Wind turbine generator and method for controlling wind turbine generator

Abstract

To provide a wind power generation device and a control method of the wind power generation device capable of efficiently performing maintenance of a braking device at low cost.SOLUTION: The wind turbine power generating apparatus 1 activates the braking unit 7 when it is determined that the time acquired by the time acquiring unit 61 reaches the preset test time, the rotation speed based on the state value acquired by the rotation state acquiring unit 62 is within the preset rotation speed range, and the battery voltage acquired by the battery voltage acquiring unit 63 is within the preset voltage range.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a wind turbine generator and a method for controlling the wind turbine generator. [Background technology]

[0002] Wind turbines use many parts, so maintenance plays an important role. If maintenance is neglected and a breakdown occurs, the equipment will have to be shut down for repairs, which will reduce the equipment's capacity utilization rate. Therefore, by performing maintenance efficiently, it is necessary to reduce the risk of breakdowns and prevent a decrease in the equipment's capacity utilization rate.

[0003] Wind turbine generators have braking devices to prevent over-rotation in strong winds. Braking devices are used infrequently and often do not operate for long periods of time. For this reason, it is necessary to operate the braking devices periodically to check that they are operating properly. Currently, operation is checked by manually operating a switch during regular maintenance. Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose braking devices for wind turbine generators. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-046450 [Patent Document 2] JP 2018-135800 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The operating conditions of braking devices for wind turbines vary depending on the wind conditions at the installation site. Therefore, brake usage conditions also vary, and regular maintenance may miss the appropriate timing for part replacement. Furthermore, shortening the interval between regular maintenance increases the maintenance costs.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a wind turbine generator and a control method for a wind turbine generator that enable maintenance of a braking device to be performed efficiently at low cost. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention aims to solve the above problems, and provides a wind turbine generator according to one embodiment of the present invention, In a wind power generation device, a wind turbine unit rotates due to wind force relative to a support housing installed at a predetermined installation location, thereby generating electricity using a power generation unit, an input unit having a time acquisition unit that acquires time, a rotation state acquisition unit that acquires a state value indicating the rotation state of the wind turbine unit, and a battery voltage acquisition unit that acquires the voltage of a battery that charges the power generated by the power generation unit; an output unit having a braking unit that brakes the rotation of the wind turbine unit; a control unit that activates the braking unit based on the results of acquisition by the time acquisition unit, the rotation state acquisition unit, and the battery voltage acquisition unit; Equipped with The control unit whether the time acquired by the time acquisition unit has reached a preset test time; whether the rotation speed based on the state value acquired by the rotation state acquisition unit is within a preset rotation speed range; and, whether the battery voltage acquired by the battery voltage acquisition unit is within a preset voltage range; A determination unit that determines a storage unit that stores the predetermined time, the predetermined rotation speed range, and the predetermined voltage range; the time acquired by the time acquisition unit reaches the preset test time, the rotation speed based on the state value acquired by the rotation state acquisition unit is within the preset rotation speed range, the battery voltage acquired by the battery voltage acquisition unit is within the predetermined voltage range; a processing unit that activates the braking unit when the determination unit determines that It has.

[0008] The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems, and a control method for a wind turbine generator according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: A control method for a wind turbine generator in which a wind turbine unit rotates relative to a support housing installed at a predetermined installation location to generate electricity using a power generation unit, comprising: The wind turbine generator includes: an input unit having a time acquisition unit that acquires time, a rotation state acquisition unit that acquires a state value indicating the rotation state of the wind turbine unit, and a battery voltage acquisition unit that acquires the voltage of a battery that charges the power generated by the power generation unit; an output unit having a braking unit that brakes the rotation of the wind turbine unit; Equipped with a test time determination step of determining whether the time acquired by the time acquisition unit has reached a preset test time; a rotation speed determination step of determining whether or not a rotation speed based on the state value acquired by the rotation state acquisition unit is within a preset rotation speed range; a voltage determination step of determining whether the battery voltage acquired by the battery voltage acquisition unit is within a predetermined voltage range; In the test time determination step, the time acquired by the time acquisition unit reaches the preset test time, in the rotation speed determination step, the rotation speed based on the state value acquired by the rotation state acquisition unit is within the preset rotation speed range, In the voltage determination step, the battery voltage acquired by the battery voltage acquisition unit is within the predetermined voltage range. If it is determined that a braking step of activating the braking unit; It has. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the wind turbine generator and the control method for the wind turbine generator according to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to perform maintenance of the braking device efficiently at low cost. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall perspective view showing an example of a wind turbine generator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a partially exploded perspective view showing an example of a wind turbine generator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a wind turbine generator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is an example of a system configuration diagram of a wind turbine generator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 10 is an example of a flowchart of a braking test of the wind turbine generator 1 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is an example of a flow chart of a return test for the wind turbine generator 1 according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Specific embodiments of the present invention are described below. The embodiments are merely examples and are not limited to these examples. In the following embodiments, a wind turbine generator 1 using a wind turbine generator will be described as one application example of a wind turbine generator. In the description of the embodiments, "parallel" does not only mean perfectly parallel, but also means approximately parallel, allowing for a degree of deviation that does not impair the function of the wind turbine generator 1. Similarly, "vertical" does not only mean perfectly vertical, but also means approximately vertical, allowing for a degree of deviation that does not impair the function of the wind turbine generator 1. In the description of the embodiments, "arc" does not only mean a perfectly circular arc, but also means an approximately arc, allowing for a degree of deviation that does not impair the function of the wind turbine generator 1.

