Hydroelectric power generation device, manufacturing method therefor, and power generation system

Abstract

To provide a low-fall, low-flow hydroelectric power generation device that can effectively utilize the flow of water and offers excellent durability.SOLUTION: A hydroelectric power generation device, placed in a water channel, includes: a waterwheel consisting of a rotor which is fixed directly or indirectly to the waterwheel shaft extending parallel or perpendicular to the water flow and is composed of a thermoplastic resin with an arithmetic mean height Sa of between 4 μm and 30 μm inclusive, a photocurable resin with an arithmetic mean height Sa of between 0.01 μm and 10 μm inclusive, or a thermoplastic resin or a photocurable resin with a metal or silica coating with a thickness of between 1 nm and 200 μm inclusive, and the waterwheel shaft fixed to the center of the rotor; and power generating means.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a hydroelectric power generating device, a method for manufacturing a hydroelectric power generating device, and a power generating system. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, micro-hydroelectric power generation with an output of 100 kW or less has started to spread in emerging countries in Europe and Asia from the viewpoint of environmental friendliness and effective use of renewable energy, but there are no devices available that satisfy the requirements for maintenance and cost, etc. One of the reasons for this is that micro-hydroelectric power generation devices require custom-made designs to match the shape, size, water volume, etc. of each waterway, which results in high component costs.

[0003] Therefore, in order to reduce costs, resin rotating bodies made by injection molding are often used, but the use of three-dimensional (3D) printers (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "3DP") is also considered as a method of modeling three-dimensional structures without creating a mold. Examples of modeling methods using 3DP include the SLA (Stereolithography) method, in which a resin solution is cured and laminated layer by layer using an ultraviolet laser as a liquid photocurable resin, and the stereolithography method (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). Recently, there has been a movement to popularize 3DP in the world of mass production manufacturing, and it is beginning to be used for many applications beyond prototyping. However, to date, no durable micro-hydropower generation device using 3DP that effectively utilizes water flow has been provided. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a micro-hydroelectric power generation device that can effectively utilize the flow of water and is highly durable and suitable for low head and low flow rates. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The hydroelectric power generation device of the present invention, as a means for solving the above-mentioned problems, is a hydroelectric power generation device that is placed in a waterway, and comprises: a rotor that is fixed directly or indirectly to a waterwheel axle extending parallel or perpendicular to the water flow, and is made of a thermoplastic resin with an arithmetic mean height Sa of 4 μm or more and 30 μm or less, a photocurable resin with an arithmetic mean height Sa of 0.01 μm or more and 10 μm or less, or a thermoplastic resin or photocurable resin coated with metal or silica with a film thickness of 1 nm or more and 200 μm or less, and a waterwheel consisting of a waterwheel axle fixed to the center of the rotor; water conveying means made of metal or resin that is supported by the waterwheel axle so that the waterwheel rotates by the hydraulic force of the water flow and is placed in the waterway; and a power generation means. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a micro-hydroelectric power generation device that can effectively utilize the flow of water and is highly durable and suitable for low head and low flow rate. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a method for manufacturing a hydroelectric power generating apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a method for manufacturing a hydroelectric power generating apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of a helical water turbine. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of a disc water turbine. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a perspective view showing an example of a Francis water turbine. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a perspective view showing an example of a rotor of the Francis water turbine of FIG. 5A. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an example of a Pelton turbine. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a Darrieus water turbine. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an expansion or contraction mechanism for a water turbine. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] (Hydroelectric generating equipment) The hydroelectric power generation device of the present invention is a hydroelectric power generation device that is placed in a waterway, and is equipped with a waterwheel consisting of a rotor that is fixed directly or indirectly to a waterwheel axle extending parallel or perpendicular to the water flow and is made of a thermoplastic resin with an arithmetic mean height Sa of 4 μm or more and 50 μm or less, a photocurable resin with an arithmetic mean height Sa of 0.01 μm or more and 20 μm or less, or a thermoplastic resin or photocurable resin coated with metal or silica with a film thickness of 1 nm or more and 200 μm or less, and a waterwheel axle fixed to the center of the rotor, a water conveying means made of metal or resin that supports the waterwheel by the waterwheel axle so that the waterwheel rotates by the hydraulic force of the water flow and is placed in the waterway, a power generation means, and further equipped with other means as necessary.

[0009] Conventional micro-hydroelectric power generation devices have the problem that they are difficult to introduce due to their cost performance and durability, and are used only in limited areas. In addition, conventional micro-hydroelectric power generation devices may take several weeks to obtain materials for maintenance, which may result in missed opportunities to generate electricity.

[0010] In order to solve the above problems, the inventors conducted extensive research and discovered that by using a specified resin material to mold the rotating body of the water turbine in a hydroelectric power generation device using 3DP, it is possible to provide a hydroelectric power generation device that is durable and capable of handling low head and low flow rates by making effective use of the water flow. In this case, from the viewpoint of strength and surface properties, a thermoplastic resin or a photocurable resin is used, and the arithmetic mean height Sa and surface shape of the rotating body can be controlled by adopting the LS (Laser Sintering) method, the HSS (High Speed ​​Sintering) method, or the photolithography (Stereolithography (SLA) method, etc.) as the 3DP, thereby obtaining a characteristic flow behavior, making it possible to effectively utilize the flow of water and improving durability. It was also found that the same effect as above can be obtained by forming a rotating body from the thermoplastic resin or the photocurable resin coated with a metal or silica of a predetermined thickness, and durability in the Z direction can be further improved. Furthermore, 3DP makes it possible to easily and efficiently produce water turbines of any shape, size, and structure that could not be produced by conventional injection molding, and it also makes it easy to incorporate at least one of a foreign matter separation means, foreign matter collection means, foreign matter decomposition means, and abnormality reporting means.

