loss of warehouse A is (-) and the loss of warehouse B is (+), the total sum of the losses is (+).

[0018] On the other hand, from a bearing maintenance perspective, particular attention should be paid to the extent of bearing wear. When the two bearings are operated in parallel, the lubricating oil temperature for each bearing is set to a nominal value, and the extent of wear for each bearing (standard extent of wear AR1, AR2) is measured (Sample #1). Conversely, the lubricating oil temperature for bearing B is changed to a nominal value +α (the lubricating oil temperature for bearing A is set to a nominal value), and the extent of wear for each bearing is measured (Sample #2). Table 2 below shows various combinations of the lubricating oil temperature supplied to bearing A (Temperature A) and the lubricating oil temperature supplied to bearing B (Temperature B).The temperatures of the lubricating oils are controlled according to nine patterns, and the bearings are operated for a predetermined period. The extent of abrasion progression for each bearing during this time is measured. If this is greater than the standard extent of progression AR1 or AR2, the extent of progression for each bearing is represented as (+), and if it is less than the standard extent of progression AR1 or AR2, the extent of progression for each bearing is represented as (-). The magnitude of the extent is represented by the number of characters. Table 2 shows an example. [Table 2] Pattern Temperature A Temperature B Extent of abrasion progression A Extent of abrasion progression B #1 Nominal value Nominal value AR1 AR2 #2 Nominal value Nominal value + α + ++ #3 Nominal value + α Nominal value + #4 Nominal value + α Nominal value + α ++ ++ #5 Nominal value Nominal value - α - - #6 Nominal value - α Nominal value - #7 Nominal value - α Nominal value - α - - #8 Nominal value + α Nominal value - α + - #9 Nominal value - α Nominal value + α - ++

[0019] In Table 2, Temperature A represents the temperature of the lubricating oil for bearing A. Temperature B represents the temperature of the lubricating oil for bearing B. represents the extent of abrasion progression A, the extent of abrasion progression of bearing A, and represents the extent of the progression of abrasion B, the extent of the progression of abrasion of bearing B.

[0020] Here it is assumed that the abrasion of bearing A has progressed ahead of schedule and the abrasion of bearing B has progressed as planned.

[0021] Under such conditions, if the timing of the bearing maintenance, which is carried out by stopping the electrical power generators, has already been determined and the maintenance will be performed shortly, pattern #9 is preferentially chosen to reduce the progression of abrasion on bearing A at the expense of the progression of abrasion on bearing B. On the other hand, if there is still a long time until the maintenance, pattern #6 may be chosen to prioritize reducing the progression of abrasion on bearing A.

[0022] In the example above, it is easy to imagine that numerous patterns can be achieved by adjusting the magnitude of the temperature change α. In other words, from the point of view of controlling the extent of abrasion progression for each of the bearings, the magnitude of the change α is preferably fixed so that the extent of abrasion progression for each of the bearings changes.

[0023] Here, the extent of abrasion progression can be digitized, making it possible to precisely control its progression. For example, if a bearing of interest does not have sufficient thickness before maintenance, operating conditions A and B are defined to prioritize reducing bearing abrasion progression. This prevents the bearing thickness from falling below its minimum threshold, thus avoiding the need for replacement before maintenance. In this case, promoting bearing abrasion reduces the failure of the device containing the bearing. Therefore, if the bearing needs to be replaced at the time of maintenance, promoting bearing abrasion can also reduce bearing failure, ensuring high performance.

[0024] The relationship shown in Table 1, that is, the relationship between the operating condition A of bearing A (temperature A of the lubricating oil) and the operating condition B of bearing B (temperature B of the lubricating oil) and the index (loss) of each bearing at the time these operating conditions are applied, is referenced, for example, when the electrical power generators are operating in a normal operating mode. This is because it is desirable to reduce the loss as much as possible in a normal operating mode in order to operate the electrical power generators at a high power level.

[0025] On the other hand, the relationship shown in Table 2 is referenced, for example, when the timing of maintenance is taken into account and is therefore preferably applied even in relatively short-term operations.

[0026] The present invention was completed on the basis of the above results obtained by the current inventors.

[0027] In particular, one aspect of the present invention is defined as follows.

[0028] A storage system comprising: a storage unit A and a measuring execution unit A for it; a storage unit B and a measuring execution unit B for it; and a control unit that controls the measuring execution unit A and the measuring execution unit B, wherein the measuring execution unit A has: a measuring unit A that measures an index indicating the service life of bearing A; and an operating condition execution unit A that executes an operating condition A imposed on the bearing A and affects the service life of the bearing A, the measuring execution unit B has: a measuring unit B that measures an index indicating a usage condition of bearing B; and an operating condition execution unit B that executes an operating condition B imposed on the bearing B and affects the service life of the bearing B, the control unit features: an instruction storage unit that stores a plurality of combinations of operating condition A and operating condition B and an index A and an index B, wherein index A is obtained from stock A and index B from stock B when operating condition A and operating condition B are executed; and a control section that controls the operating condition execution unit A and the operating condition execution unit B based on content stored in the instruction storage unit, in order to control the index of warehouse A and the index of warehouse B, so that their respective given objectives are achieved, The measuring execution unit A, the measuring execution unit B and the control unit are connected by a communication link, and measured indices and executed operating conditions are sent from the measuring execution unit A and the measuring execution unit B to the control unit via the communication link.

[0029] In the bearing system described above, the index indicating the respective usage condition of bearing A and bearing B can be a loss generated by each bearing and the extent of the progression of bearing abrasion.

[0030] Bearing loss results from the dynamic coefficient of friction between the bearing and a rotating shaft. As this loss increases, the bearing itself generates heat, and therefore the loss can be determined by measuring this heat. Thus, the temperature of the bearing is measured directly by both measuring unit A and measuring unit B. Depending on the bearing's shape or structure, the temperature of the sliding part or a rear portion of the bearing can be measured. Based on this temperature measurement, the loss is calculated according to a predefined rule. The measurement options are not limited to the bearing temperature. For example, the temperature of the housing containing the bearing or the temperature of the lubricating oil after the bearing has cooled can be measured. Furthermore, the measurement options are not limited to temperature; other factors, such as vibration, can also be measured.