[0012] (Wind power generation device 1 of this embodiment) Fig. 1 is an overall perspective view showing an example of a wind turbine generator 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a partially exploded perspective view showing an example of a wind turbine generator 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a wind turbine generator 1 according to this embodiment.

[0013] The wind power generator 1 includes a support housing 2 installed at a predetermined installation location, a support shaft 3 rotatably supported by the support housing 2, multiple support members 4 arranged at predetermined intervals L1 in the axial direction Da of the support shaft 3, at least one of which is fixed to the support shaft 3, and multiple pressure-receiving members 5 arranged between the multiple support members 4 and supported by the multiple support members 4. The wind power generator 1 functions as a drag-type wind turbine, with the support shaft 3 rotating in a traveling direction Dt (clockwise in this embodiment (see FIG. 3)) when the pressure-receiving members 5 receive wind pressure (fluid pressure) due to wind (airflow) flowing from a predetermined direction. The support shaft 3, support members 4, and pressure-receiving members 5 constitute a wind turbine unit 30. The wind turbine unit 30 is supported by the support housing 2 via bearings and the like. Bearings (not shown) are included in the wind turbine unit 30.

[0014] Each component of the wind turbine generator 1 (support housing 2, support shaft 3, support member 4, pressure-receiving member 5) is made of, for example, a metal material (including alloys) such as aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, or steel, a fiber-reinforced resin material such as carbon fiber-reinforced resin or glass fiber-reinforced resin, a resin material such as polycarbonate or vinyl chloride, or a composite material of these. Note that each component may be made by appropriately combining the various materials described above, and for example, each component may be made of a different material, or some or all of the component members may be made of a common material.

[0015] 1, the wind turbine generator 1 includes three support members 4 as the multiple support members 4. The wind turbine generator 1 also includes a plurality of pressure-receiving members 5, which are arranged in pairs symmetrically with respect to the rotation center axis O1 of the support shaft 3, between the three support members 4, i.e., between adjacent support members 4. That is, the wind turbine generator 1 includes four pressure-receiving members 5 in total.

[0016] The support housing 2 is a cylindrical housing arranged coaxially with the support shaft 3. The support housing 2 has a power generation unit 20 at its upper part that supports the support shaft 3 and converts the rotational energy generated when the support shaft 3 rotates into electrical energy. The support housing 2 may support only the lower end side of the support shaft 3, or may support the upper end side of the support shaft 3 in addition to the lower end side (which may be the upper end of the support shaft 3 or a shaft member connected to the upper end of the support shaft 3). The support housing 2 may also be a truss-shaped housing.

[0017] The power generating unit 20 is configured as, for example, an outer rotor type generator. However, the power generating unit 20 may also be configured as an inner rotor type generator. Furthermore, the support shaft 3 and the power generating unit 20 may be connected directly or via a gearbox.

[0018] The support shaft 3 is made up of a cylindrical or columnar shaft member, and is supported by the power generation unit 20 around the central rotation axis O1. The support shaft 3 may be made up of a single shaft member, or may be made up of multiple (two in this embodiment) connected shaft members having a length approximately equal to the interval L1.

[0019] Each of the plurality of support members 4 is plate-shaped and is made of, for example, a flat plate material. In this embodiment, the support members 4 are fixed to the support shaft 3 by any fixing method (welding, adhesive bonding, screw fixing, press fitting, rivet, pin connection, joint, etc.) so that the support shaft 3 passes through the vicinity of the center of the support member 4. In this case, the support members 4 are fixed to the support shaft 3 via a connecting fixing member (not shown) formed in, for example, a ring shape or a flange shape. Furthermore, the support members 4 are fixed to the pressure-receiving member 5 by any fixing method as described above, and support the pressure-receiving member 5.

[0020] It is sufficient that at least one of the multiple support members 4 is fixed to the support shaft 3. For example, the support members 4 arranged at both ends of the support shaft 3 (in the example of FIG. 1, the first and third support members 4 from the bottom) may be fixed to the support shaft 3 via a connecting and fixing member. In this case, some or all of the intermediate support members 4 arranged between the ends (in the example of FIG. 1, the second support member 4 from the bottom) may or may not be fixed to the support shaft 3 via a connecting and fixing member. The intermediate support members 4 that are not fixed to the support shaft 3 connect the pressure-receiving members 5 to each other in the axial direction Da and function as connecting and reinforcing members that reinforce the pressure-receiving members 5. For example, the support shaft 3 may pass through a through-hole formed in the support member 4, or a connecting elastic member formed in a ring shape from an elastic material such as rubber may be arranged to fill the gap between the support shaft 3 and the through-hole of the support member 4.

[0021] The support member 4 has a shape (plan view shape) in a plan view (see FIG. 3) perpendicular to the axial direction Da, which includes a pair of curved outer contour portions 40 curved along outer wall surface portions 50 (details will be described later) of each of the pair of pressure-receiving members 5, and a pair of linear outer contour portions 41 linearly formed so as to connect the pair of curved outer contour portions 40 along inner wall surface portions 51, 52 (details will be described later) of each of the pair of pressure-receiving members 5. Therefore, the support member 4 is formed in a plan view by two linear portions arranged in parallel and two curved portions that curvely connect both ends of the two linear portions.

