Wind power generator

Abstract

To supply electric power to a sensor for detecting a state of a wind power generator without increasing manufacturing costs and maintenance costs.SOLUTION: A window power generator includes: a hub 4 attached with windmill blades; a rotary shaft which is connected to the hub 4 and rotates around a first axis X1; a power generator which generates electric power in response to rotation of the first rotor around the first axis X1; a first sensor power generator 21 which is attached to the hub or the rotary shaft and generates electric power in response to rotation of the hub or the rotary shaft; and a first sensor which is operated by electric power generated by the first sensor power generator 21. The first sensor power generator 21 includes a shaft member 21a, a power generation part 21b, and a rotation prevention part 21d which is connected to the shaft member 21 and prevents rotation of the shaft member 21a around a second axis X2. A stator 21b2 of the power generator 21b is attached to the hub 4 and rotates around the first axis X1 in response to rotation of the hub 4 around the first axis X1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a wind turbine generator. [Background technology]

[0002] A known technique involves providing an electrical resistance wire strain gauge in the longitudinal center of a wind turbine blade, connecting it to a measuring instrument with electrical wiring to measure strain, and estimating the lifespan of the composite material until it breaks based on the frequency and magnitude of the strain (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses that a measuring instrument is placed in the rotor of the wind turbine, and is connected to ground equipment with electrical wiring, and power is supplied from the ground equipment to the measuring instrument via the electrical wiring. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-183114 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 requires the installation of electrical wiring capable of supplying power from ground equipment to the measuring instruments, which requires the installation of ground equipment capable of supplying electrical wiring and power, resulting in increased manufacturing costs and maintenance costs for the equipment. Furthermore, while it is conceivable to install a rechargeable battery capable of supplying power to the measuring instruments in the rotor of the wind turbine, this would require maintenance costs for periodic replacement of the rechargeable battery.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a wind power generation device that is capable of supplying power to a sensor that detects the state of the wind power generation device without increasing manufacturing costs or maintenance costs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A wind turbine generator according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a hub that rotates about a first axis and to which a plurality of wind turbine blades are attached in a circumferential direction about the first axis, a rotary shaft that is connected to the hub and rotates about the first axis, a first rotor that rotates about the first axis together with the rotary shaft, and a first stator that is disposed to surround the first rotor, and is equipped with a first generator that generates electric power in response to the rotation of the first rotor about the first axis, a second generator that is attached to the hub or the rotary shaft and generates electric power in response to the rotation of the hub or the rotary shaft about the first axis, and a sensor that operates using electric power generated by the second generator and detects a state of the wind turbine generator, The electric machine has a shaft member arranged on the second axis, a second rotor connected to the shaft member and rotating around the second axis, and a second stator arranged to surround the second rotor, and is equipped with a power generating unit that generates electric power in response to rotation of the second rotor about the second axis relative to the second stator, and a rotation preventing unit that is connected to either the shaft member or the second stator and prevents either the connected shaft member or the second stator from rotating around the second axis, and the other of the shaft member or the second stator is attached to the hub or the rotating shaft and rotates around the first axis in response to rotation of the hub or the rotating shaft about the first axis. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a wind turbine generator that is capable of supplying power to a sensor that detects the state of the wind turbine generator without increasing manufacturing costs or maintenance costs. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a wind turbine generator according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of part A shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the first sensor generator shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 4 is a view of the first sensor generator shown in FIG. 3 as viewed along the first axis. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a generator for a strain sensor of a wind turbine generator according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 6 is a view of the first sensor generator shown in FIG. 5 as viewed along the first axis. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] [First embodiment] A first embodiment according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a wind turbine generator 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 1, the wind turbine generator 1 has a tower 3 erected on an installation surface B along a vertical direction VD, a nacelle 6 installed at the top end of the tower 3, and a hub 4 provided on the nacelle 6 so as to be rotatable about a substantially horizontal first axis X1.

[0010] The hub 4 is a device that rotates around a first axis X1 and has a plurality of (for example, three) wind turbine blades 5 attached radially around the first axis X1. The force of wind striking the wind turbine blades 5 from the direction of the first axis X1 causes the hub 4 to rotate around the first axis X1. The power obtained by the rotation of the hub 4 is converted into electricity by a generator 10 and supplied to the outside.

[0011] Fig. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of portion A shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the wind turbine generator 1 includes a generator (first generator) 10, a first sensor generator (second generator) 21, a second sensor generator (second generator) 22, a gearbox 30, a rotating shaft 40, a first sensor 50, and a second sensor 60.