[0031] The extent of abrasion progression can be determined from the change in bearing thickness over time. What is to be measured directly by measuring unit A and measuring unit B, respectively, is the thickness of the bearing for which measuring unit A or measuring unit B is responsible. It is preferred that the thickness of a segment used for the sliding part be measured. If the relationship between the extent of abrasion progression and the temperature of the bearing itself has been established, it is possible to determine the extent of abrasion progression indirectly from the temperature log (time and temperature) of the bearing itself (for example, the temperature of the back surface of the bearing). What is to be measured is not limited to the above. For example, the distance between the bearing and an object that is to slide can be measured.

[0032] It is preferred that an alarm be defined to be triggered when the index exceeds a predefined value. The alarm can be triggered according to a AI prediction that uses stored data.

[0033] In addition to the measuring unit of the measurement execution unit, an additional measuring unit that measures an environmental factor unrelated to the bearing's operating condition can be connected to the control unit. For example, if the additional measuring unit is a vibration sensor or a weather information receiver, an instruction to stop the bearing system or empty the bearing can be sent to the measurement execution unit.

[0034] On the other hand, in the bearing system described above, the operating condition A and operating condition B can be defined as the abrasion condition or the temperature condition for each bearing. The abrasion conditions are preferably defined as the temperature and / or viscosity of the lubricating oil supplied to the bearing, and / or the sliding area of ​​the bearing, and / or the position of the bearing. The temperature condition is preferably defined as the flow rate of the lubricating oil supplied to the bearing or an environmental factor, such as the ambient temperature of the bearing.

[0035] When an axial bearing is used as the bearing, the sliding range of the bearing can be controlled by adjusting the number of segments that form the bearing, that is, by allowing a desired segment or segments to be spaced away from the rotating shaft.

[0036] If the bearing is air-cooled, the temperature of the lubricating oil can be controlled by adjusting the airflow. For example, the airflow can be changed by altering the angle of a fan mounted on the rotating shaft. Additionally, if a cooler is provided for the lubricating oil, the oil temperature can be adjusted by modifying the flow rate of the lubricating oil through the cooler. These methods can be used in combination.

[0037] It should be noted that the temperature of the lubricating oil can be determined either by directly measuring the temperature of the lubricating oil itself or indirectly by determining the temperature of the bearing or a cooler-related component. When the temperature of the flowing lubricating oil is measured directly, the temperature of the lubricating oil located upstream or downstream of the bearing can be determined depending on the bearing's shape or structure.

[0038] The index can be defined as the load applied to the rotating shaft corresponding to each bearing (in the case of an electric power generator or similar device), and the operating condition can be defined as the load applied by the rotating shaft (in the case of a pump or similar device). This is because if a load changes, the load on the bearing also changes, thus altering the extent of bearing wear and the resulting bearing failure.

[0039] The change in each index cannot always be measured immediately after a change in operating conditions. According to a study by the inventors, there is a case where it takes ten to thirty days to test each pattern. Therefore, the administrator of this warehouse system systematically changes the operating conditions imposed on each warehouse and records the log of each index obtained at that time. After the logs for all the specified patterns have been recorded, the relationship between the operating conditions to be imposed on each warehouse and the index of each warehouse at the time the operating conditions were implemented can be determined from the obtained logs. In this way, a so-called test phase for data collection is completed.

[0040] It should be noted that as the number of warehouses increases, so does the number of patterns in a table displaying the combinations of operating conditions and indexes. The same applies if the value of ±α varies or the variety of operating conditions increases. In such cases, the workload generated by recording the logs of all patterns tends to increase, and therefore, an operator must develop a test plan for data collection, referencing previous examples and examples from other warehouse systems. At this stage, the operator can easily reference data from previous examples and examples from other warehouse systems if the data is intensively managed by the control unit, such as a server. If necessary, the table can be updated before use.In particular, when the number of samples is large, regardless of whether the storage system is in a test phase or not, AI is preferably used to determine the content of an instruction to be sent to the measurement execution unit, especially the value of the operating condition to control the operating condition execution unit and to execute the measurement.

[0041] The present invention can also be understood as an invention of a method, and therefore another aspect of the following invention is defined as follows.

[0042] A control method for a bearing A and a bearing B in a bearing system comprising: bearing A and a measuring execution unit A therefor; bearing B and a measuring execution unit B therefor; and a control unit that controls the measuring execution unit A and the measuring execution unit B, wherein the measuring execution unit A has: a measuring unit A that measures an index indicating the service life of bearing A; and an operating condition execution unit A that executes an operating condition A imposed on the bearing A and affects the service life of the bearing A, and the measuring execution unit B has: a measuring unit B that measures an index indicating a usage condition of bearing B; and an operating condition execution unit B that executes an operating condition B imposed on the bearing B and affects the service life of the bearing B; wherein the control procedure includes the following steps: Storing a plurality of combinations of operating condition A and operating condition B and an index A and an index B, wherein index A is obtained from stock A and index B from stock B, when operating condition A and operating condition B are executed, in an instruction storage unit; and Controlling the operating condition execution unit A and the operating condition execution unit B based on content stored in the instruction storage unit to control the index of warehouse A and the index of warehouse B, so that their respective given objectives are achieved.

[0043] According to the control procedure of this aspect, as defined above, when a plurality of bearings are operated simultaneously or in conjunction with one another, and it is therefore insufficient for each bearing to simply operate under its nominal conditions, an operating condition that should be imposed on each bearing can be determined. In other words, it is possible not to optimize the performance of each individual bearing, but rather the overall performance of the plurality of bearings.

[0044] Another aspect of the present invention is defined as follows. A computer program that controls a bearing A and a bearing B in a bearing system, comprising: the bearing A and a measuring execution unit A therefor; the bearing B and a measuring execution unit B therefor; and a control unit that controls the measuring execution unit A and the measuring execution unit B, wherein the measuring execution unit A has: a measuring unit A that measures an index indicating the service life of bearing A; and an operating condition execution unit A that executes an operating condition A imposed on the bearing A and affects the service life of the bearing A, and the measuring execution unit B has: a measuring unit B that measures an index indicating a usage condition of bearing B; and an operating condition execution unit B that executes an operating condition B imposed on the bearing B and affects the service life of the bearing B; and an operating condition execution unit B that executes an operating condition B imposed on the bearing B and affects the service life of the bearing B, The computer program enables a computer to perform the following steps: Storing a plurality of combinations of operating condition A and operating condition B and an index A and an index B, wherein index A is obtained from stock A and index B from stock B, when operating condition A and operating condition B are executed, in an instruction storage unit; and Controlling the operating condition execution unit A and the operating condition execution unit B with reference to contents stored in the instruction storage unit to control the index of warehouse A and the index of warehouse B, so that their respective given objectives are achieved.