[0022] The longitudinal direction of the pair of pressure-receiving members 5 is defined as a direction parallel to the straight line formed by the linear outer portion 41 in a plan view. The lateral direction of the pair of pressure-receiving members 5 is defined as a direction perpendicular to the straight line formed by the linear outer portion 41 in a plan view.

[0023] In plan view, the curved outer portions 40 are disposed on the longitudinal outer sides Dl of the pair of pressure-receiving members 5. In plan view, the curved outer portions 40 protrude from the outer wall surface portions 50 to the radial outer sides Dr1 of the support shaft 3.

[0024] In plan view, the linear contour portions 41 are disposed on the outer lateral sides Ds of the pair of pressure-receiving members 5. In plan view, the linear contour portions 41 protrude from the inner wall surface portions 51, 52 to the outer lateral sides Ds.

[0025] Each of the pair of pressure-receiving members 5 is arranged around the support shaft 3 between adjacent support members 4 along the axial direction Da and spaced apart in radial directions Dr1, Dr2 of the support shaft 3. In a plan view perpendicular to the axial direction Da (see FIG. 3), the pressure-receiving member 5 has wall surface portions 50-52 extending between an outer end 53 and an inner end 54 that is located on the opposite side of the outer end 53 with respect to the central rotation axis O1 and radially inward Dr2 of the outer end 53.

[0026] The pressure-receiving member 5 has wall surface portions 50-52, namely, an outer wall surface portion 50 extending between an outer end 53 and an outer boundary portion 55 and formed in a curved shape bulging outward in the radial direction Dr1, and one or more inner wall surface portions 51, 52 extending between the outer boundary portion 55 and an inner end 54 and formed in a curved or flat shape bulging outward in the radial direction Dr1. In this case, the outer boundary portion 55 is positioned on the traveling direction side Dt of the pressure-receiving member 5 and closer to the rotation central axis O1 than the outer end 53. Furthermore, the inner end 54 is positioned on the traveling direction side Dt of the pressure-receiving member 5 with respect to the outer boundary portion 55.

[0027] In this embodiment, the pressure-receiving member 5 has, as wall surface portions 50-52, an outer wall surface portion 50 arranged closer to the outer end 53, a second inner wall surface portion 52 arranged closer to the inner end 54, and a first inner wall surface portion 51 arranged between the outer wall surface portion 50 and the second inner wall surface portion 52. The pressure-receiving member 5 also has an outer boundary portion 55 arranged at the boundary portion between the outer wall surface portion 50 and the first inner wall surface portion 51, and an inner boundary portion 56 arranged at the boundary portion between the first inner wall surface portion 51 and the second inner wall surface portion 52. In this case, the inner boundary portion 56 is arranged on the traveling direction side Dt of the pressure-receiving member 5 and closer to the rotation central axis O1 with respect to the outer boundary portion 55.

[0028] The outer wall surface portion 50 is an outer wall surface portion that extends between the outer end 53 and the outer boundary portion 55 and is formed into a curved surface that bulges outward in the radial direction Dr1. The outer wall surface portion 50 has a curved surface that does not obstruct the flow of air, for example, a curved surface that has a circular arc, an elliptical arc, or other curved shape in a plan view. In this embodiment, the outer wall surface portion 50 is formed into a curved arc shape having a single curvature. When the outer wall surface portion 50 has a curved arc shape, the central angle of the arc is preferably, for example, in the range of 75 degrees to 135 degrees, and more preferably in the range of 90 degrees to 120 degrees.

[0029] The first inner wall surface portion 51 is an inner wall surface portion that extends between the outer boundary portion 55 and the inner boundary portion 56 and is formed in a curved or flat shape that bulges outward in the radial direction Dr1. The first inner wall surface portion 51 is formed, for example, in a curved shape, such as an arbitrary curved shape in a planar view, such as a circular arc, an elliptical arc, or another curve. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3, the first inner wall surface portion 51 is formed in a flat shape that is a straight line in a planar view. Note that when the planar view shape of the outer wall surface portion 50 is a curved circular arc, the first inner wall surface portion 51 may be formed in a flat shape that is located on a tangent extended from the end of the outer wall surface portion 50 on the outer boundary portion 55 side, and the outer boundary portion 55 may be located at the boundary between the outer wall surface portion 50 (circular arc or elliptical arc) and the first inner wall surface portion 51 (tangent to the circular arc or elliptical arc). This allows the flow of air from the outer wall surface portion 50 toward the first inner wall surface portion 51 to be smooth.

[0030] The second inner wall surface portion 52 is an inner wall surface portion that extends between the inner boundary portion 56 and the inner end 54 and is formed in a curved or flat shape that bulges outward in the radial direction Dr1. The second inner wall surface portion 52 is formed, for example, in a curved shape, such as a circular arc, an elliptical arc, or other curved shape in a planar view. Alternatively, the second inner wall surface portion 52 is formed in a flat shape that is a straight line in a planar view, as shown in FIG.

[0031] In this embodiment, the first inner wall surface portion 51 and the second inner wall surface portion 52 are formed on a linear plane in plan view, and the inner end 54 is disposed on the traveling direction side Dt with respect to an extension line of the first inner wall surface portion 51 in plan view. As a result, the first inner wall surface portion 51 and the second inner wall surface portion 52 form an obtuse angle toward the support shaft 3. Note that the outer wall surface portion 50 and the first inner wall surface portion 51 may also be disposed so as to be convex toward the radially outer side Dr1 via the outer boundary portion 55 in plan view, so that the outer wall surface portion 50 and the first inner wall surface portion 51 form an obtuse angle toward the support shaft 3 side.