[0012] The rotating shaft 40 is a member that is connected to the hub 4 and rotates about the first axis X1. One end of the rotating shaft 40 is connected to the hub 4, and the other end is connected to the gearbox 30. The rotating shaft 40 is supported within the nacelle 6 by a bearing device (not shown) so that it can rotate about the first axis X1.

[0013] The generator 10 has a rotor (first rotor) 11 that rotates around a first axis X1 together with a rotary shaft 40, and a stator (first stator) 12 that is arranged so as not to rotate around the first axis X1 and surrounds the rotor 11. The generator 10 is a device that generates electric power in response to the rotation of the rotor 11 around the first axis X1.

[0014] The speed increaser 30 is a device that has one end connected to the rotating shaft 40 and the other end connected to the rotor 11, and rotates the rotor 11 at a rotation speed that is increased by a predetermined speed increase ratio greater than 1 from the rotation speed of the rotating shaft 40 around the first axis X1.

[0015] The first sensor 50 is a device that operates using the power generated by the first sensor generator 21 and detects the state of the wind turbine generator 1. The first sensor 50 is, for example, a strain gauge, and is attached to the surface of the wind turbine blade 5. The first sensor 50 outputs an output signal corresponding to the strain on the surface of the wind turbine blade 5.

[0016] The second sensor 60 is a device that operates using the power generated by the second sensor generator 22 and detects the state of the wind turbine generator 1. The first sensor 50 is, for example, a strain gauge, and is attached to the surface of the rotating shaft 40. The second sensor 60 outputs an output signal corresponding to the strain on the surface of the rotating shaft 40.

[0017] The first sensor generator 21 is attached to the hub 4 and generates electric power in response to rotation of the hub 4 about the first axis X1. The first sensor generator 21 will now be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the first sensor generator 21 shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the first sensor generator 21 includes a shaft member 21a, a power generation unit 21b, a speed-increasing unit 21c, a rotation-preventing unit 21d, and a cover member 21e. The cover member 21e is attached to the hub 4 and is a member that forms an enclosed space CS1 that houses the shaft member 21a, the power generation unit 21b, the speed-increasing unit 21c, and the rotation-preventing unit 21d.

[0018] The shaft member 21a is a shaft-shaped member disposed on the second axis X2 extending along the horizontal direction. One end of the shaft member 21a is connected to the rotation prevention unit 21d, and the other end is connected to the speed-increasing unit 21c.

[0019] The power generating unit 21b includes a rotor (second rotor) 21b1 that is connected to the shaft member 21a via the speed increasing unit 21c and rotates about the second axis X2, and a stator (second stator) 21b2 that is arranged so as not to rotate about the second axis X2 and surrounds the rotor 21b1. The power generating unit 21b is a device that generates electric power in response to the rotation of the rotor 21b1 about the second axis X2.

[0020] The speed increasing unit 21c is a device that has one end connected to the shaft member 21a and the other end connected to the rotor 21b1, and rotates the rotor 21b1 at a rotation speed that is increased by a predetermined speed increase ratio greater than 1 from the rotation speed of the shaft member 21a around the second axis X2.

[0021] The rotation prevention unit 21d is a device that is connected to the shaft member 21a and prevents the shaft member 21a from rotating around the second axis X2. The rotation prevention unit 21d has a connecting member 21d1 that is connected to the shaft member 21a, and a weight 21d2 that is attached to an end of the connecting member 21d1 that is spaced apart from the second axis X2.

[0022] In Fig. 3, the stator 21b2 is attached to the hub 4 in a fixed state so as not to rotate about the second axis X2. The stator 21b2 rotates about the first axis X1 in response to the rotation of the hub 4 about the first axis X1. Now, with reference to Fig. 4, it will be described how the first sensor generator 21 generates electric power in response to the rotation of the rotor 21b1 about the second axis X2. Fig. 4 is a view of the first sensor generator 21 shown in Fig. 3 as viewed along the first axis X1.

[0023] 4, the first sensor generator 21 moves from position P1 to position P2 and from position P2 to position P3 as the hub 4 rotates about the first axis X1 along the rotation direction RD. The first sensor generator 21 then further rotates from position P3 about the first axis X1 along the rotation direction RD, returns to position P1, and repeats the rotation about the first axis X1.

