Wind turbine inspection planning system, wind turbine inspection planning method and program

Abstract

To provide a wind turbine inspection planning system, a wind turbine inspection planning method, and a program that can plan further efficient maintenance.SOLUTION: A wind turbine inspection planning system according to an embodiment comprises a wind power plant database, a storage unit, a calculation unit, and a determination unit. The wind power plant database stores wind power plant information related to an operation status or arrangement status of wind turbines. The storage unit stores wind condition data. The calculation unit creates inspection work plans based on the wind power plant information and the wind condition data, and executes a predetermined number of times of calculations for predicted power generation amounts of the inspection work plans. The determination unit determines one or more inspection work plans from a predetermined number of inspection work plans based on the predicted power generation amounts calculated by the calculation unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments according to the present invention relate to a wind turbine inspection planning system, a wind turbine inspection planning method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Wind Turbine Generators (WTGs) using wind turbines are generally known to have high cost performance for fossil fuel reduction and CO2 reduction. For this reason, wind power generation facilities are increasing, from several wind turbines to large wind farms (WFs) composed of dozens or more wind turbines.

[0003] In order to ensure the continuous safety and reliability of wind power generation facilities, regular inspections and maintenance work are essential. Various wind turbine manufacturers that occupy a high share in the wind power industry present their own wind turbine maintenance and management. Although there are differences in inspection items and methods, it is common to conduct regular inspections. In Japan as well, regular safety inspections of the entire wind power generation facility are obligatory, and it is an indispensable task for wind turbine operation.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a wind turbine inspection planning system, a wind turbine inspection planning method, and a program that can plan more efficient maintenance.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The wind turbine inspection plan system according to this embodiment includes a wind power plant database, a storage unit, a calculation unit, and a determination unit. The wind power plant database stores wind power plant information regarding the operation status or layout status of wind turbines. The storage unit stores wind condition data. The calculation unit executes, a predetermined number of times, the creation of an inspection work plan and the calculation of the predicted power generation amount of the inspection work plan based on the wind power plant information and the wind condition data. The determination unit determines one or more inspection work plans from a predetermined number of inspection work plans based on the predicted power generation amount calculated by the calculation unit.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 6

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. This embodiment does not limit the present invention. The drawings are schematic or conceptual, and the ratios of each part are not necessarily the same as those in reality. In the specification and the drawings, the same reference numerals are given to the same elements as those described above with respect to the already shown drawings, and the detailed description will be omitted as appropriate. (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a wind turbine inspection plan system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0009] The wind turbine inspection planning system 1 includes a wind power plant database 10, an input unit 20, a determination unit 110, a storage unit 111, a calculation unit 112, and an output unit 30.

[0010] The wind power plant database 10 stores data on the operation rate history of each wind turbine, and wind power plant information including terrain, location, etc.

[0011] The input unit 20 accepts the input of wind turbine information (wind conditions, inspection information, work priority, etc.).

[0012] Explanation is given for the site location and wind condition information of the wind power generation facilities as input information. Weather data of the area where the wind power generation facilities are located is collected, and wind condition analysis is performed considering at least one of, for example, wind speed, wind direction, terrain, time, wind fluctuations, etc. Thereby, a weather model for tracking wind changes is created, the wind direction and wind speed are simulated based on the current weather data, and future wind conditions are predicted. Alternatively, predicted wind condition data is collected from the Meteorological Agency or private weather information services, etc.

[0013] Explanation is given for the inspection information of the wind turbine as input information. For the inspection work of the wind turbine, there are restrictions such as the wind speed at which work can be carried out, the number of inspection personnel, proficiency, the need for power cut-off, and safety standards for each inspection item, and this prior information required when formulating a work plan is input. Also, when there are system requirements (such as power outages and output suppression) as external factors in the inspection work, that information is also input.

[0014] Explanation is given for the work priority as input information. For example, the priority of inspection work such as maximizing power generation, essential preventive maintenance inspection items, and emergency repairs is set. Thereby, the inspection process plan optimal for the current site is adjusted. The inspection work will affect the power generation amount due to the stoppage of the wind turbine. In order to maximize the power generation amount, priorities such as giving priority to the power generation amount by performing inspections during periods of low wind speed, giving priority to essential preventive maintenance inspection items that affect the reliability of the equipment, and giving priority to emergency repair inspections due to malfunctions are set.

[0015] The determination unit 110 calculates an inspection plan.

[0016] The storage unit 111 stores wind condition data. The storage unit 111 stores work information including, for example, at least one of the inspection work conditions of the wind turbine, the work priority, and the operation rate history.

[0017] The calculation unit 112 calculates, for example, wind condition data analysis, generated power amount analysis, inspection work time calculation, and an efficient inspection work plan.

[0018] The output unit 30 outputs the inspection plan and the like calculated by the calculation unit 112. The output unit 30 displays information on a display unit such as a display.