[0032] The outer boundary 55 and the inner boundary 56 are formed in a curved or bent shape. The shapes of the outer boundary 55 and the inner boundary 56 may be the same or different. If the outer boundary 55 is curved, it may be formed in the same curved surface shape as the outer wall surface 50 or the first inner wall surface 51, and if the inner boundary 56 is curved, it may be formed in the same curved surface shape as the first inner wall surface 51.

[0033] The wall surface portions 50-52 may be formed integrally with adjacent portions (the outer wall surface portion 50, the outer boundary portion 55, the first inner wall surface portion 51, the inner boundary portion 56, and the second inner wall surface portion 52) in part or in whole, or may be formed by joining multiple parts. For example, when the entire wall surface portions 50-52 (the outer wall surface portion 50, the outer boundary portion 55, the first inner wall surface portion 51, the inner boundary portion 56, and the second inner wall surface portion 52) are formed integrally, the pressure-receiving member 5 may be manufactured by bending a flat metal plate, a resin plate, or the like in an area corresponding to each portion. This eliminates seams and fasteners in the wall surface portions 50-52, thereby reducing the fluid resistance of the pressure-receiving member 5. In this embodiment, the pressure-receiving member 5 is formed integrally with the entire wall surface portions 50-52, as shown in FIG. 3.

[0034] Furthermore, when the wall surface portions 50 to 52 are formed as separate parts, they may be configured as three parts divided at the outer boundary portion 55 and the inner boundary portion 56, or may be configured as two parts divided near the middle of the first inner wall surface portion 51. The pressure-receiving member 5 may be manufactured by fixing each part via a fixing portion using any of the above-mentioned fixing methods.

[0035] The pair of pressure-receiving members 5 are symmetrically arranged around the support shaft 3, spaced apart in the radial directions Dr1 and Dr2 of the support shaft 3 and offset by 180 degrees. Therefore, the first inner wall surface portion 51 of one pressure-receiving member 5 and the second inner wall surface portion 52 of the other pressure-receiving member 5 are arranged in opposing positions, and a gap is formed between each inner boundary portion 56 of the pressure-receiving member 5 and the outer circumferential surface of the support shaft 3. In this case, the first inner wall surface portion 51 and the second inner wall surface portion 52 of the pressure-receiving member 5 are arranged so that they are convex toward the radially outward side Dr1 via the inner boundary portion 56, so that the spacing between the pair of pressure-receiving members 5 in a plan view is relatively narrow on the inner end 54 side and relatively wide on the inner boundary portion 56 side. Therefore, the spacing between the pair of pressure-receiving members 5 becomes wider as they approach the support shaft 3.

[0036] Furthermore, when a pair of pressure-receiving members 5 are arranged symmetrically, the inner end 54 of one pressure-receiving member 5 is preferably arranged on the traveling direction side Dt of a line connecting the outer end 53 of the other pressure-receiving member 5 and the rotation center axis O1 of the support shaft 3 in a plan view, and more preferably on the traveling direction side Dt of a line connecting the outer end 53 of the other pressure-receiving member 5 and the inner boundary portion 56. This makes it possible to appropriately set the width of the passage formed between the pair of pressure-receiving members 5.

[0037] (System Configuration) FIG. 4 is an example of a system configuration diagram of the wind turbine generator 1 according to this embodiment.

[0038] The wind turbine generator 1 generates power using the power generation unit 20 as the wind turbine section 30 rotates due to wind force relative to a support housing 2 installed at a predetermined installation location. The wind turbine generator 1 of this embodiment includes an input unit 6 having a time acquisition unit 61 that acquires time, a rotation state acquisition unit 62 that acquires a state value indicating the rotation state of the wind turbine section 30, and a battery voltage acquisition unit 63 that acquires the voltage of a battery that charges the power generated by the power generation unit 20; an output unit 7 that has a braking unit 71 that brakes the rotation of the wind turbine section 30; and a control unit 8 that operates the braking unit 71 based on the results acquired by the time acquisition unit 61, the rotation state acquisition unit 62, and the battery voltage acquisition unit 63.

[0039] The control unit 8 includes a judgment unit 81 that judges whether the time acquired by the time acquisition unit 61 has reached a predetermined test time, whether the rotation speed based on the state value acquired by the rotation state acquisition unit 62 is within a predetermined rotation speed range, and whether the battery voltage acquired by the battery voltage acquisition unit 63 is within a predetermined voltage range; a memory unit 82 that stores the predetermined time, the predetermined rotation speed range, and the predetermined voltage range; and a processing unit 83 that activates the braking unit 71 when the judgment unit 81 judges that the time acquired by the time acquisition unit 61 has reached the predetermined test time, the rotation speed based on the state value acquired by the rotation state acquisition unit 62 is within the predetermined rotation speed range, and the battery voltage acquired by the battery voltage acquisition unit 63 is within the predetermined voltage range.