[0024] As shown in Fig. 4, connecting member 21d1 is connected to shaft member 21a, and weight 21d2 is attached to the end of connecting member 21d1. Rotation-preventing portion 21d prevents shaft member 21a from rotating around second axis X2 by maintaining the position of weight 21d2, which is attached to the end of connecting member 21d1 away from second axis X2, in the vertical direction VD due to its own weight. As shown in Fig. 4, whether first sensor generator 21 is at position P1, position P2, or position P3, predetermined position Pa of shaft member 21a around second axis X2 is maintained in a constant position.

[0025] 4, the stator 21b2 of the speed-increasing unit 21c and the power generator 21b is attached to the hub 4. When the hub 4 rotates in the rotational direction RD about the first axis X1, the stator 21b2 of the speed-increasing unit 21c and the power generator 21b also rotates in the rotational direction RD about the first axis X1. Therefore, when the first sensor generator 21 moves from position P1 to position P2 to position P3 in this order, the predetermined position Pb of the speed-increasing unit 21c and the stator 21b2 of the power generator 21b about the second axis X2 rotates about the second axis X2. When the first sensor generator 21 moves from position P1 to position P2 to position P3 in this order, the angle between the predetermined position Pa and the predetermined position Pb about the second axis X2 increases in the order of the first angle θ1, the second angle θ2, and the third angle θ3.

[0026] As described above, in the first sensor generator 21, when the hub 4 rotates about the first axis X1, the rotation-preventing portion 21d prevents the shaft member 21a from rotating about the second axis X2, while the stator 21b2 of the power generating unit 21b rotates about the second axis X2. In the power generating unit 21b, the rotor 21b1 rotates about the second axis X2 relative to the stator 21b2, generating electric power.

[0027] The power generated by the first sensor generator 21 is supplied to a power storage device 21A attached to the hub 4. The power storage device 21A stores the power supplied from the first sensor generator 21 and supplies the stored power to the data transfer device 21B. The data transfer device 21B operates using the power supplied from the power storage device 21A, and receives an output signal corresponding to the distortion of the surface of the wind turbine blade 5 from the first sensor 50, and stores the signal in a memory unit (not shown).

[0028] The second sensor generator 22 is attached to the flange portion 40a of the rotating shaft 40 and is a device that generates electric power in response to rotation of the hub 4 about the first axis X1. Here, the second sensor generator 22 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 3, the second sensor generator 22 includes a shaft member 22a, a power generating unit 22b, a speed increasing unit 22c, a rotation preventing unit 22d, and a cover member 22e. The cover member 22e is attached to the flange portion 40a and is a member that forms an enclosed space CS2 that houses the shaft member 22a, the power generating unit 22b, the speed increasing unit 22c, and the rotation preventing unit 22d.

[0029] The shaft member 22a is a shaft-shaped member disposed on the second axis X2 extending horizontally. One end of the shaft member 22a is connected to the rotation prevention unit 22d, and the other end is connected to the speed-increasing unit 22c.

[0030] The power generating unit 22b includes a rotor (second rotor) 22b1 that is connected to the shaft member 22a via the speed increasing unit 22c and rotates about the second axis X2, and a stator (second stator) 22b2 that is arranged so as not to rotate about the second axis X2 and surrounds the rotor 22b1. The power generating unit 22b is a device that generates electric power in response to the rotation of the rotor 22b1 about the second axis X2.

[0031] The speed increasing unit 22c is a device having one end connected to the shaft member 22a and the other end connected to the rotor 22b1, and rotating the rotor 22b1 at a rotation speed that is increased by a predetermined speed increase ratio greater than 1 from the rotation speed of the shaft member 22a around the second axis X2.

[0032] The rotation prevention unit 22d is a device that is connected to the shaft member 22a and prevents the shaft member 22a from rotating around the second axis X2. The rotation prevention unit 22d has a connecting member 22d1 that is connected to the shaft member 22a, and a weight 22d2 that is attached to an end of the connecting member 22d1 that is spaced apart from the second axis X2.

[0033] In Fig. 3, the stator 22b2 is attached to the flange portion 40a of the rotating shaft 40 in a fixed state so as not to rotate about the second axis X2. The stator 22b2 rotates about the first axis X1 in response to the rotation of the flange portion 40a about the first axis X1. Now, with reference to Fig. 4, it will be described how the second sensor generator 22 generates electric power in response to the rotation of the rotor 22b1 about the second axis X2.

[0034] 4, the second sensor generator 22 moves from position P1 to position P2 and from position P2 to position P3 as the hub 4 rotates about the first axis X1 along the rotation direction RD. The second sensor generator 22 then further rotates from position P3 about the first axis X1 along the rotation direction RD, returns to position P1, and repeats the rotation about the first axis X1.

