Lightning strike information providing method and lightning strike information providing server

Abstract

To provide a method for providing lightning information and a lightning information provision server which allow users to share lightning information.SOLUTION: The method for providing lightning information includes the steps of: acquiring detection data detected by a lightning sensor provided in a wind power generation facility operated by various different power generation operators and lightning-related data including time information at the time of lightning generation and positional information of the wind power generation facility; storing the acquired lightning-related data into a database; and providing the lightning information based on the stored lightning-related data to a terminal device. The lightning information includes the place and the time of generation of a lightning, the wave height value of a lightning current, and a charge amount.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a lightning information providing method and a lightning information providing server. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the introduction of renewable energy has expanded, and wind power generation has become widespread worldwide, leading to cost reductions. In Japan, solar power generation has been overemphasized, but measures are being taken to expand wind power generation within the country. However, wind power generation facilities are themselves high-rise structures and are therefore susceptible to the effects of lightning strikes. Non-Patent Document 1 discloses examples of lightning damage to wind power generation, lightning countermeasures, and the latest trends in standards and regulations. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0003] [Non-Patent Document 1] Akira Yasuda, "Latest Trends in Lightning Damage Prevention Measures for Wind Power Generation," Journal of the Japan Wind Power Association, August 2015 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Although national agencies have conducted questionnaire-based surveys of wind power generation companies to collect data on the operational status of wind power generation facilities, there is no comprehensive lightning data for wind power generation facilities. In addition, wind power generation companies are often in a competitive relationship with each other, making it difficult for all wind power generation companies to share the lightning information that each company possesses.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide a lightning information providing method and a lightning information providing server that enable sharing of lightning information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A method for providing lightning information in an embodiment of the present invention acquires lightning-related data including detection data detected by lightning sensors installed in wind power generation equipment operated by different power generation companies, time information when a lightning strike occurred, and location information of the wind power generation equipment, stores the acquired lightning-related data in a database, and provides lightning information based on the stored lightning-related data to a terminal device.

[0007] A lightning information providing server in an embodiment of the present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires lightning-related data including detection data detected by lightning sensors installed in wind power generation equipment operated by different power generation companies, time information when a lightning strike occurred, and location information of the wind power generation equipment, a database that stores the acquired lightning-related data, and a provision unit that provides lightning information based on the stored lightning-related data to a terminal device. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, lightning strike information can be shared between businesses. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a lightning strike information providing system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a lightning strike detection device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a lightning current waveform. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of sharing of lightning strike information. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of real-time lightning strike information; [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of lightning strike statistical information; [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a lightning strike map. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a first example of a detailed map of a group of wind turbines. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a second example of a detailed map of a group of wind turbines. [Figure 10]FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a third example of a detailed map of a group of wind turbines. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of detailed information. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a mechanism for promoting the sharing of lightning strike information. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a method for determining a consideration. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a method for determining a usage fee. [Figure 15] 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of a server. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a lightning information providing system according to the present embodiment. The lightning information providing system includes a server 50 as a lightning information providing server, and a database 60 connected to the server 50. The server 50 may be configured to include the database 60. The server 50 is connected to a communication network 1. A wind power generation company A operates a wind power generation facility 10, and a lightning detection device 20 is provided for each wind turbine of the wind power generation facility 10. Similarly, a wind power generation company B operates a wind power generation facility 10, and a lightning detection device 20 is provided for each wind turbine of the wind power generation facility 10, and a wind power generation company C operates a wind power generation facility 10, and a lightning detection device 20 is provided for each wind turbine of the wind power generation facility 10. In this specification, it is assumed that one or more wind turbines are installed in one wind power generation facility 10, and the wind turbines are also denoted by the symbol 10 for convenience. For convenience, the present specification takes a wind power generation company as an example for explanation, but the present specification is not limited to wind power generation companies, and may be power generation companies that operate thermal, hydroelectric, atomic, or solar power generation facilities. The lightning detection devices 20 of the wind power generation companies A to C are each connected to the communication network 1. Terminal devices (not shown) owned by the wind power generation companies A to C and other companies (in the example of FIG. 1, insurance company D) are also connected to the communication network 1. The other companies are not limited to insurance companies, and may be weather information companies, lightning research institutes, manufacturers, or facility operators such as golf courses and amusement parks.