[0011] In the present invention, hydroelectric power generation devices of commonly used shapes and structures such as a helical water wheel (see FIG. 3) or a disc water wheel (see FIG. 4) can be used. Improved types may include hydroelectric power generation devices such as a Darrieus water wheel (see FIG. 7), a Francis water wheel (see FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B), and a Pelton water wheel (see FIG. 6). Among these, a hydroelectric power generation device equipped with a helical water wheel (see FIG. 3) is more preferable because it is a low head, low flow rate type that can be installed even in small irrigation channels, which was previously difficult to install. The spiral water turbine shown in FIG. 3 is described in detail in, for example, Japanese Patent No. 5845498. The disk water turbine shown in FIG. 4 is described in detail in, for example, JP 2018-135862 A.

[0012] The hydroelectric power generation device has a water turbine with a rotating body (disk or spiral disk), a water conveying means for introducing water into the water turbine, and a power generation means connected to the rotating body, and preferably has at least one of a foreign matter separation means, a foreign matter recovery means, a foreign matter decomposition means, and an abnormality reporting means, and further has other means as necessary.

[0013] <Waterwheel> A water turbine consists of a rotor and a water wheel shaft fixed to the center of the rotor.

[0014] -Water wheel- The shape, size, material, etc. of the waterwheel shaft can be appropriately selected depending on the size, shape, weight, etc. of the rotor. Examples of materials for the waterwheel include metal and resin. The metal is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples of the metal include stainless steel, titanium, nickel alloy, carbon steel, chromium steel, and manganese steel. The resin is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose, and examples thereof include polyether ether ketone (PEEK) resin, Teflon (registered trademark), MC nylon resin, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene resin, polyacetal resin, polystyrene resin, styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer, styrene-butadiene copolymer, styrene-maleic anhydride copolymer, polyester resin, polyvinyl chloride resin, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer, polyvinyl acetate resin, polyvinylidene chloride resin, polyarylate resin, phenoxy resin, polycarbonate resin, polyvinyl butyral resin, polyvinyl formal resin, polyvinyl toluene resin, poly-N-vinyl carbazole, acrylic resin, silicone resin, epoxy resin, melamine resin, urethane resin, phenolic resin, alkyd resin, etc. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0015] -Rotating body- The rotor is directly or indirectly fixed to a waterwheel shaft that extends parallel or perpendicular to the water flow. It is preferable that the water turbine has an expansion or contraction mechanism, and the size of at least one of the rotor and the water guide means is variable. Examples of the expansion or contraction mechanism include a mechanism that can be folded only in the direction toward the water level, a mechanism consisting of two or more stages and having a shape that can be stored in the outermost stage, and a mechanism that can be expanded horizontally like a fan as shown in Figure 8. The rotating body is preferably a disk or a helical disk. From the viewpoint of weight reduction, it is preferable that the rotor has a lattice structure, and it is also preferable from the viewpoint of weight reduction to make the back side, which comes into direct contact with water, a lattice structure. The rotating body is composed of (1) a thermoplastic resin having an arithmetic mean height Sa of 4 μm or more and 50 μm or less, (2) a photocurable resin having an arithmetic mean height Sa of 0.01 μm or more and 20 μm or less, or (3) a thermoplastic resin or photocurable resin coated with metal or silica having a film thickness of 1 μm or more and 200 μm or less.

[0016] -(1)Thermoplastic resin- The thermoplastic resin is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose, and examples thereof include polyamide 12 (PA12), polyamide 11 (PA11), polybutylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polyamide 9T (PA9T), polyamide 10T (PA10T), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), etc. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more. A thermoplastic resin composition containing the above-mentioned thermoplastic resin can be used to form a rotating body by a high speed sintering (HSS) method, a selective laser sintering (SLS) method, or the like. The arithmetic mean height Sa of the thermoplastic resin is 4 μm or more and 50 μm or less, and preferably 10 μm or more and 30 μm or less. When the arithmetic mean height Sa of the thermoplastic resin is 4 μm or more and 50 μm or less, a rotor having good strength and surface shape is obtained, and the durability of the water turbine is improved. Here, the arithmetic mean height can be measured, for example, by an optical microscope, a contact or optical 3D scanner, or a shape analysis laser microscope.