[0045] The computer program according to this aspect, which is defined as above, makes it possible to operate the storage system, which is defined in another aspect, and to execute the control procedure for it, which is defined in another aspect, using a general-purpose computer device.

[0046] From the above description, the present invention can be understood as follows: A bearing system comprising: a bearing A and a measuring execution unit A therefor; a bearing B and a measuring execution unit B therefor; and a control unit that controls the measuring execution unit A and the measuring execution unit B, wherein The control unit sends instructions to the measurement execution unit A and the measurement execution unit B so that a performance required by the storage system can be achieved, and The measuring execution unit A, the measuring execution unit B, and the control unit are connected by a communication link. That is, the control unit in the present invention sends an instruction to each of the measuring execution units to allow each of the bearings to provide a certain level of performance, so that the bearing system as a whole is optimized. Brief description of the drawings Fig.Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the structure of a bearing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 2 is a sectional view showing the structure of a warehouse. Fig. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the structure of the hardware of a control unit 300. Fig. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the structure of the hardware of a measurement execution unit 100. Fig. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the storage system according to the exemplary embodiment. Fig. Figure 6 is a partially developed diagram of the flux diagram, which is shown in Fig. 5 is shown. Fig. Figure 7 is a partially developed diagram of the flux diagram, which is in Fig. 5 is shown. Description of the exemplary embodiment

[0047] The structure of a bearing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is in Fig.1 shown.

[0048] Storage system 1 controls storage of electrical power generators provided in a hydroelectric power plant.

[0049] Fig. Figure 1 shows a case in which, for the sake of simplicity, two electric power generators are used in a hydroelectric power plant.

[0050] This storage system 1 includes a storage assembly 10 and a local control device (field control device) 50, which are provided at the local hydroelectric power plant, and a control unit 300, which acts as a server, connected to the local control device 50 as a client via the Internet or a dedicated communication link.

[0051] In the present embodiment, the bearing assembly 10 contains two bearings (bearing A11, bearing B21), bearing A11 and bearing B21 are of a vertical type, bearing A11 slidably supports a shaft A12 and bearing B21 slidably supports a shaft B22 as rotators of the electrical power generator.

[0052] In the hydroelectric power plant, water is divided by a dam and allowed to flow into two branch channels, 2 and 3. The water flowing through branch channel 2 is received by a propeller 13 of bearing A12, causing the shaft 12 to rotate. The water flowing through branch channel 3 is received by a propeller 23 of bearing B22, causing the shaft 22 to rotate.

[0053] It should be noted that the term "bearing" here refers to a bearing device (also called a bearing unit) that is equipped with a sliding part, such as segments, and other auxiliary equipment.

[0054] The local control device 50 contains a measuring execution unit A100 and a measuring execution unit B200.

[0055] The measurement execution unit A100 is connected to the bearing A11. A measurement unit A101 of the measurement execution unit A100 measures the temperature of a rear surface of the bearing A11 to determine a loss as a first index. This measurement can be taken using a resistance temperature sensor thermometer, such as an RTD or a thermocouple thermometer. The temperature thus measured is sent to a loss calculation unit 1101 of a controller 110. The loss calculation unit 1101 calculates the loss of bearing A from the temperature of bearing A based on a predefined rule. The calculated loss of bearing A is stored in a first area 1081 of an index storage unit A108, along with the time the temperature was measured. To reduce the load on the measurement execution unit A100, the temperature can be stored directly as data in the first area 1081 without calculating the loss in the measurement execution unit A100.The loss can be calculated in control unit 300.

[0056] The measuring unit A101 measures the thickness of the bearing A11 to determine the extent of bearing abrasion progression as a secondary indicator. An optical sensor can be used for this measurement. The measured thickness of bearing A11 is stored in a second area 1082 of the index storage unit A108, along with the measurement time. A value obtained by dividing the change in thickness by the elapsed time represents the extent of abrasion progression.

[0057] An operating condition execution unit A103 adjusts the temperature of the lubricating oil supplied to the bearing A11.

[0058] Fig. Figure 2 shows warehouse A11. Fig.Reference numeral 2 denotes shaft A, and a fan 15 is attached to shaft A12. In the present embodiment, the bearing A11, which has an axial-type sliding element, contains a plurality of split pressure segments (hereinafter also referred to as segments) 16, and lubricating oil is supplied to the surface of the segments 16. The lubricating oil circulates between a cooler 17 and the segments 16. The pressure segments 16 are supported by an actuator (not shown) that can receive a signal from the operating condition execution unit A103, and the distance between the pressure segments and the pressure ring of shaft A12 can be adjusted to select a sliding contact mode or a separation mode. The measuring unit A101 measures the thickness of the segments 16.

[0059] The abrasion of the segments 16 of the bearing A11 can be adjusted by controlling the distance between the pressure ring of the shaft A12 and the segments 16 of the bearing A11 with a lifting system.

[0060] The operating condition execution unit A103 sends a signal to adjust the fan angle of the fan 15, which rotates together with the shaft A12. An angle adjustment device 19 receives the signal and changes the angle of the fan 15. Air from the fan 15 is conveyed to the cooler 17. That is, the air volume of the fan 15 depends on the angle of the fan 15, and the ability of the cooler 17 to cool the lubricating oil is adjusted by the air volume.

[0061] It should be noted that the signal output from the operating condition execution unit A103 can be determined directly by an input / output unit 104 provided in the measurement execution unit A100, or it can be determined by remote control by the control unit 300.

[0062] The operating condition execution unit A103 can also send a signal to the actuator that supports the print segments 16 to select the mode of the print segments 16 (sliding contact mode, disconnect mode).

[0063] If the number of pressure segments 16 that are in sliding contact with the shaft A12 is larger, that is, if the total sliding area is larger, it is less likely that the abrasion of the segments will progress, but on the other hand, the sliding resistance against the shaft A12 increases, so that the loss of it increases.

[0064] The operating condition execution unit A103 can adjust both, that is, the angle of the fan (that is, the temperature of the lubricating oil) and the number of pressure segments 16 (that is, the sliding range of the bearing).

[0065] The input / output unit 104 contains an input device, such as a keyboard or pointer, and an output device, such as a display or printer. The operator can also send a control signal to the operating condition execution unit A103 through the input device, and the operating condition execution unit A103 outputs a signal value in response to the control signal. The signal value can then be stored in a first area 1071 of an operating condition execution memory unit A107 in a memory device 106.