[0035] As shown in Fig. 4, connecting member 22d1 is connected to shaft member 22a, and weight 22d2 is attached to the end of connecting member 22d1. Rotation-preventing portion 22d prevents shaft member 22a from rotating around second axis X2 by maintaining the position of weight 22d2, which is attached to the end of connecting member 22d1 away from second axis X2, in the vertical direction VD due to its own weight. As shown in Fig. 4, whether second sensor generator 22 is at position P1, position P2, or position P3, predetermined position Pa of shaft member 22a around second axis X2 is maintained at a constant position.

[0036] 4, the speed-increasing unit 22c and the stator 22b2 of the power generating unit 22b are attached to the flange 40a. When the flange 40a rotates in the rotational direction RD about the first axis X1, the stator 22b2 of the speed-increasing unit 22c and the power generating unit 22b also rotate in the rotational direction RD about the first axis X1. Therefore, when the second sensor generator 22 moves from position P1 to position P2 to position P3 in this order, the predetermined position Pb of the speed-increasing unit 22c and the stator 22b2 of the power generating unit 22b about the second axis X2 rotates about the second axis X2. When the second sensor generator 22 moves from position P1 to position P2 to position P3 in this order, the angle between the predetermined position Pa and the predetermined position Pb about the second axis X2 increases in the order of the first angle θ1, the second angle θ2, and the third angle θ3.

[0037] As described above, in the second sensor generator 22, when the flange portion 40a rotates about the first axis X1, the rotation-preventing portion 22d prevents the shaft member 22a from rotating about the second axis X2, while the stator 22b2 of the power generating unit 22b rotates about the second axis X2. In the power generating unit 22b, the rotor 22b1 rotates about the second axis X2 relative to the stator 22b2, generating electric power.

[0038] The power generated by the second sensor generator 22 is supplied to a power storage device 22A attached to the rotating shaft 40. The power storage device 22A stores the power supplied from the second sensor generator 22 and supplies the stored power to a data transfer device 22B. The data transfer device 22B operates using the power supplied from the power storage device 22A, receives an output signal corresponding to the distortion of the surface of the rotating shaft 40 from the second sensor 60, and stores it in a memory unit (not shown).

[0039] The actions and effects achieved by the wind turbine generator 1 of this embodiment described above will now be described.

[0040] According to the wind turbine generator 1 of this embodiment, when the wind turbine blades 5 attached to the hub 4 rotate around the first axis X1 due to wind force, the rotating shaft 40 connected to the hub 4 rotates around the first axis X1. When the rotating shaft 40 rotates around the first axis X1, the rotor 11 of the generator 10 rotates, and power is generated in response to the rotation of the rotor 11 around the first axis X1. Furthermore, when the hub 4 and the rotating shaft 40 rotate around the first axis X1, power generated by the first sensor generator 21 is supplied to the first sensor 50, and the first sensor 50 operates on the power supplied from the first sensor generator 21. Similarly, power generated by the second sensor generator 22 is supplied to the second sensor 60, and the second sensor 60 operates on the power supplied from the second sensor generator 22.

[0041] The first sensor generator 21 prevents the shaft member 21a from rotating about the second axis X2 with the rotation prevention portion 21d, thereby causing relative rotation between the rotor 21b1 and the stator 21b2 when the hub 4 rotates about the first axis X1, thereby generating electricity with the power generation portion 21b. The first sensor generator 21 generates electricity using the power generated when the hub 4 rotates about the first axis X1 due to wind force, and supplies power to the first sensor 50. Therefore, power can be supplied to the first sensor 50, which detects the state of the wind turbine generator 1, without increasing manufacturing costs or maintenance costs.

[0042] Furthermore, the second sensor generator 22 prevents the shaft member 22a from rotating about the second axis X2 with the rotation prevention portion 22d, and when the flange portion 40a of the rotating shaft 40 rotates about the first axis X1, relative rotation occurs between the rotor 22b1 and the stator 22b2, causing power generation by the power generation portion 22b. The second sensor generator 22 generates power using the power generated when the flange portion 40a rotates about the first axis X1 due to wind force, and supplies power to the second sensor 60. Therefore, power can be supplied to the second sensor 60, which detects the state of the wind turbine generator 1, without increasing manufacturing costs or maintenance costs.