[0017] -(2) Photocuring resin- The photocurable resin is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples of the photocurable resin include resins obtained by polymerizing a precursor of at least one resin selected from phenolic resins, unsaturated polyester resins, polyimide resins, epoxy resins, urethane resins, alkyd resins, diallyl phthalate resins, acrylic resins, and methacrylic resins. A rotating body can be shaped by stereolithography (SLA) using a curable composition containing the above-mentioned photocurable resin precursor and a polymerization initiator. The curable composition is suitable for use in a stereolithography (SLA) system, but can also be used in systems other than stereolithography. For example, it can be used in an inkjet system, but it is necessary to consider an ejection mechanism that can accommodate the viscosity of the curable composition and the fiber diameter of the nanofiber. The arithmetic mean height Sa of the photocured resin is 0.01 μm or more and 20 μm or less, and preferably 1 μm or more and 10 μm or less. When the arithmetic mean height Sa of the photocured resin is 0.01 μm or more and 20 μm or less, a rotor having good strength and surface shape is obtained, and the durability of the water turbine is improved.

[0018] -(3) Thermoplastic resin or photocurable resin coated with metal or silica - Coating the thermoplastic resin or photocurable resin formed as described above with metal or silica improves durability in the Z direction. Here, the arithmetic mean height Sa when coating is preferably the arithmetic mean height Sa described in (1) above for thermoplastic resin and the arithmetic mean height Sa described in (2) above for photocurable resin, but is not limited thereto because durability can be improved by coating. The thickness of the metal or silica film is 1 μm or more and 200 μm or less, and preferably 20 μm or more and 200 μm or less. When the thickness of the metal or silica film is 1 μm or more and 200 μm or less, a rotor having excellent durability in the Z direction can be obtained. Examples of metal coating include a dipping method using a metal coating liquid and an electrolytic plating method. Examples of metals include silver, gold, platinum, copper, zinc, cobalt, nickel, iron, zinc, chromium, and alloys thereof.

[0019] The silica coating may be performed by a dipping method using a silica coating liquid.

[0020] The curable composition used in (2) above contains a precursor of the photocurable resin and a polymerization initiator, and preferably contains nanofibers, and further contains other components as necessary.

[0021] -Polymerization initiator- The curable composition contains a polymerization initiator that absorbs electron beams and electromagnetic waves. By using the polymerization initiator that absorbs electron beams and electromagnetic waves, the reaction proceeds, and the polymerization is extended, so that the resin is solidified and a cured product can be obtained. The polymerization initiator is preferably at least one selected from a radical polymerization initiator, a cationic polymerization initiator, an anionic polymerization initiator, and a photothermal conversion agent. The content of the polymerization initiator is preferably from 0.01% by mass to 5% by mass based on the total amount of the curable composition.

[0022] -Electron beams and electromagnetic waves- The curable composition is polymerized by irradiation with an electron beam or electromagnetic wave, and the electron beam or electromagnetic wave can be appropriately changed as required. The electron beam and electromagnetic wave preferably have a sufficient intensity to excite the polymerization initiator. Examples of electron beams and electromagnetic waves include ultraviolet (UV) rays, semiconductor lasers, DLP (Digital Light Processing, registered trademark) type light sources, and infrared lasers. The wavelength of the electromagnetic wave is preferably 250 nm or more and 1,000 nm or less. When a UV wavelength initiator is used, the wavelength is preferably 250 nm or more and 420 nm or less, and when an infrared laser wavelength is required, the wavelength is preferably 700 nm or more and 900 nm or less. The electron beam and electromagnetic waves may be of two or more types, and may be used simultaneously or in a sequential manner.

[0023] -Nanofiber- The curable composition preferably contains nanofibers. The nanofibers are made of any one selected from the group consisting of ceramic, glass, cellulose, alumina, titania, carbon, and siloxane. By using a resin in which nanofibers are encapsulated in a photocurable resin, it is possible to further improve heat resistance and strength.

[0024] Examples of nanofibers include ceramic, glass, cellulose, alumina, titania, carbon, and siloxane. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more. In addition to the above, from the viewpoint of improving strength and heat resistance, examples of the nanofibers include those described in WO2008 / 057844.

[0025] The shape of the nanofibers is not particularly limited and can be appropriately changed as needed. The fiber diameter of the nanofibers is preferably 1 μm or more and 30 μm or less, more preferably 2 μm or more and 25 μm or less, and even more preferably 4 μm or more and 15 μm or less. The fiber length of the nanofiber is preferably 50 μm or more, more preferably 100 μm or more, and even more preferably 300 μm or more. There is no particular upper limit to the fiber length of the nanofiber and it can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose, but it is preferably 3,000 μm or less. When the fiber diameter and fiber length of the nanofibers are within the above numerical ranges, the heat resistance and strength of the rotating body can be further improved, and the surface roughness of the rotating body can be made to be the same as that of a cured product when no nanofibers are added. The fiber diameter and fiber length of the nanofibers are expressed as average values, and are obtained by measuring the diameter and length at five points on a rotating body using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and averaging the values.

[0026] From the viewpoint of improving the adhesion between the nanofiber and the resin component, a sizing agent may be added or the nanofiber may be surface-treated. Among these, nanofibers whose surfaces have been subjected to a hydrophobic treatment are preferably used. The hydrophobizing agent used in the hydrophobizing treatment is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose, and examples thereof include silane coupling agents such as hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS) and dimethyldichlorosilane (DMDS), silicone oils such as dimethylsilicone oil and amino-modified silicone oil, etc. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Among these, silane coupling agents are preferred.