[0011] The server 50 includes a control unit 51, a communication unit 52, a lightning strike information providing unit 53, an interface unit 54, and a payment processing unit 55. The control unit 51 includes a calculation element such as a CPU, a storage element such as a ROM and a RAM, and controls the entire server 50. Each unit of the server 50 can be distributed across multiple servers or devices. Details of the server 50 will be described later.

[0012] 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a lightning detection device 20. The lightning detection device 20 includes a coil 21 as a lightning sensor, a measurement cable 22, a sensor interface unit 23, a calculation and recording unit 24, a GPS unit 25, and a communication unit 26. The lightning detection device 20 can be installed inside or outside the tower of the wind turbine of the wind power generation facility 10. The coil 21 is, for example, a Rogowski coil, which is a large-diameter coil that goes around the tower leg of the wind turbine. The Rogowski coil makes it possible to detect the lightning current of lightning that directly strikes the wind turbine. It should be noted that the lightning sensor is not limited to the Rogowski coil.

[0013] The sensor interface unit 23 is equipped with an integrating circuit and a low-frequency compensation circuit, and by integrating the voltage induced in the Rogowski coil (corresponding to the differential waveform of the lightning current), it generates a voltage signal proportional to the lightning current, and by compensating for the low-frequency components of the generated voltage signal, it is possible to accurately detect the lightning current.

[0014] The calculation and recording unit 24 calculates the peak value of the lightning current (the peak value of the positive current and the peak value of the negative current) based on the lightning current detected by the sensor interface unit 23, and calculates the amount of charge (energy) by integrating the absolute value of the lightning current on the time axis, and records the calculated peak value and amount of charge in association with the detection time (the time when the lightning strike occurred).

[0015] The GPS unit 25 can acquire position information of the wind turbine tower through a GPS antenna provided outside the wind turbine tower. The GPS unit 25 can also acquire altitude (altitude data).

[0016] The communication unit 26 can transmit and receive information to and from the communication unit 52 of the server 50 via the communication network 1. The communication unit 26 transmits lightning-related data including detection data (including the peak value of the lightning current, the charge of the lightning, etc.), the time of the lightning strike, and the position information of the tower of the wind turbine (wind power generation facility) to the server 50. In this specification, the detection data detected by the lightning strike sensor is the peak value of the lightning strike current and the charge of the lightning strike, but the detection data is not limited to the peak value of the lightning strike current and the charge of the lightning strike, and can include other physical quantities related to lightning strikes. The lightning-related data is not limited to the detection data detected by the lightning strike sensor, time information at the time of the lightning strike, and position information of the wind power generation facility, but also includes data that can be detected by the lightning strike sensor and data obtained by performing required calculations and processing on the detected data. The lightning-related data can also include not only the lightning strike sensor, but also data detected by other sensors or detection devices related to lightning strikes, or data measured by measuring instruments. For convenience, in this specification, the peak value of the lightning current, the amount of charge, the time of the lightning strike, and the position information of the wind turbine tower are collectively referred to as "lightning-related data". Hereinafter, the lightning-related data includes the peak value of the lightning current, the amount of charge, the time of the lightning strike, and the position information of the wind turbine tower. The frequency with which the communication unit 26 transmits the lightning-related data can be set appropriately, for example, every 1 minute, 2 minutes, 5 minutes, etc., but is not limited to these.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a lightning current waveform. In FIG. 3, the vertical axis represents current, and the horizontal axis represents time. FIG. 3A shows an example of a lightning current waveform on a wind turbine caused by lightning strikes that occur mainly in winter in Japan. The duration of the lightning current tends to be relatively long, and the amount of charge (energy) tends to be large. FIG. 3B shows an example of a lightning current waveform on a wind turbine caused by lightning strikes that generally occur in summer. The duration of the lightning current is relatively short, and the amount of charge is relatively small. The peak value is the amplitude at the peak of the current waveform, and there are positive peak values ​​and negative peak values.