[0043] According to the wind turbine generator 1 of this embodiment, the rotation preventing portion 21d can prevent the shaft member 21a from rotating about the second axis X2 by maintaining the position in the vertical direction VD by the weight of the weight 21d2 attached to the end of the connecting member 21d1 spaced from the second axis X2. Furthermore, the rotation preventing portion 22d can prevent the shaft member 22a from rotating about the second axis X2 by maintaining the position in the vertical direction VD by the weight of the weight 22d2 attached to the end of the connecting member 22d1 spaced from the second axis X2.

[0044] Second Embodiment Next, a wind turbine generator 1 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The second embodiment is a modified example of the first embodiment, and is the same as the first embodiment except where specifically described below, and therefore further description will be omitted.

[0045] The wind turbine generator 1 of the first embodiment generates electricity by connecting a rotation prevention portion 21d (22d) to the shaft member 21a (22a), and by preventing the shaft member 21a (22a) from rotating around the second axis X2 by the rotation prevention portion 21d (22d) when the hub 4 or the rotating shaft 40 rotates around the first axis X1.

[0046] In contrast, the wind turbine generator 1 of this embodiment connects a rotation prevention section 21d (22d) to the stator 21b2 (22b2) of the power generating section 21b (22b), and generates electricity by preventing the stator 21b2 (22b2) from rotating around the second axis X2 by the rotation prevention section 21d (22d) when the hub 4 or the rotating shaft 40 rotates around the first axis X1.

[0047] Fig. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the first sensor generator 21 of this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 5, the first sensor generator 21 includes a shaft member 21a, a power generation unit 21b, a speed-increasing unit 21c, a rotation-preventing unit 21d, a cover member 21e, and a slip ring 21f. One end of the shaft member 21a is connected to the hub 4, and the other end is connected to the speed-increasing unit 21c. The slip ring 21f is disposed to surround the shaft member 21a and supplies the electric power generated by the power generation unit 21b to the outside.

[0048] The rotation prevention unit 21d is a device that is connected to the power generation unit 21b and prevents the stator 21b2 from rotating around the second axis X2. The rotation prevention unit 21d has a connecting member 21d1 that is connected to the stator 21b2, and a weight 21d2 that is attached to an end of the connecting member 21d1 that is spaced apart from the second axis X2.

[0049] In Fig. 5, the shaft member 21a is attached to the hub 4 in a fixed state so as not to rotate about the second axis X2. The shaft member 21a rotates about the first axis X1 in response to the rotation of the hub 4 about the first axis X1. Now, with reference to Fig. 6, it will be described how the first sensor generator 21 generates electric power in response to the rotation of the rotor 21b1 about the second axis X2. Fig. 6 is a view of the first sensor generator 21 shown in Fig. 5 as viewed along the first axis X1.

[0050] 6, the first sensor generator 21 moves from position P4 to position P5, and then from position P5 to position P6, as the hub 4 rotates about the first axis X1 along the rotation direction RD. The first sensor generator 21 then further rotates from position P6 about the first axis X1 along the rotation direction RD, returns to position P4, and repeats the rotation about the first axis X1.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 6, connecting member 21d1 is connected to stator 21b2, and weight 21d2 is attached to the end of connecting member 21d1. Weight 21d2, which is attached to the end of connecting member 21d1 away from the second axis X2, maintains its position in the vertical direction VD due to its own weight, thereby preventing stator 21b2 from rotating around the second axis X2. As shown in Fig. 6, whether the first sensor generator 21 is at position P4, position P5, or position P6, the predetermined position Pc of power generating unit 21b around the second axis X2 is maintained in a constant position.

[0052] 6, the shaft member 21a is attached to the hub 4, and when the hub 4 rotates in the rotational direction RD about the first axis X1, the shaft member 21a also rotates in the rotational direction RD about the first axis X1. Therefore, when the first sensor generator 21 moves to positions P4, P5, and P6 in this order, the predetermined position Pd of the shaft member 21a about the second axis X2 rotates about the second axis X2. When the first sensor generator 21 moves to positions P4, P5, and P6 in this order, the angle between the predetermined position Pc and the predetermined position Pd about the second axis X2 increases in the order of a fourth angle θ4, a fifth angle θ5, and a sixth angle θ6.

[0053] As described above, in the first sensor generator 21, when the hub 4 rotates about the first axis X1, the rotation preventing portion 21d prevents the stator 21b2 from rotating about the second axis X2, while the shaft member 21a rotates about the second axis X2. In the power generating unit 21b, the rotor 21b1 rotates about the second axis X2 relative to the stator 21b2, generating electric power.