[0040] The time acquisition unit 61 may acquire a time from a clock, timer, or the like to be compared with various preset times. The time acquisition unit 61 starts acquisition when the control unit 8 starts control and is reset when the control unit 8 ends control. For example, the measurement of the time of each process may be calculated from the time acquired by the time acquisition unit 61 at the start of the process and the time acquired by the time acquisition unit 61 at the end of the process. Furthermore, multiple time acquisition units 61 may be used, with a different time acquisition unit 61 being used for each process. The time acquisition unit 61 may be a standalone unit, may be built into the control unit 8 such as a computer, or may be built into another device. Furthermore, the time acquisition unit 61 may acquire information related to time and convert the acquired information into time in the control unit 8.

[0041] The rotational state acquisition unit 62 acquires a state value indicating the rotational state of the wind turbine unit 30 and inputs it to the control unit 8. The rotational state acquisition unit 62 may be any unit as long as it measures a state value corresponding to the rotation speed of the wind turbine unit 30. The rotational state acquisition unit 62 of the wind turbine generator 1 of this embodiment uses an output voltage meter that measures, as a state value, the output voltage of the power generation unit 20 that is proportional to the rotation speed of the wind turbine unit 30 based on the wind speed. Note that, for example, an ammeter that measures the output current of the power generation unit 20, an encoder that measures the rotation speed of the wind turbine unit 30, an anemometer installed around the wind turbine unit 30, or a device that calculates the rate of change of the rotation speed of the wind turbine unit 30 may also be used.

[0042] The battery voltage acquisition unit 63 may be a voltmeter or the like that measures the battery voltage. The battery voltage is measured to confirm that it is within a voltage range in which the braking unit 71 operates normally. Note that the battery voltage may be acquired indirectly without directly measuring the voltage.

[0043] The output unit 7 has a braking unit 71 that brakes the rotation of the wind turbine unit 30. The output unit 7 may also have a notification unit 72 that notifies of an abnormality in the wind turbine generator 1.

[0044] The braking unit 71 brakes the rotation of the wind turbine unit 30. The braking unit 71 in this embodiment may be a mechanical brake that presses a pad against a rotating member to stop it by friction, a short-circuit brake that stops it by forcibly short-circuiting the terminals of the motor, or an electromagnetic brake that controls power and rotational motion by using electromagnetic force generated by passing current through a coil.

[0045] The notification unit 72 notifies the user of an abnormality in the wind turbine generator 1 by display, sound, etc. For example, the notification unit 72 may be a display, lamp, etc. that indicates the abnormality, so that the abnormality can be understood. The notification unit 72 may also be a speaker, buzzer, etc. that notifies the user of the abnormality by sound, so that the abnormality can be understood.

[0046] The control unit 8 activates the braking unit 71 to brake the rotation of the wind turbine unit 30 based on information from the time acquisition unit 61, the rotation state acquisition unit 62, and the battery voltage acquisition unit 63. The control unit 8 has a determination unit 81, a storage unit 82, and a processing unit 83. The control unit 8 is configured, for example, by a computer or the like. In this case, the determination unit 81 and the processing unit 83 are configured by a processor or the like, and the storage unit 82 is configured by storage or the like.

[0047] The determination unit 81 determines whether or not each parameter acquired by the input unit 6 satisfies each of the predetermined determination criteria. For example, the determination unit 81 in this embodiment determines whether or not the time acquired by the time acquisition unit 61 has reached a predetermined time, whether or not the rotation speed based on the state value acquired by the rotation state acquisition unit 62 is within a predetermined rotation speed range, whether or not the output voltage acquired by the battery voltage acquisition unit 63 is within a predetermined voltage range, whether or not the braking time until the wind turbine unit 30 is braked is longer than a predetermined braking setting time, and whether or not the recovery time until the wind turbine unit 30 returns to the recovery setting rotation speed is longer than the recovery setting time.

[0048] The memory unit 82 stores a preset test setting time, a preset rotation speed setting range within the preset time, a preset battery voltage setting range, a preset braking setting time, and a preset return setting time.

[0049] The preset test time is preferably several weeks or months. In particular, for mechanical brakes, frequent testing can wear out the pads, and if testing is not performed for a long period of time, the pads may become stuck. Therefore, a test time of approximately three to five weeks is preferable. The range of rotation speed settings within the preset time and the range of battery voltage settings can be determined based on the specifications.

[0050] The processing unit 83 activates the braking unit 71 when the judgment unit 81 determines that the test time acquired by the time acquisition unit 61 reaches a predetermined test setting time, the rotation speed based on the state value acquired by the rotation state acquisition unit 62 is within a rotation speed setting range within a predetermined time, and the battery voltage acquired by the battery voltage acquisition unit 63 is within a predetermined battery voltage setting range.

[0051] The memory unit 82 also stores a preset braking set time. The time acquisition unit 61 acquires the braking time until the wind turbine unit 30 brakes after activating the braking unit 71. The determination unit 81 determines whether the braking time until the wind turbine unit 30 brakes is longer than the preset braking set time. If the determination unit 81 determines that the braking time until the wind turbine unit 30 brakes is longer than the preset braking set time, the processing unit 83 causes the notification unit 72 to notify that an abnormality exists. If the determination unit 81 determines that the braking time until the wind turbine unit 30 brakes is shorter than the preset braking set time, the processing unit 83 causes the notification unit 72 to notify that the operation is normal.