[0066] Reference numeral 109 identifies a communication unit and the communication unit serves as a communication interface for the measuring unit A100.

[0067] The control signal for the operating condition execution unit A103 is sent from the control unit 300 via the communication unit 109. In this case, the content of the control signal can also be stored in the first area 1071 of the operating condition execution memory unit A107.

[0068] Reference numeral 110 designates a controller, and a general-purpose computer device is used as the controller. A control program for this controller 110 is also stored in the storage device 106.

[0069] The areas in the storage device 106, which store data relating to the measured indices and data relating to the operating conditions, can be omitted, in which case the function of the areas can be performed by predefined areas of a storage device 320 in the control unit 300.

[0070] The measuring execution unit B200 is connected to bearing B21. The operation of each component of this measuring execution unit B200 is the same as that of each component of the measuring execution unit A100, except that one of its targets is bearing B21. Therefore, the components of measuring execution unit A100 and the components of measuring execution unit B200, which perform the same operation, are identified by the same reference numerals, except for those for the most significant number, and the description for these will not be repeated.

[0071] The control unit 300 is located far from the hydroelectric power plant and is connected to the measurement execution unit A and the measurement execution unit B via the internet. A communication unit 309 serves as a communication interface for this connection.

[0072] The data of a first operating condition A of bearing A11 (an operating condition imposed on bearing A11 by the operating condition execution unit A103, i.e., the temperature A of the lubricating oil supplied to bearing A11 and an operating time), which are stored in the first area 1071 of the operating condition execution storage unit A107 in the storage device 106 of the measuring execution unit A100, the data of a first index A of bearing A11 (loss A and determination time of loss A), which are stored in the first area 1081 of the index storage unit A108 in the storage device 106 of the measuring execution unit A100, the data a first operating condition B of the bearing B21 (an operating condition imposed on the bearing B21 by the operating condition execution unit B203, that is, the temperature B of the lubricating oil supplied to the bearing B21, and an operating time), which in a first area 2071 of a The execution operating condition storage unit B207 is stored in a storage device 206 of the measurement execution unit B200, and the data of a first index B of the bearing B21 (loss B and determination time of loss B), which are stored in a first area 2081 of an index storage unit B208 in the storage device 206 of the measurement execution unit B200, are sent to a first instruction storage unit 321 of the storage device 320 in the control unit 300 via the Internet.

[0073] Therefore, the data of the temperature A of the lubricating oil supplied to bearing A11, and an operating time as the first operating condition A of bearing A11, the data of the loss A of bearing A11 and a determination time as the first index A obtained from bearing A11 when the first operating condition A is executed, the data of the temperature B of the lubricating oil supplied to bearing B21, and an operating time as the first operating condition B of bearing B21, and the data of the loss B of bearing B21 and a determination time as the first index B obtained from bearing B21 when the first operating condition B is executed, are stored in the first instruction storage unit 321.

[0074] The compilation of data is formed, for example, for each of the patterns shown in Table 1 and stored in the first instruction storage unit 321.

[0075] From each of the data sets stored in the first instruction storage unit 321, a first specification unit 311 of a controller 310 determines for each of the patterns the relationship between the temperature A of the lubricating oil supplied to bearing A11, the temperature B of the lubricating oil supplied to bearing B21, the loss (average) of bearing A11 and the loss (average) of bearing B21 at the time when bearing A11 is operated under first operating condition A and bearing B21 is operated under first operating condition B for, for example, twenty days.

[0076] In particular, the loss is determined at predetermined intervals from the time when the lubricating oil, which has been adjusted to a predetermined temperature for each sample, has been supplied to each of the bearings, and the temperature of a rear surface of the bearing, measured at the time closest to the above time (preferably the same time), and the average of certain values ​​of the loss is calculated.

[0077] The relationship determined by the first specification unit 311 is stored as a first relationship in a first relationship storage unit 323. In particular, the temperatures are stored in the first relationship storage unit 323 as the operating conditions, and the average losses are stored as the indices of bearing A11 and bearing B21 at the time the operating conditions are executed, for each of the patterns of first operating condition A and first operating condition B.

[0078] The data of the temperature A of the lubricating oil supplied to bearing A11, and the time as the first operating condition A of bearing A11, the data of a thickness A of bearing A11 and an operating time as a second index A obtained from bearing A11 when the first operating condition A is executed, the data of the temperature B of the lubricating oil supplied to bearing B21 and a determination time as the first operating condition B of bearing B21, and the data of a thickness B of bearing B21 and the time as a second index B obtained from bearing B21 when the first operating condition B is executed, are stored in a second instruction storage unit 325.

[0079] The compilation of data is formed, for example, for each of the patterns shown in Table 2 and stored in the second instruction storage unit 325.

[0080] From each of the data sets stored in the second instruction storage unit 325, a second specification unit 315 of the controller 310 determines for each of the patterns the relationship between the temperature A of the lubricating oil supplied to bearing A11, the temperature B of the lubricating oil supplied to bearing B21, the extent of the progression of abrasion of bearing A11 and the extent of the progression of abrasion of bearing B at the time when bearing A11 is operated under the first operating condition A and bearing B21 is operated under the first operating condition B, for example for twenty days.

[0081] In particular, the extent of abrasion progression for each bearing is the difference between the bearing thickness at the start of the operating condition and the bearing thickness at the end of the operating condition. The relationship between the result of the calculation, i.e., the extent of abrasion progression for each bearing, and the temperature of the lubricating oil supplied to each bearing, which is defined for each pattern, is determined. It should be noted that the temperature of the lubricating oil supplied to each bearing is preferably maintained for a predetermined period (in this case, twenty days) in order to calculate the extent of abrasion progression.

[0082] The relationship determined by the second specification unit 315 is stored as a second relationship in a second relationship storage unit 327. In particular, the temperatures are stored in the second relationship storage unit 327 as the operating conditions, and the extent of abrasion progression is stored as the indices of bearing A11 and bearing B21 for each of the patterns of the first operating condition A and the first operating condition B.

[0083] Reference numeral 304 denotes an input / output unit, and the input / output unit contains an input device, such as a keyboard or pointer, and an output device, such as a display or printer. The operator can monitor the operating condition (loss, bearing thickness) of bearing A11 and bearing B21 on-site via the monitor. The outputs of the sensors mounted on the bearing's sliding or support part, the bearing's auxiliary equipment, and the electrical power generator itself can also be monitored remotely.