[0054] 5, the second sensor generator 22 includes a shaft member 22a, a power generating unit 22b, a speed increasing unit 22c, a rotation preventing unit 22d, a cover member 22e, and a slip ring 22f. One end of the shaft member 22a is connected to the flange portion 40a, and the other end is connected to the speed increasing unit 22c. The slip ring 22f is disposed to surround the shaft member 22a and supplies the electric power generated by the power generating unit 21b to the outside.

[0055] The rotation prevention unit 22d is a device that is connected to the power generation unit 22b and prevents the stator 22b2 from rotating around the second axis X2. The rotation prevention unit 22d has a connecting member 22d1 that is connected to the stator 22b2, and a weight 22d2 that is attached to an end of the connecting member 22d1 that is spaced apart from the second axis X2.

[0056] In Fig. 5, the shaft member 22a is attached to the flange portion 40a in a fixed state so as not to rotate about the second axis X2. The shaft member 21a rotates about the first axis X1 in response to the rotation of the flange portion 40a about the first axis X1. Now, with reference to Fig. 6, it will be described how the second sensor generator 22 generates electric power in response to the rotation of the rotor 22b1 about the second axis X2.

[0057] 6, the second sensor generator 22 moves from position P4 to position P5, and from position P5 to position P6, as the flange portion 40a rotates about the first axis X1 along the rotation direction RD. The second sensor generator 22 then further rotates from position P6 about the first axis X1 along the rotation direction RD, returns to position P4, and repeats the rotation about the first axis X1.

[0058] As shown in Fig. 6, connecting member 21d1 is connected to stator 21b2, and weight 21d2 is attached to the end of connecting member 21d1. Weight 21d2, which is attached to the end of connecting member 21d1 away from the second axis X2, maintains its position in the vertical direction VD due to its own weight, thereby preventing stator 21b2 from rotating around the second axis X2. As shown in Fig. 6, whether the first sensor generator 21 is at position P4, position P5, or position P6, the predetermined position Pc of power generating unit 21b around the second axis X2 is maintained in a constant position.

[0059] 6, the shaft member 22a is attached to the flange portion 40a, and when the flange portion 40a rotates in the rotational direction RD about the first axis X1, the shaft member 22a also rotates in the rotational direction RD about the first axis X1. Therefore, when the second sensor generator 22 moves to positions P3, P5, and P6 in this order, the predetermined position Pd of the shaft member 22a about the second axis X2 rotates about the second axis X2. When the second sensor generator 22 moves to positions P4, P5, and P6 in this order, the angle between the predetermined position Pc and the predetermined position Pd about the second axis X2 increases in the order of a fourth angle θ4, a fifth angle θ5, and a sixth angle θ6.

[0060] As described above, in the second sensor generator 22, when the flange portion 40a rotates about the first axis X1, the rotation preventing portion 22d prevents the stator 22b2 from rotating about the second axis X2, while the shaft member 22a rotates about the second axis X2. In the power generating unit 22b, the rotor 22b1 rotates about the second axis X2 relative to the stator 22b2, generating electric power.

[0061] The actions and effects achieved by the wind turbine generator 1 of this embodiment described above will now be described.

[0062] The first sensor generator 21 prevents the stator 21b2 from rotating about the second axis X2 with the rotation prevention portion 21d, thereby causing relative rotation between the rotor 21b1 and the stator 21b2 when the hub 4 rotates about the first axis X1, thereby generating electricity with the power generation portion 21b. The first sensor generator 21 generates electricity using the power generated when the hub 4 rotates about the first axis X1 due to wind force, and supplies power to the first sensor 50. Therefore, power can be supplied to the first sensor 50, which detects the state of the wind turbine generator 1, without increasing manufacturing costs or maintenance costs.

[0063] Furthermore, the second sensor generator 22 prevents the stator 22b2 from rotating about the second axis X2 with the rotation prevention portion 22d, and when the flange portion 40a of the rotating shaft 40 rotates about the first axis X1, relative rotation occurs between the rotor 22b1 and the stator 22b2, causing power generation by the power generation portion 22b. Power is generated using the force of the flange portion 40a rotating about the first axis X1 due to wind force, and the second sensor generator 22 supplies power to the second sensor 60. Therefore, power can be supplied to the second sensor 60, which detects the state of the wind turbine generator 1, without increasing manufacturing costs or maintenance costs.