[0019] The workability information for each wind turbine as output information will be described. It is displayed in real time whether the current wind condition of each wind turbine is suitable for work. This can avoid work under dangerous wind conditions and ensure the safety of workers. Also, in order to prevent work delays and postponements due to sudden changes in wind conditions, it becomes possible to perform inspection and maintenance work on each wind turbine at an appropriate time.

[0020] The priority of the inspection and maintenance work for each wind turbine as output information will be described. Based on not only the wind condition data but also the number of workers and input conditions from the contractor (e.g., power generation priority based on power generation amount), the urgency of the inspection and maintenance work for each wind turbine is evaluated and prioritized. This makes it possible to plan the inspection work while considering profitability and work efficiency. For example, when optimizing the power generation amount is important, the system preferentially plans the inspection work of the wind turbine that maximizes the power generation efficiency.

[0021] The predicted inspection work period as output information will be described. The estimated time required for each work is calculated in detail, and an appropriate inspection work schedule is automatically planned. As a result, the work schedule of the workers can be adjusted efficiently, and productivity can be improved. Also, based on the predicted inspection work time, the resources of materials and personnel required for the inspection work can be appropriately allocated. Also, the predicted power generation amount when the inspection work plan is executed can be output together.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the system flow of the wind turbine inspection planning system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0023] First, in step S1, inspection information of the wind turbine including at least one of the workable wind speed, the number of inspectors, proficiency, necessity of power cut-off, and safety standards, maximization of the generated power amount, mandatory preventive maintenance inspection items, and the priority of inspection work including at least one of emergency repair, etc., and future wind condition data including at least one of weather, wind speed, wind direction, etc. are input to the input unit 20.

[0024] Next, in step S2, the wind conditions (wind speed, wind direction, turbulence, weather, etc.) at each wind turbine position and the generated power amount of each wind turbine are calculated by the calculation unit 112.

[0025] Next, in step S3, for each date and time of each wind turbine, the calculation unit 112 classifies them into non-workable, workable with certainty, and workable. The details of step S3 will be described later with reference to FIG. 3.

[0026] Next, in step S4, the number of sampling N for looping is set by the input unit 20. The calculation unit 112 creates a sample of the inspection work plan, for example, by assigning work (parameters) to workable with certainty and workable using random numbers for each loop. The number of sampling N is set arbitrarily, for example, 1000 times.

[0027] Next, in step S5, a sample of the inspection work plan is created. Here, the operation unit 112 compares the dates and times of work not possible, work certain, and work possible classified in step S3 with the period required to perform the work set in step S1, and the operation unit 112 creates a sample of the inspection work plan.

[0028] Next, in step S6, the operation unit 112 calculates the generated power amount, inspection cost, lost power generation amount, etc. associated with the created inspection plan.

[0029] Next, in step S7, if it is necessary to modify the inspection work plan according to the grid requirements, the inspection work plan is reviewed.

[0030] If there is no need to modify the inspection work plan, in step S8, when the number of samplings is confirmed to be less than N times, the calculation is performed again, and it is executed up to the number of times set in step S4. At this time, it is also possible to set random numbers or the like.

[0031] When the number of samplings reaches N times, in step S9, the determination unit 110 determines the inspection work plan that minimizes the total of the selling price of electricity due to the lost power generation amount and the inspection cost. The determination of the inspection work plan is performed from among the N inspection work plans.

[0032] Next, in step S10, the output unit 30 outputs an efficient inspection work plan. In addition, the output unit 30 outputs the inspection work time and the predicted generated power amount when the inspection work plan is executed. Also, all sampled inspection work plans are stored in the storage unit 111 and can be retrieved as appropriate.

[0033] Also, even when reviewing the inspection work plan during inspection, the inspection work plan can be reviewed by setting and inputting the already executed processes and recalculating.

[0034] Next, the details of step S3 will be described.

[0035] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the classification of each windmill at each date and time according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a system flowchart for determining inoperable, certain operation, and operable for each windmill at each date and time in step S3.

[0036] First, in step S101, the operating possible condition (sector range) and the wind condition are compared by the calculation unit 112, and the generated power amount considering the operation presence / absence and control status of the windmill is calculated by the calculation unit 112.

[0037] Next, in step S102, the inspectable condition, the inspection information of the windmill in step S1, and the wind condition are compared. If the inspection of the windmill is not possible, the calculation unit 112 determines that a certain date and time of a certain windmill is inoperable.

[0038] For example, depending on the wind direction, it may be necessary to stop the windmill. In this case, work can be performed while the windmill is stopped.

[0039] If the inspection of the windmill is possible, in step S103, if the priority of the inspection work is particularly high due to external factors specified as input conditions, the calculation unit 112 determines that a certain date and time of a certain windmill is certain operation.