[0084] Additionally, when the first operating condition A and the first operating condition B are entered by the input / output unit 304, a first control section 313 sends a control signal to the operating condition execution unit A103 of the measuring execution unit A100. The operating condition execution unit A103 can execute an instruction on the bearing A11 that corresponds to the control signal, that is, an instruction given by the operator via the input / output unit 304 by remote control.

[0085] The controller 310 contains a general-purpose computer that controls each of the components that make up the control unit 300, and a control program for the controller 310 is stored in the storage device 320.

[0086] Fig. Figure 3 shows the structure of the hardware of the control unit 300.

[0087] The control unit 300 contains a standard computer device in which a communication unit 309, an input unit 3041, an output unit 3043, a calculation unit 3101, an internal memory 3201 and an external memory interface 3211 are connected by a system bus 3000.

[0088] The communication unit 309 is a data input / output interface for an external communication link and is operated by a general-purpose communication protocol.

[0089] The input unit 3041 contains a general input device, such as a keyboard or a pointer.

[0090] The output unit 3043 contains a printer, a display, or similar device.

[0091] The computing unit 3101 contains a CPU 3103, a ROM 3105, and a RAM 3107. It functions as the first specification unit 311, the first control section 313, the second specification unit 315, and a second control section 317, and controls the overall system of the control unit 300. The ROM 3105 contains non-volatile memory that stores a control program for controlling the computing unit 3101, etc. The RAM 3107 stores various parameters, etc., which are previously set by the operator via the input unit 3041, and provides a workspace for the CPU 3103. The control program for controlling the computing unit 3101 is stored in the ROM 3105 but can also be stored in the RAM 3107 or the internal memory 3201.

[0092] The internal memory 3201 can be of HDD or SSD type. A control data storage unit 3203 of the internal memory 3201 is used as the first instruction storage unit 321, the first relationship storage unit 323, the second instruction storage unit 325, and the second relationship storage unit 327. The RAM 3107 of the processing unit 3101 can be used as a so-called buffer memory that temporarily stores data.

[0093] Reference numeral 3211 indicates an external storage interface and an external storage device (for example, a USB storage device, a hard disk storage device) is detachably attached through this interface.

[0094] Similarly, Fig. 4 the structure of a hardware of the measurement execution unit A100.

[0095] The measurement execution unit A100 contains a conventional computer device in which the communication unit 109, an input unit 1041, an output unit 1043, a calculation unit 1111, an internal memory 1061, an external memory interface 1065, a temperature sensor 1011, an optical sensor 1013 and a fan angle driver 1301 are connected by a system bus 1000.

[0096] The communication unit 109 is a data input / output interface for an external communication link and is operated by a general-purpose communication protocol.

[0097] The input unit 1041 contains a standard input device, such as a keyboard or a pointer.

[0098] The output unit 1043 contains a printer, a display, or similar equipment.

[0099] The computing unit 1111 contains a CPU 1113, a ROM 1115, and a RAM 1117. It can also function as the loss calculation unit 1101 and controls the overall system of the measurement execution unit A100. The ROM 1115 contains non-volatile memory that stores a control program, etc., for controlling the computing unit 1111. The RAM 1117 stores various parameters, etc., which are previously defined by the operator via the input unit 1041, and provides a working area for the CPU 1113. The control program for controlling the computing unit 1111 is stored in the ROM 1115 but can also be stored in the RAM 1117 or the internal memory 1061.

[0100] The internal memory 1061 can be of HDD or SSD type. A control data storage unit 1063 of the internal memory 1061 is used as the execution operating condition storage unit A107 and the index storage unit A108. The RAM 1117 of the processing unit 1111 can be used as a so-called buffer memory that temporarily stores data.

[0101] Reference numeral 1065 indicates an external storage interface and an external storage device (for example, a USB storage device, a hard disk storage device) is detachably attached through this interface.

[0102] The temperature sensor 1011 and the optical sensor 1013 function as the measuring unit A101. The temperature sensor 1011 measures the temperature of a rear surface (non-sliding surface) of the segments 16 of the bearing A11, and the optical sensor 1013 measures the thickness of the segments 16.

[0103] The fan angle driver 1301, as the operating condition execution unit A103, sends a control signal to the angle adjustment device 19 to change the angle of the fan 15, which rotates together with the shaft A12.

[0104] Next, the operation of storage system 1 will be based on... Fig. 5 will be described.

[0105] Shortly after bearing system 1 is installed in the hydroelectric power plant, bearing A11 and bearing B21 are operated under their original rated operating conditions (the temperature of the lubricating oil supplied to the sliding part of the bearing) (step S1). The rated operating condition of bearing A11 (the temperature of the lubricating oil supplied to the sliding part of the bearing) is stored in the first data area 1071 of the execution operating condition memory unit A107, along with the time when the rated operating condition was executed, and the rated operating condition of bearing B21 (the temperature of the lubricating oil supplied to the sliding part of the bearing) is stored in the first area 2071 of the execution operating condition memory unit B207, along with the time when the rated operating condition was executed (step S3).

[0106] Operation under nominal conditions is carried out continuously for twenty days.

[0107] In step S5, the loss (first index) and the extent of abrasion progression (second index) are measured and stored for bearing A11 and bearing B21 respectively at the time the test operation is carried out under the conditions specified in step S1 (see sample #1 in Table 1 and Table 2).

[0108] In particular, as in Fig.Figure 6 shows that the loss A of bearing A11 is determined at predetermined intervals (for example, twelve hours) after the start of pattern #1 (step S51). In this embodiment, the loss A is determined by allowing the loss calculation unit 1101 to convert the temperature value of bearing A11 (the temperature of the rear surface of bearing A11), measured by the measuring unit A101, into the loss value, and the determined loss A is stored in the first area 1081 of the index storage unit A108 together with the time when the temperature was measured (step S52). Similarly, the loss B of bearing B21 is determined (step S53).The loss B is determined by allowing a loss calculation unit 2101 to convert the value of the temperature of bearing B21 (the temperature of the rear surface of bearing B21), measured by the measuring unit B201, into the value of the loss, and the determined loss B is stored in the first area 2081 of the index storage unit B208 together with the time when the temperature was measured (step S54).