[0052] Furthermore, the memory unit 82 stores a preset set return rotation speed and set return time. The time acquisition unit 61 acquires the return time required for the wind turbine unit 30 to return to the set return rotation speed after releasing the braking unit 71. The determination unit 81 determines whether the return time required for the wind turbine unit 30 to return to the set return rotation speed is longer than the set return time. If the determination unit 81 determines that the time required for the wind turbine unit 30 to return to the set return rotation speed is longer than the set return time, the processing unit 83 causes the notification unit 72 to notify that the wind turbine unit 30 is abnormal. Furthermore, if the determination unit 81 determines that the braking time required for the wind turbine unit 30 to brake is shorter than the preset braking time, the processing unit 83 causes the notification unit 72 to notify that the wind turbine unit 30 is normal.

[0053] The preset braking time and the preset return time can be set by the user as appropriate, and can be from a few seconds to a few minutes. The preset braking time and the preset return time may be changed according to the wind speed. The return rotation speed may be set based on the state value acquired by the rotation state acquisition unit 62 the last time the brake unit 71 was operated.

[0054] (Braking test method) FIG. 5 is an example of a flowchart of a braking test for the wind turbine generator 1 according to this embodiment.

[0055] A braking test method performed by the control unit 8 of the wind turbine generator 1 of this embodiment will be described. In the braking test, the braking unit 71 is actuated to perform an operation test of the braking unit 71.

[0056] First, in S11, the control unit 8 starts acquiring the test time by activating the time acquisition unit 61. The time acquisition unit 61 in this embodiment is a timer, and activates the timer.

[0057] Next, in S12, the determination unit 81 executes a test time determination step of determining whether the test time acquired by the time acquisition unit 61 has elapsed a preset test time. If the test time has elapsed the preset test time in S12, the process proceeds to S13. If the test time has not elapsed the preset test time in S12, the process returns to S12.

[0058] Next, in S13, the determination unit 81 acquires the rotation speed from the state value acquired by the rotation state acquisition unit 62, and executes a rotation speed determination step of determining whether the rotation speed is within a preset rotation speed setting range during a preset rotation speed confirmation time. If the rotation speed is within the preset rotation speed setting range in S13, the process proceeds to S14. If the rotation speed is not within the preset rotation speed setting range in S13, the process returns to S13.

[0059] Next, in S14, the determination unit 81 executes a voltage determination step of acquiring the battery voltage from the battery voltage acquisition unit 63 and determining whether the battery voltage is within a preset battery voltage setting range. If the battery voltage is within the preset battery voltage setting range in S14, the process proceeds to S15. If the battery voltage is not within the preset battery voltage setting range in S14, the process returns to S14.

[0060] Next, in S15, the processing unit 83 executes a braking step of activating the braking unit 71. That is, when the determination unit 81 determines that the test time acquired by the time acquisition unit 61 has reached a preset test set time, the rotation speed based on the state value acquired by the rotation state acquisition unit 62 is within a preset rotation speed set range, and the battery voltage acquired by the battery voltage acquisition unit 63 is within a preset battery voltage set range, the processing unit 83 activates the braking unit 71.

[0061] Next, in S16, the time acquisition unit 61 starts acquiring the braking time from the time when the processing unit 83 activates the braking unit 71, and executes a braking time acquisition step. Subsequently, in S17, the processing unit 83 acquires the rotation speed from the state value acquired by the rotation state acquisition unit 62. Next, in S18, the determination unit 81 executes a wind turbine stop determination step of determining whether the wind turbine unit 30 has stopped.

[0062] If the determination unit 81 determines in S18 that the wind turbine unit 30 has been stopped by the braking unit 71, then in S19 it determines that the braking unit 71 is normal. If the determination unit 81 determines in S18 that the wind turbine unit 30 has not been stopped by the braking unit 71, then in S20 the determination unit 81 executes a braking time determination step of determining whether the braking time of the braking unit 71 has exceeded a preset braking set time.

[0063] If the determination unit 81 determines in S20 that the braking time has not exceeded the braking set time, the process returns to S17. If the determination unit 81 determines in S20 that the braking time has exceeded the braking set time, the process determines in S21 that the braking unit 71 is abnormal. Note that if it is determined that the braking unit 71 is abnormal, the process returns to S13, and the test of the braking unit 71 may be performed multiple times within a predetermined number of times.

[0064] Next, in S22, the notification unit 72 executes a brake unit abnormality notification step to notify of normality or abnormality. Subsequently, in S23, the time acquisition unit 61 resets all time acquisition. Subsequently, in S24, the processing unit 83 releases the brake unit 71. Note that when a recovery test, which will be described later, is executed, resetting the test time in S23 and executing S24 are not necessary.

[0065] In this way, according to the braking test method for the wind turbine generator 1 of this embodiment, the presence or absence of abnormalities in the braking unit 71 can be checked at predetermined intervals, such as every few weeks, so that maintenance of the braking unit 71 can be carried out efficiently and at low cost.

[0066] (Recovery test method) FIG. 6 is an example of a flowchart of a return test for the wind turbine generator 1 according to this embodiment.

[0067] A description will now be given of a recovery test method performed by the control unit 8 of the wind turbine generator 1 of this embodiment. In the recovery test, after the braking test, the braking unit 71 is released and the rotation of the wind turbine unit 30 is restored.

[0068] First, in S31, the processing unit 83 releases the operation of the braking unit 71. Subsequently, in S32, the processing unit 83 activates the time acquisition unit 61 to start acquiring the return time. Note that S31 and S32 may be performed simultaneously.