[0027] The content of the nanofibers is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose, but is preferably 5% by mass or more based on the total amount of the rotating body. By including 5% by mass or more of the nanofibers, the effect of improving heat resistance and strength can be obtained. On the other hand, the total content of the nanofibers is preferably 90 mass % or less based on the total amount of the rotating body, which can prevent the formation of a shape difficult due to the inclusion of a large amount of nanofibers. The content of the nanofibers is more preferably 10% by mass or more and 60% by mass or less in consideration of the viscosity of the curable composition constituting the rotating body, and even more preferably 20% by mass or more and 60% by mass or less in order to further improve the strength of the rotating body.

[0028] <Other ingredients> The curable composition may contain other components as necessary, such as a defoamer, a sizing agent, a crosslinking agent, a viscosity reducer, a surface treatment agent, a plasticizer, a leveling agent, and a solvent.

[0029] <Water conveyance means> The water guide means is a metal or resin means that supports the water wheel on a water wheel shaft so that the water wheel can rotate by the hydraulic force of the water flow and is placed in the waterway. The metal is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples of the metal include stainless steel, titanium, nickel alloy, carbon steel, chromium steel, and manganese steel. The resin is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose, and examples thereof include polyether ether ketone (PEEK) resin, Teflon (registered trademark), MC nylon resin, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene resin, polyacetal resin, polystyrene resin, styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer, styrene-butadiene copolymer, styrene-maleic anhydride copolymer, polyester resin, polyvinyl chloride resin, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer, polyvinyl acetate resin, polyvinylidene chloride resin, polyarylate resin, phenoxy resin, polycarbonate resin, polyvinyl butyral resin, polyvinyl formal resin, polyvinyl toluene resin, poly-N-vinyl carbazole, acrylic resin, silicone resin, epoxy resin, melamine resin, urethane resin, phenolic resin, alkyd resin, etc. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more. The water guide means is not particularly limited in shape, size, structure, etc., so long as it can guide water to the rotor of the water turbine, and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose.

[0030] <Means of power generation> There are no particular limitations on the power generation means as long as it is capable of converting the rotational kinetic energy of the rotor of the water turbine into electrical energy; it may be either an AC generator or a DC generator, and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples include a rotary magnet type AC generator, a DC generator with a commutator, and a magnet pump. There are no particular limitations on the type of rotary magnet type AC generator, but for example, a dynamo used in bicycle lighting or the like can be used. A magnet pump is a pump that can suck in and pump out fluids by rotating a driven magnet built into a rotor in sync with the rotation of a driving magnet that is magnetically coupled to the magnet, and the rotating magnet can rotate in conjunction with the rotation of a rotating body due to magnetic force, and the rotating magnet and the rotating body are arranged in isolation so that water cannot flow through them. This magnet pump does not use a shaft sealing device such as a mechanical seal, so there is no corrosion of the pump or dirt around the pump even after long-term use, and there is no water leakage due to deterioration of the mechanical seal.

[0031] <Foreign matter separation means> It is preferable that the micro-hydraulic power generation device has a foreign matter separating means on the water conveying means for separating foreign matter in the liquid. By having the foreign matter separating means on the water conveying means, foreign matter can be separated from the water introduced into the water turbine, the rotor can be prevented from being damaged, and efficient power generation can be performed for a long period of time. There are no particular limitations on the size, shape, structure, material, etc. of the foreign matter separating means, and they can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples of the foreign matter separating means include nets, screens, filters, and the like.

[0032] <Method of collecting foreign objects> The micro-hydraulic power generating device preferably has a foreign matter recovery means, which recovers foreign matter in the fluid, on the rotor or the water guide means. There are no particular limitations on the size, shape, structure, material, etc. of the foreign matter recovery means, and they can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples of the foreign matter collecting means include a collection container, an adsorption filter, a combination of a separation filter, a collection container for specific objects, and the like.

[0033] <Foreign matter decomposition means> The micro-hydroelectric power generation device is a means for decomposing the foreign matter collected by the foreign matter collecting means. There are no particular limitations on the size, shape, structure, material, etc. of the foreign matter decomposition means, and these can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. The foreign matter decomposition means can be appropriately selected depending on the type of foreign matter, and examples thereof include a microbubble generator, a UV irradiator, and a filtration filter of 0.1 μm or less.

[0034] <Abnormality reporting means> The micro-hydroelectric power generation device preferably has an abnormality notification means for notifying the occurrence of an abnormality, such as malfunction or inoperability of the micro-hydroelectric power generation device, clogging of the flow path, a decrease in the amount of water in the waterway, etc. Means for reporting an abnormality include, for example, a display, email, a speaker, a light, or a mobile app using WiFi.

[0035] <Other methods> The other means include, for example, a control means, a power storage means, and the like. The control means is a means for controlling the operation of the hydroelectric power generation device of the present invention. The control means may include a storage means such as a ROM or a RAM, and a calculation means such as a CPU or an FPGA. The storage means may store a program for causing the water turbine and the water conveying means to perform a specific operation, and the operation of each means is controlled based on the program.

[0036] The power storage means is a means for storing the power generated by the hydroelectric power generation device, and examples thereof include a lithium ion secondary battery, a nickel cadmium battery, and a lead storage battery.