[0109] In step S55, the thickness of the segments of bearing A11 is measured by measuring unit A101. The measurement result is stored in the second area 1082 of index storage unit A108 along with the measurement time (step S56). Similarly, the thickness of the segments of bearing B21 is measured by measuring unit B201 (step S57), and the measurement result is stored in a second area 2082 of index storage unit B208 along with the measurement time (step S58).

[0110] Regarding bearing abrasion, as described above, the extent of abrasion progression of the segments of each bearing can be determined from the segment thickness data at the beginning and end of the test operation. Naturally, the segment thickness can be measured at predetermined intervals during the test operation and stored in each index memory unit along with the time of measurement. This allows for a more accurate index indicating the service life of each bearing (in this case, the change in segment thickness).

[0111] Referring again to the flow diagram in Fig.Steps S3 and S5 are repeated for each of the patterns shown in Table 1 and Table 2 after the bearings have been tested under nominal conditions (steps S7 and S9). It should be noted that the temperature of the lubricating oil supplied to the sliding part of each bearing, as the operating condition, is set by changing the angle of the fan 15. It is understood that the temperature of the lubricating oil can change by altering the environment for the bearing, even if the angle of the fan 15 is set to a constant value. Therefore, the angle of the fan 15 can be controlled automatically or manually so that the temperature of the lubricating oil, measured by a temperature sensor (not shown), attached, for example, to the outlet of the cooler 17, is always adjusted to a value that is set as the operating condition.

[0112] Additionally, if the loss of bearing A and / or the loss of bearing B is equal to or greater than a limit value in the test operation according to each of the patterns, the test operation is preferably forcibly stopped. The control unit 300 or the control unit 110 and the control unit 210 preferably control the operating condition execution unit A103 and the operating condition execution unit B203, so that the operation according to this pattern is not carried out.

[0113] In step S11, the data stored in storage device 106 and storage device 206 are sent to storage device 320 of control unit 300 via the communication link. In this case, the received data is sent after all patterns have been executed, but data communication can of course be carried out at any time after data has been obtained by executing any of the patterns.

[0114] In particular, as in Fig.As shown in Figure 7, the first operating condition A of each pattern stored in the first area 1071 of the execution operating condition memory unit A107 (i.e., the temperature A of the lubricating oil supplied to the sliding part of bearing A11 and the number when temperature A was measured) is sent to the first instruction memory unit 321 and the second instruction memory unit 325 (step S111). Similarly, the first operating condition B of each pattern stored in the first area 2071 of the execution operating condition memory unit B207 (i.e., the temperature B of the lubricating oil supplied to the sliding part of bearing B21 and the time when temperature B was measured) is sent to the first instruction memory unit 321 and the second instruction memory unit 325 (step S112).Then the first index A of each of the patterns stored in the first area 1081 of index storage unit 108 (that is, the loss A of stock A11 and the time when loss A was measured) is sent to the first instruction storage unit 321 (step S113) and the first index B of each of the patterns stored in the first area 2081 of index storage unit B208 (that is, the loss B of stock B21 and the time when loss B was measured) is sent to the first instruction storage unit 321 (step S114).

[0115] Then the second index A, which is stored in the second area 1082 of the index storage unit A108 (that is, the thickness A of the bearing A11 and the time when the thickness A was measured), is sent to the second instruction storage unit 325 (step S115) and the second index B, which is stored in the second area 2082 of the index storage unit B208 (that is, the thickness B of the bearing B21 and the time when the thickness B was measured), is sent to the second instruction storage unit 325 (step S116).

[0116] It should be noted that the present embodiment is described with reference to a case in which the bearing system is controlled by the temperature of the lubricating oil as the first operating condition. A second operating condition, which differs from the first, can be used, for example, the flow rate of the lubricating oil supplied to the sliding part of the bearing or the entire sliding area of ​​the bearing. Similar to the first operating condition, the second operating condition is stored in the execution operating condition memory unit. In particular, a second operating condition A, relating to bearing 11, is stored in a second area 1072 of the execution operating condition memory unit A107. Similarly, a second operating condition B, relating to bearing B21, is stored in a second area 2072 of the execution operating condition memory unit B207.

[0117] Referring again to the flow diagram in Fig. In step S13, the first specification unit 311 determines a relationship (first relationship) from the data compilation stored in the first instruction storage unit 321, which contains the operating condition A and the operating condition B of each of the patterns and the loss of stock A11 and the loss of stock B21 under operating condition A and operating condition B.

[0118] In particular, the first specification unit 311 determines the relationship between the calculated result of the loss (average) from bearing A11 and bearing B21 and the temperature of the lubricating oil from the data compilation stored in the first instruction storage unit 321, which contains the temperature of the lubricating oil for each of the bearings, the time when the temperature of the lubricating oil was measured, the loss from each of the bearings, and the time when the loss was measured.

[0119] In step S15, the first relationship thus obtained is summed in the form of a table (see Table 1) and stored in the first relationship storage unit 323.

[0120] In step S17, the second specification unit 315 determines a relationship (second relationship) from the data compilation stored in the second instruction storage unit 325, which contains the operating condition A and the operating condition B of each of the patterns and the extent of the progression of the abrasion of bearing A11 and the extent of the progression of the abrasion of bearing B21 under operating condition A and operating condition B.

[0121] In particular, the second specification unit 315 determines the relationship between the calculated result of the amount (extent of progression) of abrasion of the segments of bearing A11 and bearing B21 and the temperature of the lubricating oil from the data compilation stored in the second instruction storage unit 325, which contains the temperature of the lubricating oil for each of the bearings, the time when the temperature of the lubricating oil was measured, the thickness of the segments of each of the bearings, and the time when the thickness was measured.

[0122] In step S19, the second relationship thus obtained was summed in the form of a table (see Table 2) and stored in the second relationship storage unit 327.

[0123] The first relationship, stored in the first relationship memory unit 323, and the second relationship, stored in the second relationship memory unit 327, can be output by the input / output unit.

[0124] When the operator or the AI ​​selects a normal mode (step S21), the first control section 313 of the control unit 300 selects the operating condition pattern under which the smallest loss from the first relationship stored in the first relationship memory unit 323 is achieved and sends this operating condition to the operating condition execution unit A103 and the operating condition execution unit B203 of the local control device 50 (step S23). The operating condition execution unit A103 and the operating condition execution unit B203, acting as a single operating condition execution unit, each execute the operating condition sent by the first control section 313; that is, they adjust the fan angle to adapt the lubricating oil temperature to the specified value of each pattern (step S25).