[0018] 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of sharing of lightning information. As shown in FIG. 4, the server 50 can acquire (provide) lightning-related data from the lightning detection device 20 of the wind power generation company A via the communication network 1. Similarly, the server 50 can acquire lightning-related data from the lightning detection device 20 of the wind power generation company B via the communication network 1, and the server 50 can acquire lightning-related data from the lightning detection device 20 of the wind power generation company C via the communication network 1. The acquired lightning-related data is stored in a database 60.

[0019] Furthermore, the terminal device 30a of the wind power generation company A can view data in the database 60 connected to the server 50 via the communication network 1. The data is viewed as lightning strike information, and the terminal device 30a of the wind power generation company A can be provided with the lightning strike information. Similarly, the terminal device 30b of the wind power generation company B can view data in the database 60 connected to the server 50 via the communication network 1, the terminal device 30c of the wind power generation company C can view data in the database 60 connected to the server 50 via the communication network 1, and the terminal device 30d of the insurance company D (business operator) can view data in the database 60 connected to the server 50 via the communication network 1. The provision of lightning strike-related data and the provision of lightning strike information between businesses is performed based on a contract or the like concluded in advance, and conditions such as the type of data to be provided, the method of providing, and the usage fee may be determined for the contract or the like.

[0020] As described above, the server 50 acquires lightning-related data from the lightning detection devices 20 provided in the wind power generation facilities 10 operated by different power generation companies via the communication unit 52, and stores the acquired lightning-related data in the database 60. The interface unit 54 has an interface function between the server 50 and the database 60. The server 50 can provide lightning information based on the lightning-related data stored in the database 60 to the terminal device.

[0021] With the above-described configuration, lightning-related data that occurs at wind power generation facilities operated by different power generation companies can be aggregated and stored, and lightning information can be provided to companies (including power generation companies) that require it, making it possible to establish a system for sharing lightning information and for lightning information to be shared between companies.

[0022] Next, the lightning information provided by the server 50 to the business operator will be described.

[0023] The lightning strike information providing unit 53 generates lightning strike information based on the lightning strike related data stored in the database 60, and can provide the generated lightning strike information to the terminal device of the business operator via the communication unit 52.

[0024] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of real-time lightning information. The example shown in FIG. 5 can be displayed on a terminal device of a business operator when lightning information is provided in real time, and lightning information at the time of lightning occurrence can be confirmed in real time. As shown in FIG. 5, the lightning information can include the time of occurrence of the lightning, the location of the lightning, the charge of the lightning and the peak value of the lightning current, the provider of the lightning-related data on which the lightning information is based, and the like. Note that, although the polarity of the peak value of the lightning current is illustrated as plus (+) in FIG. 5, the polarity of the peak value may be minus (-). The lightning information may be the lightning-related data as it is, or may be information generated based on the lightning-related data. Note that the lightning information may include waveform data of the lightning current and time-series numerical data.

[0025] As described above, by providing the terminal device with lightning information including the location of the lightning strike, the time of the strike (date and time), the peak value of the lightning strike current, and the amount of charge in real time, it is possible to provide the lightning strike information in real time even if the lightning strike occurs near any of the wind power generation facilities 10 operated by different power generation companies. In addition, since the amount of charge (energy) at the time of the lightning strike can also be provided, it is possible to resolve the lack of information that has existed in the past due to the lack of wide-ranging lightning data measuring the amount of charge.