[0037] The hydroelectric power generation device of the present invention is a low-head, low-flow type that can be installed in small irrigation channels, which was previously difficult to install, and can be installed in, for example, rivers, agricultural waterways, agricultural irrigation channels, industrial waterways, drainage channels for factories, buildings, sewage treatment plants, and water channels within plants.

[0038] (Manufacturing method for hydroelectric power generation equipment) The method for manufacturing the hydraulic power generation device of the present invention is a method for manufacturing the micro-hydraulic power generation device of the present invention, and includes a thin layer forming step, a curing step, and a coating step, and further includes other steps as necessary.

[0039] <Thin layer formation process> The thin layer forming step can be appropriately changed. The free liquid level method, the regulated liquid level method, and the like can be adopted as the manufacturing method of the water wheel (rotating body) and the water conveying means in the hydroelectric power generation device. In the free liquid level method, for example, a stage is placed in the storage part to which the curable composition is supplied, and the stage is lowered to form a thin layer made of the curable composition on the stage. Depending on the viscosity of the curable composition, the thin layer may be difficult to form a flat surface, and a step of leveling the curable composition may be performed as necessary. In addition, in the regulated liquid level method, for example, a stage is placed in the storage part to which the curable composition is supplied, and the stage is raised to form a thin layer made of the curable composition below the stage.

[0040] <Curing process> The curing step may be performed by irradiating electron beams and electromagnetic waves, and may be changed as appropriate. When irradiating electron beams and electromagnetic waves, the irradiation unit for irradiating electron beams and electromagnetic waves may be moved to a desired position, or a certain range may be irradiated at once. The range of irradiation may be changed as appropriate, and the narrower the range of irradiation, the more precise the cured product obtained. The direction of irradiation with radiation may be from above the thin layer or from below.

[0041] There are no particular limitations on the manufacturing equipment for the water turbine and the water conveying means, and known equipment can be used, for example, as the above-mentioned regulated liquid level method, a manufacturing equipment using the one-dimensional regulating method described in Japanese Patent No. 5774825 can be used, and a manufacturing equipment using the two-dimensional regulating method described in Japanese Patent No. 5605589 can be used. Among these, modeling by stereolithography using the one-dimensional regulating method and the two-dimensional regulating method is preferable because high viscosity materials can be used.

[0042] The method of irradiating the desired location with the electron beam and electromagnetic wave is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose, for example, the irradiation position can be changed using a galvanometer mirror or the like, the irradiation unit can be moved to the desired position, the stage can be moved, or a combination of an fθ lens and a polygon mirror can be used instead of the galvanometer mirror, or a modeling method using two photons can be used, which is expected to result in a higher resolution. Also, a DLP or LCD system compatible with 4K or 8K can be used as a light source.

[0043] In the method for manufacturing the water wheel and the water guide means, the thin layer forming step and the curing step are repeated a predetermined number of times as necessary to manufacture the water wheel and the water guide means. By repeating the steps a predetermined number of times, the cured portions of the curable composition are laminated to obtain a laminate. While the laminate is being produced, the reaction may be advanced by microwaves or the like, or the molded object may be heated by an IR heater or the like. Such a laminate may be used as the cured product of the filter of the present invention, or after the molded object is completed, a heating step may be performed to heat the entire laminate to obtain a cured product. By heating the entire product, the heat resistance and strength of the cured product can be further improved, and the deflection temperature under load can be further increased. However, the present invention has the advantage that good heat resistance and strength can be obtained without performing an additional heating step at the end.

[0044] In addition, after preparing the curable composition using various materials and before the thin layer forming step, a step of stirring the curable composition (stirring step) may be performed. By stirring, unevenness of each component in the curable composition can be prevented, and a highly precise cured product can be easily obtained. For the stirring step, a method of stirring by vibration using ultrasonic waves may be used.

[0045] The water wheel and water conveying means produced as hardened products preferably have a deflection temperature under load of 60° C. or more, more preferably 70° C. or more, and even more preferably 80° C. or more, when a load of 1.8 MPa is applied, as measured by the JIS K7191 method. When the water wheel and water conveying means satisfy the above-mentioned preferred range of deflection temperature under load, the strength and hardness of the water wheel and water conveying means are further improved, the range of uses for the water wheel and water conveying means is expanded, and they can withstand use as practical products.

[0046] The method for producing the water wheel and the water guide means can be changed as appropriate, for example, the curable compositions may be cured and laminated in sequence, and then the entire laminate may be heated. By heating the entire laminate, the heat resistance and strength of the cured product are improved. In the present invention, a water wheel and water guide means having excellent heat resistance and strength are obtained, and it becomes easier to achieve a deflection temperature under load of 60°C or higher without heating the entire laminate after shaping is completed.

[0047] <Coating process> The strength and surface properties can be adjusted by applying a metal or silica coating to at least one of the water wheel (rotating body) and the water conveying means in the hydroelectric power generation device of the present invention manufactured by the manufacturing method of the micro-hydroelectric power generation device of the present invention. At least one of the rotor and the water guide means is preferably coated with silica or metal by a dipping method using a silica coating liquid or a metal coating liquid. At least one of the rotor and the water guide means is preferably coated with a metal by electrolytic plating.