[0125] When the operator or AI selects a maintenance mode (step S26), the second control section 317 of the control unit 300 selects, for example, the pattern of operating conditions under which the progression of abrasion of the bearing selected by the operator or AI is delayed, from the second relationship stored in the second relationship storage unit 327 and sends this operating condition to the operating condition execution unit A103 and to the operating condition execution unit B203 of the local control device 50 (step S24). Operating condition execution unit A103 and the Operating condition execution unit B203, which is a The operating condition execution unit executes the operating condition sent by the second control section 317. That is, the fan angle is adjusted to adapt the temperature of the lubricating oil to the specified value for each of the patterns (step S25).

[0126] According to the operating mode, each of the control devices of control unit 300 can automatically select the pattern and issue an instruction to the local control device 50 to execute the operating conditions of the pattern. The control 310 can also select the operating condition under which storage unit A11 and storage unit B21 each achieve their performance required by storage system 1 from the first relationship stored in the first relationship storage unit 323 and the second relationship stored in the second relationship storage unit 327, and send this operating condition to the operating condition execution unit A103 and the operating condition execution unit B203 of local control device 50 via the communication unit 309. The operating conditions at that time can also be stored in storage device 320.

[0127] The pattern selection can also be performed manually by the operator using the input / output unit 304. In this case, the operating conditions of the selected pattern are sent by the control unit 300 to the operating condition execution units 103 and 203 of the local control device 50 and executed.

[0128] The operator who has selected the pattern can directly input the operating condition of this pattern into the operating condition execution unit A103 and the operating condition execution unit B203 through the input / output unit 104 and the input / output unit 204 of the local control device 50.

[0129] Even when the normal mode or maintenance mode is performed, the operating conditions (for example, the temperature of the lubricating oil supplied to the bearing) and the indices (for example, the loss of the bearing and the extent of the progression of the bearing abrasion) can be measured and stored in order to additionally determine a first relationship and a second relationship.

[0130] This first and second relationship is compared to the first and second relationships stored in the first relationship storage unit 323 and the second relationship storage unit 327. The first and second relationships can be updated to a new first and second relationship, and optimal relationships can be selected from the data stored in storage device 320, or new optimal relationships can be provided by the AI.This means that the data relating to the measured indices of each of the warehouses and the operating conditions applied are sent from each local control device (a client) to the central control unit (a server). The central control unit determines a relationship so that each of the warehouses achieves its performance in order to optimize the warehouse system as a whole. The data relating to this relationship are sent from the central control unit to each local control device, so that the operating condition execution units of each local control device execute each of the operating conditions for each of the warehouses.

[0131] If there is a difference equal to or greater than a predefined threshold between the stored first relationship or second relationship and the new determined first relationship or second relationship, an alarm is preferably issued.

[0132] It should be noted that after maintenance has been carried out to replace the bearing segments, steps S1 to S9, which are described in Fig. The steps shown in 5 are preferably repeated.

[0133] In this case, if the results (first relationship and second relationship) of a test operation carried out by random or systematic execution of the patterns are the same as those before maintenance, it is preferred that the results of the other patterns are also estimated to be the same, and the normal mode (for example, the operating conditions of the pattern in which the smallest loss is achieved) is carried out without performing a test operation for all the patterns.

[0134] The storage system was described above with reference to a case where two bearings are provided in a storage assembly, but three or more bearings can be provided in a storage assembly. However, as the number of bearings increases, so does the number of sample operations, and the workload of performing a test operation for all the samples tends to increase.

[0135] In this case, the results of randomly or systematically selected patterns are compared with data from a plurality of patterns performed at another hydroelectric power plant. For example, data from patterns closest to those of interest at a hydroelectric power plant are extracted from data of patterns previously stored through a general-purpose nearest neighbor search and used as a reference for a test operation.

[0136] As in Fig.As shown in Figure 1, the storage system can contain multiple storage assemblies and multiple control devices on site. In this case, an example of such a storage system is one in which multiple plants, each with multiple storage facilities, are connected by a communication link.

[0137] On the other hand, the bearing assembly can be of a type in which multiple bearings (sliding elements) support a common shaft. In this case, an example of such a bearing assembly is one in which two bearings (sliding elements) are provided for one shaft.

[0138] As described above, it is clear that a test operation can easily be planned by collecting data from many hydroelectric power plants. Therefore, for the purpose of collecting data (an operating condition and a change in an index generated by a change in the operating condition) from bearings operating in each of the hydroelectric power plants, it is preferred that the control devices be provided on-site as clients in each of the hydroelectric power plants and connected to the control unit as a server via a communication link in order to collect data in the control unit as a server. The same applies when many plants are targeted.

[0139] When the local control devices are connected as clients to the control unit as a server in this way, the control unit can send instructions to the majority of the local control devices or can selectively send instructions to some of the local control devices in the event of an emergency, such as an earthquake, to control the bearings controlled by the local control devices, that is, electrical power generators or pumps in an emergency operating mode.

[0140] The present invention is not limited to the description of the above aspects, embodiments, and examples. The present invention also includes various modified embodiments which are readily conceivable for those skilled in the art without deviating from the scope of the claims. Reference symbol list 1 storage system 10 Bearing assembly 11 Warehouse A 21 Warehouse B 100 Measuring execution unit A 101 Unit of measurement 103 Operating Conditions Execution Unit A 200 Measuring execution unit B 201 Measuring Unit B 203 Operating Conditions Execution Unit B 300 control unit 313 First control section 317 Second control section 321 First instruction storage unit 325 Second instruction storage unit