[0069] Next, in S33, the rotational state acquisition unit 62 acquires the return rotation speed of the wind turbine unit 30. Subsequently, in S34, the determination unit 81 executes a return rotation speed reaching determination step in which it determines whether the return rotation speed of the wind turbine unit 30 acquired from the rotational state acquisition unit 62 has reached a preset return set rotation speed. If the rotation speed has reached the preset return set rotation speed in S34, it is determined in S35 that the wind turbine unit 30 is normal. If the return rotation speed has not reached the preset return set rotation speed in S34, the determination unit 81 executes a return time determination step in S36 in which it determines whether the return time has passed the preset return set time.

[0070] If the determination unit 81 determines in S36 that the recovery time has exceeded the recovery set time, then in S37 it determines that there is an abnormality in the wind turbine unit 30. If the determination unit 81 determines in S36 that the recovery time has not exceeded the recovery set time, then the process returns to S33. Note that if it is determined that there is an abnormality in the wind turbine unit 30, the braking unit 71 may be immediately activated, the process returns to S31, and the recovery test of the wind turbine unit 30 may be performed multiple times within a predetermined number of times.

[0071] Next, in S38, the notifying unit 72 executes a wind turbine unit abnormality notifying step of notifying whether the wind turbine unit is normal or abnormal. Subsequently, in S39, the time acquiring unit 61 resets all time acquisitions.

[0072] As described above, according to the recovery test method for the wind turbine generator 1 of this embodiment, the presence or absence of abnormalities in the wind turbine section 30 can be checked at predetermined intervals, such as every few weeks, so that maintenance of the wind turbine section 30 can be carried out efficiently and at low cost.

[0073] (Other embodiments) As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0074] In the above embodiment, a vertical axis drag type wind turbine generator has been described as the wind turbine generator 1, but other vertical axis wind turbine generators or horizontal axis wind turbine generators may also be used.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the pressure-receiving member 5 is described as rotating clockwise around the rotation center axis O1, but it may also rotate counterclockwise, in which case the shapes of the support member 4 and the pressure-receiving member 5 can be reversed.

[0076] In the above embodiment, the multiple pressure-receiving members 5 have been described as having shapes such as those shown in FIG. 3 and the like. However, the shape of the pressure-receiving members 5 may be changed as appropriate. For example, the shape of the pressure-receiving members 5 may be a C-shaped (arc-shaped) cross section as used in Savonius wind turbines, or a J-shaped cross section as used in Bach wind turbines. In such cases, the shape of the support member 4 may also be changed as appropriate. The pressure-receiving members 5 may also have a shape used in other vertical axis generators, such as a linear cross section as used in straight blade-type wind turbines, or a circular cross section as used in cylindrical blade-type wind turbines. Furthermore, the pressure-receiving members 5 may have a shape used in horizontal axis wind power generators, such as a blade-shaped cross section as used in propeller-type wind turbines, a linear cross section as used in Dutch-type wind turbines, or a sail-shaped cross section.

[0077] In the above embodiment, the operation test was described assuming that the braking unit 71 is one type of brake. However, if the wind turbine generator 1 has at least a plurality of braking units 71, such as a mechanical brake, a short-circuit brake, and an electromagnetic brake, it is preferable to perform operation tests on each braking unit 71 consecutively. In this case, judgment criteria are set for each of the plurality of braking units 71. Furthermore, if the result of the operation test on the plurality of braking units 71 indicates that some braking units 71 are abnormal, it is preferable to use other braking units 71 that are determined to be normal instead, as this increases safety.

[0078] In the above embodiment, the judgment criteria for the operation test of the braking unit 71 are fixed values, but they may be tabulated for each parameter. For example, since the braking time or recovery time of the braking unit 71 varies depending on the rotation speed and battery voltage when the operation test is performed, changing the judgment criteria based on the combination of the rotation speed and battery voltage enables more appropriate judgment.

[0079] Furthermore, the control unit 8 may store the results of the operation test in the memory unit 82. For example, the control unit 8 may store parameter values ​​such as the date and time of the test, the rotation speed immediately before the test, the battery voltage, the braking time, the recovery time, and the wind speed in chronological order in the memory unit 82 so that they can be compared for each operation test. By comparing the results of each operation test, the control unit 8 can analyze the time-series changes in the braking unit 71 and the wind turbine unit 30 and predict future maintenance times.

[0080] Furthermore, control unit 8 may store the results of the operation test in memory unit 82, and change the judgment criteria based on the stored results of the operation test. For example, by changing the judgment criteria based on the results of the first few tests in which braking unit 71 or wind turbine unit 30 has little deterioration and is in high health, it is possible to reduce the influence of variations in judgment due to individual differences in braking unit 71 or wind turbine unit 30 or wind conditions at the installation location.

[0081] Furthermore, when the brake unit 71 is activated during normal use, the control unit 8 may reset the test time acquisition by the time acquisition unit 61 for the operation test. For example, the test time acquisition by the time acquisition unit 61 for the operation test may be reset the last time the brake unit 71 is activated, and may be restarted.

[0082] Furthermore, the control unit 8 may execute an operation test when the braking unit 71 is activated during normal use. For example, when the braking unit 71 is activated during normal use, the control unit 8 may acquire the braking time and the recovery time to determine whether the braking unit 71 and the wind turbine unit 30 are normal or abnormal.