[0026] The server 50 can notify registered persons within a predetermined range of the wind power generation facility 10 of the occurrence of a lightning strike via the communication unit 52, based on the location information of the wind power generation facility 10 where the lightning strike is occurring. The registered persons may be, for example, persons involved in the wind power generation facility 10, or workers performing maintenance and inspection. The notification can be sent to a mobile device carried by the registered person or a terminal device used by the registered person. This allows the occurrence of a lightning strike to be notified promptly.

[0027] When a lightning strike occurs, the lightning strike information providing unit 53 can use weighting coefficients α, β, and γ to calculate an evaluation index E indicating the scale (score) of the lightning strike, using the formula E=α·X+β·Y+γ·Z, where X, Y, and Z are the number of lightning strikes, the charge of the lightning strikes, and the peak value of the lightning strike current, respectively. Here, at least two of α, β, and γ may be zero. When notifying the occurrence of a lightning strike, the server 50 can notify the evaluation index E indicating the scale of the lightning strike.

[0028] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of lightning strike statistical information. The example shown in FIG. 6 can be displayed on the terminal device of the business operator when the lightning strike information is provided as statistical information. As shown in FIG. 6, the statistical information may be divided and summarized for each predetermined target area, or may target all areas. It can be changed according to the request of the business operator receiving the lightning strike information. The statistical information is obtained by statistically processing lightning strike related data based on lightning strikes that occurred within a predetermined data collection period. The statistical information can include, for example, the number of lightning strikes, the maximum charge amount and average charge amount of the lightning strike, the maximum crest value and average crest value of the lightning strike current, and the lightning damage status of the wind power generation facility 10 (for example, the number of damaged or broken parts, the scale of the lightning damage (for example, large, medium, small, etc.)). The lightning damage status of the wind power generation facility 10 can be created based on information such as an investigation after the occurrence of a lightning strike.

[0029] This makes it possible to provide statistical information on lightning strikes no matter which wind power generation facility 10 operated by different power generation companies a lightning strike occurs near, and to provide lightning strike information for a wide range of wind power generation facilities 10. In addition, the charge (energy) of the lightning strike can also be provided, which resolves the lack of information that existed in the past when wide-range lightning data measuring the charge did not exist.

[0030] Furthermore, by including information regarding damage or malfunction of the wind power generation equipment 10, it is possible to clarify the correlation between damage or malfunction of the wind power generation equipment 10 and lightning strikes on the wind power generation equipment, and it is possible to provide useful information to, for example, insurance companies that provide compensation for damage or malfunction of the wind power generation equipment 10.

[0031] The server 50 can provide statistical information on lightning strike information to a terminal device of a specific business (e.g., an insurance company) in response to a request from the terminal device. The specific business is not limited to an insurance company. For example, the server 50 can provide information that is useful to an insurance company that provides compensation for lightning damage to wind power generation facilities.

[0032] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a lightning strike map. The example shown in FIG. 7 can be displayed on a terminal device of a business operator when lightning strike information is provided as map information. The lightning strike map shows the positions of wind power generation facilities in a specified target area (in the example of FIG. 7, the positions are indicated by circles, and the size of the circles indicates the scale of the wind power generation facilities (e.g., the number of wind turbines)), and also shows the number of lightning strikes on the wind power generation facilities in different display modes (can be displayed in different colors or patterns) according to the number of times of occurrence. For convenience, in FIG. 7, the circles are the same size, but the number of wind turbines is different. That is, the circles correspond to multiple wind turbines (wind turbine groups), and the squares represent the total data of the wind turbine groups. On the lightning strike map shown in FIG. 7, a detailed map of the wind turbine groups can be displayed by moving a cursor (e.g., an arrow) to the position of a circle and performing a specified operation (e.g., clicking, double clicking, etc.).

[0033] Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a first example of a detailed map of a group of wind turbines. In Fig. 7, by operating the circle indicated by reference numeral 101, it is possible to display detailed information indicating the positions of the wind turbines within an area 111 and the number of lightning strikes to each wind turbine. In Fig. 8, six wind turbines 10 are arranged within the area 111, and the numbers displayed near each wind turbine indicate the number of lightning strikes to that wind turbine. As a result, when multiple wind turbines are installed at one wind power generation facility, it is possible to know the number of lightning strikes to each wind turbine and grasp the lightning distribution in more detail.