[0064] According to the wind turbine generator 1 of this embodiment, the rotation preventing portion 21d can prevent the stator 21b2 from rotating about the second axis X2 by maintaining the position in the vertical direction VD by the weight of the weight 21d2 attached to the end of the connecting member 21d1 spaced from the second axis X2. Furthermore, the rotation preventing portion 22d can prevent the stator 22b2 from rotating about the second axis X2 by maintaining the position in the vertical direction VD by the weight of the weight 22d2 attached to the end of the connecting member 22d1 spaced from the second axis X2.

[0065] Other Embodiments In the above description, the second axis X2 about which the shaft member 21a and stator 21b2 of the first sensor generator 21 rotate is positioned at a different position from the first axis X1 about which the hub 4 and rotating shaft 40 rotate, but other configurations are also possible. For example, the second axis X2 about which the shaft member 21a and stator 21b2 of the first sensor generator 21 rotate may be positioned so as to coincide with the first axis X1 about which the hub 4 and rotating shaft 40 rotate.

[0066] In the above description, the first sensor generator 21 has the speed-increasing section 21c, but it may not have the speed-increasing section 21c. Also, in the above description, the second sensor generator 22 has the speed-increasing section 22c, but it may not have the speed-increasing section 22c.

[0067] The wind turbine generators described in the above-described embodiments can be understood, for example, as follows.

[0068] A wind turbine generator according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes a hub (4) that rotates about a first axis (X1) and to which a plurality of wind turbine blades (5) are attached in a circumferential direction about the first axis, a rotating shaft (40) that is connected to the hub and rotates about the first axis, a first rotor (11) that rotates about the first axis together with the rotating shaft, and a first stator (12) that is arranged to surround the first rotor, and is equipped with: a first generator (10) that generates electric power in response to the rotation of the first rotor about the first axis; a second generator (21, 22) that is attached to the hub or the rotating shaft and generates electric power in response to the rotation of the hub or the rotating shaft about the first axis; and sensors (50, 60) that operate using the electric power generated by the second generator and detect a state of the wind turbine generator, and the second generator is The motor comprises an axial member (21a, 21b) arranged on an axis (X2), a second rotor (21b1, 22b1) connected to the axial member and rotating around the second axis, and a second stator (21b2, 22b2) arranged to surround the second rotor, a power generating unit (21b, 22b) that generates electric power in response to the rotation of the second rotor around the second axis relative to the second stator, and a rotation preventing unit (21d, 22d) that is connected to either the axial member or the second stator and prevents the connected axial member or the second stator from rotating around the second axis, and the other of the axial member or the second stator is attached to the hub or the rotating shaft and rotates around the first axis in response to the rotation of the hub or the rotating shaft around the first axis.

[0069] In a wind turbine generator according to a first aspect of the present disclosure, when a plurality of wind turbine blades attached to a hub rotate around a first axis due to wind force, a rotating shaft connected to the hub rotates around the first axis. When the rotating shaft rotates around the first axis, a first rotor of a first generator rotates, and electric power is generated in response to the rotation of the first rotor around the first axis. Furthermore, when the hub and the rotating shaft rotate around the first axis, electric power generated by a second generator is supplied to a sensor, and the sensor operates using the electric power supplied from the second generator.

[0070] The second generator uses the rotation prevention part to prevent either the shaft member or the second stator from rotating about the second axis, causing relative rotation between the second rotor and the second stator when the hub or the rotating shaft rotates about the first axis, thereby generating electricity with the power generation part. Because the second generator generates electricity using the power generated when the hub or the rotating shaft rotates about the first axis due to wind force, it is possible to supply power to the sensor that detects the state of the wind turbine generator without increasing manufacturing costs or maintenance costs.

[0071] A wind turbine generator according to a second aspect of the present disclosure is the same as the first aspect, but further includes the following configuration: the rotation-preventing part has a connecting member (21d1, 22d1) connected to either the shaft member or the second stator, and a weight (21d2, 22d2) attached to an end of the connecting member spaced apart from the second axis.

[0072] According to the wind power generation device of the second aspect of the present disclosure, the rotation prevention section can prevent either the shaft member or the second stator from rotating around the second axis by maintaining a vertical position due to the weight of the weight attached to the end of the connecting member away from the second axis.

[0073] A wind turbine generator according to a third aspect of the present disclosure is the first or second aspect, further comprising the following configuration: the sensor is attached to the wind turbine blade and outputs a signal corresponding to distortion of the wind turbine blade.

[0074] According to the wind turbine generator according to the third aspect of the present disclosure, the distortion of the wind turbine blades can be detected by the sensor that outputs a signal according to the distortion of the wind turbine blades.