[0083] The operation test of the braking unit 71 may also be performed by manually operating an operating unit such as a button or a switch. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 1...wind power generation equipment, 2... supporting housing, 3... supporting shaft, 4... supporting member, 5... pressure-receiving member, 10...drag turbine unit, 20...power generation unit, 30...wind turbine section, 40...Curved external part, 41...Straight external part, 50~52...wall section, 50...outer wall surface portion, 51...first inner wall surface portion, 52...second inner wall surface portion, 53...outer end, 54...inner end, 55...outer boundary, 56...inner boundary, 6...input unit, 61...time acquisition unit, 62...rotation state acquisition unit, 63...battery voltage acquisition unit, 7...output unit, 71...braking unit, 72...notification unit, 8...control unit, 81...determination unit, 82...storage unit, 83...processing unit

Claims

1. In a wind power generation device, a wind turbine unit rotates due to wind force relative to a support housing installed at a predetermined installation location, thereby generating electricity using a power generation unit, an input unit having a time acquisition unit that acquires time, a rotation state acquisition unit that acquires a state value indicating the rotation state of the wind turbine unit, and a battery voltage acquisition unit that acquires the voltage of a battery that charges the power generated by the power generation unit; an output unit having a braking unit that brakes the rotation of the wind turbine unit; a control unit that activates the braking unit based on the results of acquisition by the time acquisition unit, the rotation state acquisition unit, and the battery voltage acquisition unit; Equipped with The control unit whether the time acquired by the time acquisition unit has reached a preset test time; whether the rotation speed based on the state value acquired by the rotation state acquisition unit is within a preset rotation speed range; and, whether the battery voltage acquired by the battery voltage acquisition unit is within a preset voltage range; A determination unit that determines a storage unit that stores the predetermined time, the predetermined rotation speed range, and the predetermined voltage range; the time acquired by the time acquisition unit reaches the preset test time, the rotation speed based on the state value acquired by the rotation state acquisition unit is within the preset rotation speed range, the battery voltage acquired by the battery voltage acquisition unit is within the predetermined voltage range; a processing unit that activates the braking unit when the determination unit determines that having Wind power generation equipment.

2. the output unit has a notification unit that notifies of an abnormality in the braking unit, The storage unit stores a preset braking time, The determination unit After the braking unit is activated, it is determined whether the wind turbine unit has stopped; determining whether the braking time until the wind turbine unit stops has exceeded the preset braking set time; When it is determined that the braking time has elapsed the braking set time, the processing unit causes the notification unit to notify that the braking unit is abnormal. The wind turbine generator according to claim 1 .

3. The storage unit stores a preset return rotation speed and a preset return time, The determination unit After releasing the braking unit, it is determined whether or not the return rotation speed of the wind turbine unit after the release of the braking unit has reached the return set rotation speed; If the return rotation speed has not reached the set return rotation speed, it is determined whether or not the return time after the release of the braking unit has exceeded the set return time. When it is determined that the return time has elapsed the return setting time, The processing unit causes the notification unit to notify that the wind turbine unit is abnormal. The wind turbine generator according to claim 2.

4. A control method for a wind turbine generator in which a wind turbine unit rotates relative to a support housing installed at a predetermined installation location to generate electricity using a power generation unit, comprising: The wind power generation device is an input unit having a time acquisition unit that acquires time, a rotation state acquisition unit that acquires a state value indicating the rotation state of the wind turbine unit, and a battery voltage acquisition unit that acquires the voltage of a battery that charges the power generated by the power generation unit; an output unit having a braking unit that brakes the rotation of the wind turbine unit; Equipped with a test time determination step of determining whether the time acquired by the time acquisition unit has reached a preset test time; a rotation speed determination step of determining whether or not a rotation speed based on the state value acquired by the rotation state acquisition unit is within a preset rotation speed range; a voltage determination step of determining whether the battery voltage acquired by the battery voltage acquisition unit is within a predetermined voltage range; In the test time determination step, the time acquired by the time acquisition unit reaches the preset test time, in the rotation speed determination step, the rotation speed based on the state value acquired by the rotation state acquisition unit is within the preset rotation speed range, In the voltage determination step, the battery voltage acquired by the battery voltage acquisition unit is within the predetermined voltage range. If it is determined that a braking step of activating the braking unit; having A method for controlling a wind power generating device.

5. a wind turbine stop determination step of determining whether the wind turbine unit has stopped after the time acquisition unit has activated the braking unit; a braking time determination step of determining whether a braking time until the wind turbine unit stops has elapsed a preset braking set time when it is determined that the wind turbine unit has stopped by the wind turbine stop determination step; a braking unit abnormality informing step of an abnormality in the braking unit when it is determined in the braking time determination step that the braking time has exceeded the braking set time; having The method for controlling a wind turbine generator according to claim 4.

6. a return rotation speed reaching determination step of determining whether or not the return rotation speed of the wind turbine unit after the release of the braking unit by the time acquisition unit has reached a preset return rotation speed after the release of the braking unit; a return time determination step of determining whether a return time after release of the braking unit has elapsed a preset return time when it is determined in the return rotation speed reaching determination step that the return rotation speed has not reached the return set rotation speed; a wind turbine unit abnormality informing step of informing that the wind turbine unit is abnormal when it is determined in the return time determination step that the return time has elapsed the return set time; having The method for controlling a wind turbine generator according to claim 5.

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