[0040] If the priority is not particularly high, the calculation unit 112 determines that a certain date and time of a certain windmill is operable.

[0041] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the workability information of each windmill at each date and time according to the first embodiment.

[0042] The display unit (output unit 30) determines and displays the overall workability information of each windmill based on the input windmill information and wind condition data. Although it is expressed in cells for each date as an example, it can also be displayed for each hour or each minute.

[0043] Next, the details of the output information will be described.

[0044] Figs. 5 and 6 are diagrams showing the output information of the wind turbine inspection planning system 1 according to the first embodiment. At the uppermost stage of Figs. 5 and 6, the recommended inspection plan is shown. Below the recommended inspection plan, the sum of the predicted values of the total power generation of the wind turbines of Turbine 1 to Turbine 8 at each date and time is shown. Below the sum of the predicted values of the total power generation, the predicted values of the total power generation of each of the wind turbines of Turbine 1 to Turbine 8 are shown.

[0045] The output unit 30 outputs an efficient inspection work plan when the user prioritizes emergency work and when the user prioritizes power generation. Fig. 5 shows, as CASE1 (prioritizing power generation), an inspection plan predicted to obtain the maximum power generation when performing inspections during the period. Fig. 6 shows, as CASE2 (prioritizing emergency work), an inspection plan when the user prioritizes the specified emergency response. In the case shown in Fig. 6, compared with the case shown in Fig. 5, due to the input conditions, the nacelle work of Turbine 1 is carried out on December 10 and December 11. Fig. 6 shows an inspection plan expected to obtain the maximum power generation while satisfying this input condition. In the case shown in Fig. 6, the power generation of Turbine 1 becomes zero on December 10 and December 11, and as a result, the total power generation of Turbine 1 to Turbine 8 changes. When the inspection work plan is executed, the predicted working hours and power generation of each wind turbine are output, and the variation in power generation due to the selection of the priority order can be grasped.

[0046] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the calculation unit 112 executes the creation of the inspection work plan and the calculation of the predicted power generation of the inspection work plan a predetermined number of times based on the wind power plant information and the work information. The determination unit 110 determines one or more inspection work plans from a predetermined number of inspection work plans based on the predicted power generation calculated by the calculation unit 112. The wind power plant information includes, for example, at least one of the wind turbine operation rate history, terrain, and location. Thereby, a more efficient inspection work plan can be created.

[0047] In addition, for example, in order to minimize work delays and adjustments caused by weather-related issues (weather conditions, wind speed limits, power generation priority) in the maintenance and inspection of wind power generation facilities and improve work efficiency, it is possible to grasp weather information and the working conditions of wind turbines in advance and adjust the process.

[0048] In addition, the wind turbine inspection planning system 1 manages the operation and inspection work of a wind power plant in an innovative way, improves efficiency, and ensures safety. It integrates many functions such as wind condition analysis based on regional weather forecasts, providing work feasibility information, evaluating priorities, and planning predicted working hours, optimizes the operation of the wind farm, realizes the sustainable operation of the wind power plant, and can improve energy efficiency.

[0049] In addition, the calculation unit 112 may perform the creation of an inspection work plan and the calculation of predicted power generation by performing wind condition analysis. Thereby, the power generation amount can be calculated by detailed analysis.

[0050] In addition, the determination unit 110 may determine an inspection work plan with the smallest lost power generation amount due to the shutdown of the wind turbine based on the predicted power generation amount calculated by the calculation unit 112. Thereby, the influence on the power generation amount due to the shutdown of the wind turbine can be reduced.

[0051] In addition, the wind condition data may be updated (changed). The calculation unit 112 executes the creation of an updated inspection work plan and the calculation of an updated predicted power generation amount a predetermined number of times based on the wind power plant information and the updated wind condition data.

[0052] In addition, the determination unit 110 may determine one or more of the inspection work plans from a predetermined number of the inspection work plans using a machine learning approach or a genetic algorithm.

[0053] Furthermore, the work information may be further utilized. The arithmetic unit 112 executes the creation of the inspection work plan and the calculation of the predicted power generation amount a predetermined number of times based on the wind power plant information, the wind condition data, and the work information. Also, the work information includes, for example, at least one of inspection work conditions, work priorities, and operation rate histories.

[0054] Furthermore, the work information may be updated (changed). The arithmetic unit 112 executes the creation of the updated inspection work plan and the calculation of the updated predicted power generation amount a predetermined number of times based on the wind power plant information, the wind condition data, and the updated work information. The work information such as input conditions can be changed. For example, the user operates the work such as nacelle work or work unavailability displayed on the display unit (output unit 30) to change it to another date and time. As a result, the work information is updated to the latest state. The arithmetic unit 112 and the determination unit 110 perform the calculation and determination again. As a result, the updated plan and the updated power generation amount are displayed on the display unit. A plurality of plans and power generation amounts such as before and after the update may be displayed on the display unit.