[0034] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a second example of a detailed map of a group of wind turbines. In FIG. 7, by operating the circle indicated by the reference numeral 102, detailed information showing the positions of the wind turbines in the area 112 and the area 113 and the number of lightning strikes to each wind turbine can be displayed. It can be said that the more areas there are, the more wind turbines are installed in one wind power generation facility. In the example of FIG. 9, the map of the group of wind turbines in one wind power generation facility is divided into two areas 112 and 113. This makes it possible to display the group of wind turbines with many lightning strikes and the group of wind turbines with few lightning strikes separately due to the arrangement of the wind turbines, and makes it easy to distinguish the number of lightning strikes. In the example of FIG. 9, five wind turbines 10 are arranged in the area 112, and four wind turbines 10 are arranged in the area 113. The numbers displayed near each wind turbine indicate the number of lightning strikes to that wind turbine. This makes it easy to distinguish the direction or direction with many lightning strikes and the direction or direction with few lightning strikes. In the example of Figure 9, we can see that lightning strikes occurring in the north-south direction tend to be more prevalent on the north side.

[0035] Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a third example of a detailed map of a group of wind turbines. In Fig. 7, by operating the circle indicated by reference numeral 103, detailed information indicating the positions of the wind turbines in areas 114, 115, and 116, and the number of lightning strikes to each wind turbine can be displayed. In the example of Fig. 10, five wind turbines 10 are arranged in area 114, six wind turbines 10 are arranged in area 115, and four wind turbines 10 are arranged in area 116. The numbers displayed near each wind turbine indicate the number of lightning strikes to that wind turbine. In the example of Fig. 10, it can be seen that many lightning strikes occurred locally on the east side of area 115.

[0036] Furthermore, on the lightning strike map shown in Fig. 7, by moving the cursor (e.g., an arrow) to the position of the wind power generation facility and performing a prescribed operation (e.g., clicking, double-clicking, etc.), the detailed information shown below can be displayed. Whether to display a detailed map of the wind turbine group or the detailed information shown below can be selected by displaying a drop-down menu when the circle is operated.

[0037] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the detailed information. The detailed information can include the date and time of the lightning strike, the charge of the lightning strike, and the peak value of the lightning strike current. When the location of the lightning strike or the number of lightning strikes is confirmed on the lightning strike map shown in FIG. 7, the scale of the lightning strike occurring can be confirmed at each position on the lightning strike map. Note that the lightning strike map may specify at least one of the location of the lightning strike, the number of lightning strikes, the peak value of the lightning strike current, and the charge of the lightning strike as the lightning strike information.

[0038] As described above, by using a lightning strike map of wind power generation facilities as lightning strike information, it is possible to provide data on lightning strike occurrence conditions, electric charge amount, etc. over a wide area on the map to wind power generation facilities, which was insufficient with conventional lightning strike maps.

[0039] Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a mechanism for promoting the sharing of lightning strike information. In the example of Fig. 12, for the sake of convenience, it is assumed that wind power generation business operator C provides lightning strike related data to server 50, and wind power generation business operators A and B and insurance company D are provided with the lightning strike information (data viewing). As shown in Fig. 12, wind power generation business operator C provides lightning strike related data to server 50, and can receive compensation (specifically, information indicating the compensation) from server 50. Wind power generation business operators A and B and insurance company D are provided with lightning strike information from server 50, and therefore pay a usage fee (specifically, information indicating the usage fee) to server 50.

[0040] Wind power generation operator C can receive compensation by providing lightning-related data to server 50, which can motivate power generation operators to provide data and promote the sharing of lightning information. In addition, wind power generation operators A and B and insurance company D are required to pay a usage fee when they receive lightning information, so a system for paying the usage fee can be established, which can eliminate the sense of unfairness when sharing lightning information.