[0048] The method for manufacturing a hydroelectric power generation device of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a hydroelectric power generation device, comprising the steps of: The method includes a determination process for determining modeling information for the water turbine to be modeled based on waterway information for the waterway in which the hydroelectric power generation device is installed and information in a fin database including the material, shape, size, and structure of the water turbine, and a modeling process for modeling the water turbine using a three-dimensional printer based on the determined modeling information for the water turbine, and further includes other processes as necessary.

[0049] The waterway information is preferably at least one type selected from the location, shape, size, structure, water volume, and water quality of the waterway. The determining step is performed by a determining unit. The determining unit is not particularly limited as long as it can realize a function of determining the shape information of the object holding member from various information, and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. For example, the determining unit can be realized by using a computer, a server device, a mobile terminal, or the like.

[0050] In the method for manufacturing a hydroelectric power generation device of the present invention, by using a three-dimensional printer, it is possible to produce even a small number of parts with complex shapes and structures in a short period of time relatively cheaply. There are no particular limitations on the three-dimensional printer, and it can be selected appropriately depending on the purpose. For example, various types can be selected, such as fused deposition modeling (FDM), material jet modeling, binder jet modeling, powder deposition modeling, and photolithography.

[0051] Here, an embodiment of a method for manufacturing a hydroelectric power generating device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0052] <First embodiment> FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining a manufacturing method of a micro-hydroelectric power generating device according to the first embodiment. First, as shown in FIG. 1(A), a thin layer 20 is formed on a stage 10 in a thin layer forming step. Next, as shown in Fig. 1(B), a curing step is performed in which at least a portion of the thin layer 20 is irradiated with radiation 30 to cure it. As a result, at least a portion of the thin layer 20 is cured, and a cured product 40 is obtained, as shown in Fig. 1(C). Thereafter, other portions of the lamina 20 are irradiated with radiation 30 to obtain the desired configuration of water wheel and water conveying means. After this, by repeating the series of processes a predetermined number of times, a spiral water turbine as shown in FIG. 3 is obtained. Finally, although not shown in the figures, the manufactured rotor and water guide means of the water turbine can be coated with metal or silica to adjust the strength and surface shape of the rotor and water guide means of the water turbine.

[0053] <Second embodiment> FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining a manufacturing method of a micro-hydroelectric power generating device according to the second embodiment. First, as shown in FIG. 2(A), a thin layer 20 is formed under a stage 10 in a thin layer forming step. Next, as shown in Fig. 2(B), a curing step is performed in which at least a portion of the thin layer 20 is irradiated with radiation 30 to cure it. As a result, at least a portion of the thin layer 20 is cured, and a cured product 40 is obtained, as shown in Fig. 2(C). Thereafter, other portions of the lamina 20 are irradiated with radiation 30 to obtain the desired configuration of water wheel and water conveying means. After this, by repeating the series of processes a predetermined number of times, a spiral water turbine as shown in FIG. 3 is obtained. Finally, although not shown in the figures, the manufactured rotor and water guide means of the water turbine can be coated with metal or silica to adjust the strength and surface shape of the rotor and water guide means of the water turbine.

[0054] (Power generation system) The power generation system of the present invention is characterized by the fact that it performs at least one of water purification, sensors, lighting, and biological extermination without the need for an external power source by using electricity generated by the hydroelectric power generation device of the present invention.

[0055] Sensors include water volume, power generation system operation status, temperature and humidity, illuminance, human presence, and CO 2 It can be applied to a variety of sensors such as those for acceleration, UV, noise, geomagnetism, and air pressure, and the read data can be transmitted wirelessly to a PC, smartphone, etc. Examples of biological extermination include a method of using a laser to kill harmful organisms (prokaryotes such as E. coli, microorganisms, mosquitoes, mosquito larvae, etc.) that gather in wastewater, etc. The power generation system can perform at least one of water purification, sensor, lighting, and biological extermination without using an external power source. Therefore, the power generation system can be introduced even in places without power supply facilities, such as non-electrified areas, undeveloped areas, mountainous areas, and remote islands, as long as there is a river or waterway where water is constantly flowing. EXAMPLES

[0056] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples.

[0057] (Preparation Example 1 of Curable Composition) The following components were mixed to prepare a curable composition. The resulting curable composition was liquid at 23°C. [composition] Unsaturated polyester resin (DIC Corporation, XO-CU-122-1): 99.5% by mass Radical polymerization initiator (BASF, irgacure1173): 0.3% by mass Defoamer (DIC Corporation, RS-408): 0.2% by mass

[0058] Example 1 <Making a waterwheel> Using a thermoplastic resin (PA12, manufactured by HP), a spiral water turbine (see FIG. 3) of Example 1 having a rotating body that is a disk made of thermoplastic resin with an arithmetic mean height Sa of 4 μm was produced by the HSS (High Speed ​​Sintering) method. Here, the arithmetic mean height Sa of the rotor was measured as follows: In the following Examples 2 to 11 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2, the arithmetic mean height Sa of the rotor was measured in the same manner.

[0059] <Arithmetic mean height Sa> Using a shape analysis laser microscope, KEYENCE VK-X1000, measurements were taken at three points around the central portion as close as possible, and the average value was taken as the arithmetic mean height Sa.