[0055] Also, the arithmetic unit 112 may calculate the predicted cost associated with the process change. The determination unit 110 determines one or more of the inspection work plans from a predetermined number of the inspection work plans based on the predicted power generation amount and the predicted cost calculated by the arithmetic unit 112.

[0056] Note that the wind power plant database 10 and the storage unit 111 may be provided outside the wind turbine inspection plan system 1. In this case, the wind turbine inspection plan system 1 includes an acquisition unit that acquires information from the wind power plant database 10 and the storage unit 111.

[0057] At least a part of the data processing method in the wind turbine inspection planning system 1 according to the present embodiment may be configured by hardware or software. When configured by software, a program that realizes at least a part of the functions of the data processing method may be stored in a recording medium such as a flexible disk or a CD-ROM, and read and executed by a computer. The recording medium is not limited to removable ones such as magnetic disks and optical disks, and may be a fixed recording medium such as a hard disk device or a memory. Further, a program that realizes at least a part of the functions of the data processing method may be distributed via a communication line (including wireless communication) such as the Internet. Furthermore, the program may be distributed in an encrypted, modulated, or compressed state via a wired or wireless line such as the Internet or stored in a recording medium.

[0058] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, as well as in the invention described in the claims and its equivalent scope.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0059] 1: Wind turbine inspection planning system, 10: Wind power plant database, 20: Input unit, 30: Output unit, 110: Determination unit, 111: Storage unit, 112: Calculation unit

Claims

1. A wind farm database that stores wind farm information related to the operating status or arrangement status of wind turbines, A storage unit that stores wind condition data, An arithmetic unit that creates an inspection work plan and calculates the predicted power generation amount of the inspection work plan a predetermined number of times based on the wind farm information and the wind condition data, A determination unit that determines one or more of the inspection work plans from a predetermined number of the inspection work plans based on the predicted power generation amount calculated by the arithmetic unit, A wind turbine inspection plan system comprising the above.

2. The arithmetic unit performs wind condition analysis based on the wind farm information and the wind condition data, and thereby creates the inspection work plan and calculates the predicted power generation amount a predetermined number of times. The wind turbine inspection plan system according to Claim 1.

3. The determination unit determines the inspection work plan in which the power generation loss due to the shutdown of the wind turbine is minimized based on the predicted power generation amount calculated by the arithmetic unit. The wind turbine inspection plan system according to Claim 1.

4. The arithmetic unit creates an updated inspection work plan and calculates an updated predicted power generation amount a predetermined number of times based on the wind farm information and the updated wind condition data, The determination unit determines one or more of the inspection work plans from a predetermined number of the inspection work plans based on the updated predicted power generation amount calculated by the arithmetic unit. The wind turbine inspection plan system according to Claim 1.

5. The determination unit uses a machine learning approach or a genetic algorithm to determine one or more of the inspection work plans from a predetermined number of the inspection work plans. The wind turbine inspection plan system according to Claim 1.

6. The storage unit further stores work information related to the inspection work of the wind turbine, The arithmetic unit creates the inspection work plan and calculates the predicted power generation amount a predetermined number of times based on the wind farm information, the wind condition data, and the work information. The wind turbine inspection plan system according to Claim 1.

7. The arithmetic unit creates an updated inspection work plan and calculates an updated predicted power generation amount a predetermined number of times based on the wind farm information, the wind condition data, and the updated work information, The determination unit determines one or more of the inspection work plans from a predetermined number of the inspection work plans based on the updated predicted power generation amount calculated by the calculation unit. The wind turbine inspection plan system according to claim 6.

8. The calculation unit calculates a predicted cost associated with a process change. The determination unit determines one or more of the inspection work plans from a predetermined number of the inspection work plans based on the predicted power generation amount and the predicted cost calculated by the calculation unit. The wind turbine inspection plan system according to claim 1.

9. The work information includes at least one of inspection work conditions, work priorities, and operation rate histories. The wind turbine inspection plan system according to claim 7.

10. The wind farm information includes at least one of a wind turbine operation rate history, terrain, and location. The wind turbine inspection plan system according to claim 1.

11. Based on wind farm information regarding the operation status or layout status of a wind turbine and wind condition data, create an inspection work plan and calculate the predicted power generation amount of the inspection work plan a predetermined number of times. Determine one or more of the inspection work plans from a predetermined number of the inspection work plans based on the calculated predicted power generation amount. A wind turbine inspection plan method comprising the above.

12. On a computer, Based on wind farm information regarding the operation status or layout status of a wind turbine and wind condition data, cause an inspection work plan to be created and the predicted power generation amount of the inspection work plan to be calculated a predetermined number of times. Cause one or more of the inspection work plans to be determined from a predetermined number of the inspection work plans based on the calculated predicted power generation amount. A program.

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