[0075] A wind turbine generator according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure is the first or second aspect, further comprising the following configuration: the sensor is attached to the rotating shaft and outputs a signal corresponding to a distortion of the rotating shaft.

[0076] According to the wind turbine generator according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, distortion of the rotating shaft can be detected by a sensor that outputs a signal according to distortion of the rotating shaft.

[0077] A wind turbine generator according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure is the first or second aspect, further comprising the following configuration: the rotation-preventing unit is connected to the second stator, the shaft member is attached to the hub or the rotating shaft, and the second generator has a slip ring (21f, 22f) that is disposed to surround the shaft member and supplies the electric power generated by the power generating unit to the outside.

[0078] According to the wind turbine generator of the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, when the hub or the rotating shaft rotates around the first axis, the power generating unit having the second stator that rotates around the second axis relative to the shaft member attached to the hub or the rotating shaft generates electricity, which can be supplied to the outside via a slip ring.

[0079] A wind turbine generator according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure is the first or second aspect, further including the following configuration: The other of the shaft member and the second stator is attached to the hub or the rotating shaft so that the first axis and the second axis coincide with each other.

[0080] In the wind turbine generator according to the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the first axis about which the hub and the rotating shaft rotate and the second axis about which the shaft member of the second generator rotates coincide with each other, so that the centrifugal force acting on the second generator when the hub and the rotating shaft rotate around the first axis is reduced compared to when the first axis and the second axis do not coincide with each other, thereby preventing a decrease in performance of the second generator and reducing the probability of a breakdown. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 1. Wind power generation equipment 4 Hub 5 windmill blade 6 Nacelle 10 Generator (1st Generator) 21 Generator for first sensor (second generator) 21A,22A power storage device 21B, 22B Data transfer device 21a,22a Shaft member 21b, 22b Power generation section 21b1, 22b1 rotor 21b2, 22b2 Stator 21c, 22c speed increasing section 21d, 22d Rotation prevention part 21d1, 22d1 Connecting member 21d2,22d2 weight 21e, 22e Cover member 21f, 22f slip ring 22 Generator for second sensor (second generator) 30 Gearbox 40 Rotational Axis 40a flange 50 First Sensor 60 Second sensor CS1,CS2 Closed space RD rotation direction VD vertical direction X1 1st axis X2 2nd axis

Claims

1. A wind power generation device, a hub that rotates about a first axis and to which a plurality of wind turbine blades are attached in a circumferential direction about the first axis; a rotating shaft connected to the hub and rotating about the first axis; a first generator including a first rotor that rotates around the first axis together with the rotary shaft and a first stator that is disposed to surround the first rotor, and that generates electric power in response to the rotation of the first rotor around the first axis; a second generator attached to the hub or the rotating shaft and generating electric power in response to rotation of the hub or the rotating shaft about the first axis; a sensor that operates using the power generated by the second generator and detects a state of the wind turbine generator; The second generator is a shaft member disposed on the second axis; a power generating unit including a second rotor connected to the shaft member and rotating about the second axis, and a second stator disposed to surround the second rotor, the power generating unit generating electric power in response to the rotation of the second rotor about the second axis relative to the second stator; a rotation prevention portion that is connected to either the shaft member or the second stator and that prevents the connected shaft member or the second stator from rotating about the second axis, The other of the shaft member and the second stator is attached to the hub or the rotating shaft and rotates about the first axis in response to rotation of the hub or the rotating shaft about the first axis.

2. The rotation prevention portion is a connecting member connected to either the shaft member or the second stator; The wind turbine generator according to claim 1 , further comprising: a weight attached to an end of the connecting member that is spaced apart from the second axis.

3. The wind turbine generator according to claim 2 , wherein the sensor is attached to the wind turbine blade and outputs a signal corresponding to the distortion of the wind turbine blade.

4. The wind turbine generator according to claim 2 , wherein the sensor is attached to the rotating shaft and outputs a signal corresponding to a distortion of the rotating shaft.

5. the rotation prevention portion is coupled to the second stator, the shaft member is attached to the hub or the rotating shaft, 3. The wind turbine generator according to claim 1, wherein the second generator has a slip ring disposed so as to surround the shaft member and supplying the electric power generated by the power generating unit to an outside.

6. 3. The wind turbine generator according to claim 1, wherein the other of the shaft member and the second stator is attached to the hub or the rotating shaft so that the first axis and the second axis coincide with each other.

Images