Claims

[1] Bearing system (1) comprising: a bearing A (11) and a measuring execution unit A (100) therefor; a bearing B (21) and a measuring execution unit B (200) therefor; and a control unit (300) that controls the measuring execution unit A (100) and the measuring execution unit B (200), wherein the bearing A (11) slidably supports a shaft A (12) and the bearing B (21) slidably supports a shaft B (22), and wherein the measuring execution unit A (100) comprises: a measuring unit A (101) that measures an index indicating a service condition of the bearing A (11); and an operating condition execution unit A (103) that executes an operating condition A imposed on the bearing A (11), affects the service state of the bearing A (11), and can affect the service state of the bearing B (21), the measuring execution unit B (200) has: a measuring unit B (201) that measures an index indicating a service condition of the bearing B (21); and an operating condition execution unit B (203) that executes an operating condition B imposed on the bearing B (21), affects the service state of the bearing B (21), and can affect the service state of the bearing A (11), the control unit (300) has: an instruction storage unit (321, 325) that stores a plurality of combinations of operating condition A and operating condition B and an index A and an index B, wherein index A is obtained from storage A (11) and index B from storage B (21) when operating condition A and operating condition B are executed; and a control section (313, 317) that controls the operating condition execution unit A and the operating condition execution unit B (203) on the basis of contents stored in the instruction storage unit (321, 325) to control the index of warehouse A (11) and the index of warehouse B (21) so that their respective given objectives are achieved, the measuring execution unit A (100), the measuring execution unit B (200) and the control unit (300) are connected by a communication link and measured indices and executed operating conditions are sent from the measuring execution unit A (100) and the measuring execution unit B (200) to the control unit (300) via the communication link. [2] Bearing system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the operating condition A is an abrasion condition A and / or a temperature condition A for the bearing A (11), and the operating condition B is an abrasion condition B and / or a temperature condition B for the bearing B (21). [3] Bearing system (1) according to claim 2, wherein the abrasion condition A is a temperature of a lubricating oil for the bearing A (11) and the abrasion condition B is a temperature of the lubricating oil for the bearing B (21). [4] Bearing system (1) according to claim 3, wherein the temperature of the lubricating oil for the bearing A (11) is controlled by a fan angle of a fan (15) that conveys air to the bearing A (11), and the temperature of the lubricating oil for the bearing B (21) is controlled by a fan angle of a fan (15) that conveys air to the bearing B (21). [5] Bearing system (1) according to claim 2, wherein temperature condition A is a flow rate of lubricating oil and temperature condition B is a flow rate of lubricating oil. [6] Bearing system (1) according to claim 2, wherein the abrasion condition A is a region of bearing A (11) and the abrasion condition B is a region of bearing B (21). [7] Bearing system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the index is a loss of bearing A (11) and of bearing B (21) and / or an extent of progression of abrasion of bearing A (11) and of bearing B (21). [8] Bearing system (1) according to claim 7, wherein the loss, which is used as the index, is calculated from a temperature of a rear surface of bearing A (11) and bearing B (21). [9] Control method for a bearing A (11) and a bearing B (21) in a bearing system (1) comprising: the bearing A (11) and a measuring execution unit A (100) therefor; the bearing B (21) and a measuring execution unit B (200) therefor; and a control unit (300) that controls the measuring execution unit A (100) and the measuring execution unit B (200), wherein the bearing A (11) slidably supports a shaft A (12) and the bearing B (21) slidably supports a shaft B (22), and wherein the measuring execution unit A (100) comprises: a measuring unit A (101) that measures an index indicating a service condition of the bearing A (11); and an operating condition execution unit A (103) which executes an operating condition A imposed on the bearing A (11), affects the service condition of the bearing A (11), and can affect the service condition of the bearing B (21), and includes the measuring execution unit B (200): a measuring unit B (201) that measures an index indicating a service condition of the bearing B (21); and an operating condition execution unit B (203) that executes an operating condition B imposed on the bearing B (21), affects the service state of the bearing B (21) and can affect the service state of the bearing A (11); wherein the control procedure includes the following steps: Storing a plurality of combinations of operating condition A and operating condition B and an index A and an index B, wherein index A is obtained from stock A (11) and index B from stock B (21), when operating condition A and operating condition B are executed, in an instruction storage unit (321, 325); and Controlling the operating condition execution unit A (103) and the operating condition execution unit B (203) on the basis of contents stored in the instruction storage unit (321, 325) to control the index of warehouse A (11) and the index of warehouse B (21) so that their respective given objectives are achieved. [10] Control method according to claim 9, wherein the operating condition A is an abrasion condition A and / or a temperature condition A for the bearing A (11), and the operating condition B is an abrasion condition B and / or a temperature condition B for the bearing B (21). [11] Control method according to claim 10, wherein the abrasion condition A is a temperature condition of the lubricating oil for the bearing A (11), and the abrasion condition B is a temperature condition of the lubricating oil for the bearing B (21). [12] Control method according to claim 11, wherein the temperature condition of the lubricating oil for the bearing A (11) is a fan angle of a fan (15) that conveys air to the bearing A (11), and the temperature condition of the lubricating oil for the bearing B (21) is a fan angle of a fan (15) that conveys air to the bearing B (21). [13] Control method according to claim 10, wherein temperature condition A is a flow rate of lubricating oil and temperature condition B is a flow rate of lubricating oil. [14] Control method according to claim 10, wherein the abrasion condition A is a region of bearing A (11) and the abrasion condition B is a region of bearing B (21). [15] Control method according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein the index is a loss of bearing A (11) and of bearing B (21) and / or is a degree of progression of abrasion of bearing A (11) and of bearing B (21). [16] Control method according to claim 15, wherein the loss used as the index is calculated from a temperature of a rear surface of bearing A (11) and bearing B (21). [17] Computer program controlling a bearing A (11) and a bearing B (21) in a bearing system (1), comprising: the bearing A and a measuring execution unit A (100) therefor, the bearing B (21) and a measuring execution unit B (200) therefor; and a control unit (300) controlling the measuring execution unit A (100) and the measuring execution unit B (200), wherein the bearing A (11) slidably supports a shaft A (12) and the bearing B (21) slidably supports a shaft B (22), and wherein the measuring execution unit A (100) comprises: a measuring unit A (101) that measures an index indicating a service condition of the bearing A (11); and an operating condition execution unit A (103) which executes an operating condition A imposed on the bearing A (11), affects the service condition of the bearing A (11), and can affect the service condition of the bearing B (21), and includes the measuring execution unit B (200): a measuring unit B (201) that measures an index indicating a service condition of the bearing B (21); and an operating condition execution unit B (203) that executes an operating condition B imposed on the bearing B (21), affects the service state of the bearing B (21), and can affect the service state of the bearing A (11); wherein the computer program allows a computer to perform the following steps: Storing a plurality of combinations of operating condition A and operating condition B and an index A and an index B, wherein index A is obtained from warehouse A (11) and index B from warehouse B (21), when operating condition A and operating condition B are executed, in an instruction storage unit (321, 325); controlling the operating condition execution unit A (103) and the operating condition execution unit B (203) with reference to contents stored in the instruction storage unit (321, 325) to control the index of warehouse A (11) and the index of warehouse B (21) such that their respective given objectives are achieved.

Images