[0041] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a method for determining the compensation. In FIG. 13, wind power generation businesses A, B, ... are listed as wind power generation businesses that provide lightning-related data to the server 50. The compensation can be determined according to the number of installed lightning sensors of each of the wind power generation businesses A and B, the data collection period, and the number of businesses to which lightning information is provided. The settlement processing unit 55 can determine the compensation to be given to different power generation businesses based on at least one of the number of installed lightning sensors, the data collection period by the lightning sensors, and the number of businesses to which lightning information is provided. The processing of the settlement processing unit 55 may be performed by a separate settlement server.

[0042] When a power generation company provides lightning information, the more lightning sensors installed, the more data the power generation company can provide, so it can be determined that a higher compensation will be paid to the power generation company. Also, when a power generation company provides lightning information, the longer the data collection period by the lightning sensors (for example, the period during which the lightning sensors are in operation), the more data the power generation company can provide, so it can be determined that a higher compensation will be paid to the power generation company. Also, when a power generation company provides lightning information, the more the number of companies to which the lightning information is provided, the wider the scope of sharing of the lightning information can be, so it can be determined that a higher compensation will be paid to the power generation company. This can motivate power generation companies to provide data and promote the sharing of lightning information.

[0043] Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a method for determining a usage fee. In Fig. 14, a wind power generation business operator A, an insurance company D, ... are listed as businesses that receive lightning information from the server 50. The settlement processing unit 55 can determine the usage fee to the businesses to which the lightning information is provided based on at least one of the number of installed lightning sensors and the period of data collection by the lightning sensors.

[0044] When a destination business receives lightning information, the more lightning sensors installed by the power generation business, the greater the amount of lightning information provided, so the higher the usage fee paid by the destination business is determined.When a destination business receives lightning information, the longer the data collection period by the power generation business's lightning sensors, the greater the amount of lightning information provided, so the higher the usage fee paid by the destination business is determined.This makes it possible to build a system in which businesses that receive more lightning information pay a higher usage fee, and eliminates the sense of unfairness when sharing lightning information.

[0045] In addition, the settlement processing unit 55 can determine the usage fee to be charged to the provider of the lightning information depending on whether the lightning information is provided in real time or statistical form. This makes it possible to determine an appropriate usage fee depending on the form in which the lightning information is provided.

[0046] 15 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of the server 50. The following description will be given with the processing performed by the control unit 51. The control unit 51 acquires lightning-related data from different power generation companies (S11), and stores the acquired lightning-related data in the database 60 (S12).

[0047] The control unit 51 determines whether there is lightning-related data from the power generation company (S13), and if there is lightning-related data from the power generation company (YES in S13), repeats the processing from step S11 onwards, and if there is no lightning-related data from the power generation company (NO in S13), provides real-time lightning information to a specified company when lightning strikes the target wind power generation facility (S14). The specified company is a company that has been determined in advance by contract or the like to receive lightning information.

[0048] The control unit 51 generates lightning strike statistical information based on the collected lightning strike related data (S15), and generates a lightning strike map relating to lightning strikes on the wind power generation facility (S16). The control unit 51 determines whether or not there is a request for lightning strike information from the business operator (S17). The business operator is an operator who has agreed in advance by contract or the like to receive lightning strike information.

[0049] If there is a request for lightning information from the business operator (YES in S17), the control unit 51 provides the lightning statistical information and the lightning map (S18) and performs the process of step S19 described below. Note that the provision of the lightning statistical information and the lightning map to the business operator is not limited to when there is a request, and the timing of the provision can be determined in advance by a contract or the like.

[0050] If there is no request for lightning information from the business operator (NO in S17), the control unit 51 performs a payment process (S19) and ends the process. The payment process includes payment of a fee to the power generation business operator that provides the lightning-related data, and collection of a usage fee from the business operator that receives the lightning information. The payment process can be performed at a time determined by a contract or the like. Note that, for convenience, the process of step S19 is described after step S18, but it does not necessarily have to follow step S18, and may be performed at a predetermined timing (for example, once a month).