[0060] Example 2 <Making a waterwheel> Using a thermoplastic resin (PA12, manufactured by HP), a spiral water turbine (see FIG. 3) of Example 2 was produced using the HSS (High Speed ​​Sintering) method, which has a rotating body that is a spiral disk made of thermoplastic resin with an arithmetic mean height Sa of 4 μm.

[0061] Example 3 <Making a waterwheel> Using a thermoplastic resin (PA12, manufactured by HP), a spiral water turbine (see FIG. 3) of Example 3 was produced using the HSS (High Speed ​​Sintering) method, which has a rotating body that is a spiral disk made of thermoplastic resin with an arithmetic mean height Sa of 8 μm. In the third embodiment, the waterwheel shaft is fixed to the rotor by means of a screw or fitting (indirectly).

[0062] Example 4 <Making a waterwheel> Using the above-mentioned curable composition, a spiral water wheel (see FIG. 3) of Example 4 having a rotating body that is a spiral disk made of a photocurable resin with an arithmetic mean height Sa of 0.01 μm was produced by stereolithography (SLA).

[0063] Example 5 <Making a waterwheel> Using the above-mentioned curable composition, a spiral water wheel (see FIG. 3) of Example 4 having a rotating body that is a spiral disk made of a photocurable resin with an arithmetic mean height Sa of 1 μm was produced by a stereolithography (SLA) method.

[0064] Example 6 <Making a waterwheel> Using a thermoplastic resin (PA12, manufactured by HP), a helical water turbine (see Figure 3) with a rotating body that is a helical disk made of thermoplastic resin with an arithmetic mean height Sa of 3 μm was fabricated by the HSS (High Speed ​​Sintering) method. Next, a metal (zinc) layer with a thickness of 10 μm was formed on the rotor of the produced spiral water wheel by a dipping method using a metal coating liquid (ROVAL, thick film ROVAL). In this way, the water wheel of Example 6 was produced.

[0065] Example 7 <Making a waterwheel> Using a thermoplastic resin (PA12, manufactured by HP), a helical water turbine (see Figure 3) with a rotating body that is a helical disk made of thermoplastic resin with an arithmetic mean height Sa of 4 μm was fabricated by the HSS (High Speed ​​Sintering) method. Next, a metal (chromium) layer having a thickness of 200 μm was formed on the rotor of the produced helical water turbine by electrolytic plating (Meltex, Anchor 1127). In this manner, the water turbine of Example 7 was produced.

[0066] Example 8 <Making a waterwheel> Using a thermoplastic resin (PA12, manufactured by HP), a helical water turbine (see Figure 3) with a rotating body that is a helical disk made of thermoplastic resin with an arithmetic mean height Sa of 8 μm was fabricated by the HSS (High Speed ​​Sintering) method. Next, a silica layer with a thickness of 1 μm was formed on the rotor of the produced spiral water wheel by a dipping method using a silica coating solution (a solution containing methylmethoxysilane and 0.05 mass% TMAH). In this way, the water wheel of Example 8 was produced.

[0067] Example 9 <Making a waterwheel> Using the above-mentioned curable composition, a spiral water wheel (see FIG. 3) having a rotating body that is a spiral disk made of a photocurable resin with an arithmetic mean height Sa of 3 μm was produced by stereolithography (SLA). Next, a metal (zinc) layer having a thickness of 100 μm was formed on the rotor of the produced spiral water wheel by a dipping method using a metal coating liquid (ROVAL, thick film ROVAL). In this way, the water wheel of Example 9 was produced.

[0068] Example 10 <Making a waterwheel> Using a thermoplastic resin (PA12, manufactured by HP), a Francis type water turbine (see Figures 5A and 5B) was fabricated using the LS (Laser Sintering) method, which has a rotating body that is a disk made of thermoplastic resin with an arithmetic mean height Sa of 50 μm.

[0069] Example 11 <Making a waterwheel> Using a thermoplastic resin (PA12, manufactured by HP), a Francis type water turbine (see Figures 5A and 5B) was fabricated using the HSS (High Speed ​​Sintering) method, which has a rotating body that is a disk made of thermoplastic resin with an arithmetic mean height Sa of 20 μm.

[0070] Comparative Example 1 <Making a waterwheel> A helical water turbine (see FIG. 3) of Comparative Example 1 having a rotating body that is a helical disk made of thermoplastic resin with an arithmetic mean height Sa of 1 μm was produced by injection molding using a thermoplastic resin (PA12, manufactured by HP). A durability test was carried out using a hydroelectric power generating device equipped with the helical water turbine of Comparative Example 1, and as a result, the device became separated from the central axis.

[0071] Comparative Example 2 <Making a waterwheel> A helical water turbine (see FIG. 3) of Comparative Example 2 having a rotating body that is a helical disk made of thermoplastic resin with an arithmetic mean height Sa of 0.3 μm was produced by injection molding using a thermoplastic resin (PA12, manufactured by HP). A durability test was carried out using a hydroelectric power generating device equipped with the helical water turbine of Comparative Example 2, and as a result, the device became separated from the central axis.

[0072] Next, a durability test was carried out using the hydroelectric power generation equipment equipped with each of the manufactured water turbines as described below. The results are shown in Table 2.

[0073] <Durability test> The hydroelectric power generation device was placed in a water flow and a durability test was conducted by running water at a speed of approximately 100 L / s for 24 hours a day for one month. The shape of the water turbine at the end of the test was observed and evaluated according to the following criteria. [Evaluation Criteria] 〇: The shape of the waterwheel is maintained ×: The waterwheel blades are broken (bent more than 90 degrees or broken), or the blades have come off the main shaft.

[0074] [Table 1]

[0075] [Table 2]

[0076] For example, aspects of the present invention are as follows. <1> 1. A hydroelectric generating device for placement in a waterway, comprising: A water wheel comprising a rotor fixed directly or indirectly to a water wheel axle extending parallel or perpendicular to the water flow, and made of a thermoplastic resin having an arithmetic mean height Sa of 4 μm to 50 μm, a photocurable resin having an arithmetic mean height Sa of 0.01 μm to 20 μm, or a thermoplastic resin or photocurable resin coated with metal or silica having a film thickness of 1 nm to 200 μm, and a water wheel axle fixed to the center of the rotor; a water guide means made of metal or resin, which is supported by the water wheel shaft so that the water wheel rotates by the hydraulic force of the water flow and is disposed in the waterway; A power generation means; The hydroelectric power generation device is characterized by comprising: <2> The rotating body is a disk or a spiral disk. <1> The hydroelectric power generation device according to the present invention is <3> The water turbine has an expansion or contraction mechanism, and the size of at least one of the rotor and the water guide means is variable. <1> from <2> The hydroelectric power generation apparatus according to any one of the above items. <4> The rotor has a lattice structure. <1> from <3> The hydroelectric power generation apparatus according to any one of the above items. <5> The apparatus further includes a foreign matter separating means for separating foreign matter from the fluid on the water conveying means. <1> from <4> The hydroelectric power generation apparatus according to any one of the above items. <6> The rotating body or the water guide means has a foreign matter recovery means for recovering foreign matter in the fluid. <1> from <5> The hydroelectric power generation apparatus according to any one of the above items. <7> The method further comprises: <6> The hydroelectric power generation device according to the present invention is <8> The device further includes an abnormality notification means for notifying the occurrence of an abnormality. <1> from <7> The hydroelectric power generation apparatus according to any one of the above items. <9> The above <1> from <8> A method for manufacturing a hydroelectric power generation device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of: In the method for producing a hydroelectric power generating device, at least one of the rotor and the water guide means is coated with a metal or silica. <10> At least one of the rotor and the water guide means is coated with silica or metal by a dipping method using a silica or metal coating liquid. <9> A method for manufacturing the hydroelectric power generation device according to the present invention. <11> At least one of the rotor and the water guide is coated with a metal by electrolytic plating. <9> A method for manufacturing the hydroelectric power generation device according to the present invention. <12> The above <1> from <8> A method for manufacturing a hydroelectric power generation device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of: A determination process for determining modeling information of the water turbine to be modeled based on waterway information of the waterway where the hydroelectric power generation device is installed and information in a water turbine database including the material, shape, size, and structure of the water turbine; This is a manufacturing method for a hydroelectric power generation device, which includes a modeling process of modeling the water turbine using a three-dimensional printer based on the determined modeling information for the water turbine. <13> The waterway information is at least one selected from the shape, size, structure, water volume, and water quality of the waterway. <12> A method for manufacturing the hydroelectric power generation device according to the present invention. <14> The above <1> from <8> The present invention relates to a power generation system that performs at least one of water purification, sensors, lighting, and biological extermination without requiring an external power source by using electricity generated by a hydroelectric power generation device described in any one of the above.

[0077] The above <1> from <8> The hydroelectric power generating apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims. <9> from <13> A method for manufacturing a hydraulic power generating apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, <14> According to the power generation system described above, the conventional problems can be solved and the object of the present invention can be achieved. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 10 Stages 20 Curable composition 30 Electron beams and electromagnetic waves 40 Cured product [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0079] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5605589 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 5774825

Claims

1. 1. A hydroelectric generating device for placement in a waterway, comprising: a water wheel comprising a rotor fixed directly or indirectly to a water wheel axle extending parallel or perpendicular to the water flow, the rotor being made of a thermoplastic resin having an arithmetic mean height Sa of 4 μm or more and 30 μm or less, a photocurable resin having an arithmetic mean height Sa of 0.01 μm or more and 10 μm or less, or a thermoplastic resin or photocurable resin coated with metal or silica having a film thickness of 1 nm or more and 200 μm or less, and a water wheel axle fixed to the center of the rotor; A power generation means; A hydroelectric power generation device comprising:

2. 2. A method for manufacturing a hydroelectric generating device according to claim 1, comprising the steps of: A method for manufacturing a hydroelectric power generation device, comprising coating the rotor with metal or silica.

3. 2. A method for manufacturing a hydroelectric generating device according to claim 1, comprising the steps of: A determination process for determining modeling information of the water turbine to be modeled based on waterway information of the waterway where the hydroelectric power generation device is installed and information in a water turbine database including the material, shape, size, and structure of the water turbine; A manufacturing method for a hydroelectric power generation device, comprising: a modeling process for modeling the water turbine using a three-dimensional printer based on the determined modeling information for the water turbine.

4. A power generation system that uses electricity generated by the hydroelectric power generation device according to claim 1 to perform at least one of water purification, sensors, lighting, and biological extermination without requiring an external power source.

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