[0051] The server 50 of this embodiment can be realized by loading a computer program that defines the procedures for each process, such as that shown in Figure 15, into a memory unit such as a RAM provided in a computer, and executing the computer program on a CPU (processor) or the like.

[0052] According to this embodiment, the data service provider that operates the server 50 is involved, so that the wind power generation company can share lightning information without directly negotiating with its competitors. Furthermore, even if the number of power generation companies that provide lightning-related data and companies that receive lightning information increases, the effort required for negotiation does not increase.

[0053] According to the present embodiment, lightning-related data on lightning strikes on wind power generation facilities can be collected one by one, and lightning strike information based on the collected lightning-related data can be provided in real time or as statistical information. In addition, the charge of lightning strikes on wind power generation facilities can be accurately grasped, which was not possible with the conventional technology.

[0054] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, providers of lightning-related data are paid compensation and can expect to earn income from providing the lightning-related data (especially power generation companies with more bases will be able to earn more income), which will provide incentives for the expansion of wind power generation facilities and contribute to the promotion of wind power generation projects nationwide.

[0055] The lightning information providing method of this embodiment acquires lightning-related data including detection data detected by lightning sensors installed in wind power generation equipment operated by different power generation companies, time information when the lightning occurred, and location information of the wind power generation equipment, stores the acquired lightning-related data in a database, and provides lightning information based on the stored lightning-related data to a terminal device.

[0056] The lightning information providing server of this embodiment includes an acquisition unit that acquires lightning-related data including detection data detected by lightning sensors installed in wind power generation equipment operated by different power generation companies, time information when a lightning strike occurred, and location information of the wind power generation equipment, a database that stores the acquired lightning-related data, and a provision unit that provides lightning information based on the stored lightning-related data to a terminal device.

[0057] The lightning information providing method obtains lightning-related data including detection data detected by a lightning sensor installed in a wind power generation facility operated by a different power generation company, time information when a lightning strike occurred, and location information of the wind power generation facility, and stores the obtained lightning-related data in a database. The lightning-related data is not limited to the detection data detected by the lightning sensor, time information when a lightning strike occurred, and location information of the wind power generation facility, but also includes data that can be detected by the lightning sensor and data obtained by performing required calculations and processing on the detected data. The lightning-related data can also include not only data detected by the lightning sensor, but also data detected by other sensors or detection devices related to lightning strikes, or data measured by measuring instruments. The lightning information providing method provides lightning information based on the lightning-related data stored in the database to a terminal device. The terminal device may be a terminal device of the power generation company, or a terminal device of a business entity other than the power generation company (for example, an insurance company, a meteorological information business entity, a lightning research institute, a manufacturer, etc.).

[0058] With the above-described configuration, lightning-related data that occurs at wind power generation facilities operated by different power generation companies can be aggregated and stored, and lightning information can be provided to companies (including power generation companies) that require it, making it possible to establish a system for sharing lightning information and for lightning information to be shared between companies.

[0059] The lightning information providing method of the present embodiment provides the lightning information, including the location of the lightning strike, the date and time of the strike, the peak value of the lightning strike current, and the charge amount, to the terminal device in real time.

[0060] The lightning information providing method can provide lightning information, including the location of the lightning strike, the date and time of the strike, the peak value of the lightning current, and the charge amount, to a terminal device in real time. This makes it possible to provide lightning information in real time regardless of whether a lightning strike occurs near any of the wind power generation facilities operated by different power generation companies. In addition, the charge amount (energy) at the time of the lightning strike can also be provided, which can resolve the lack of information that was previously caused by the lack of wide-ranging lightning data measuring the charge amount.

[0061] The lightning strike information providing method of the present embodiment provides statistical information relating to the lightning strike information to the terminal device.

[0062] The statistical information can include, for example, the number of lightning strikes occurring in a required period, the maximum and average peak values ​​of the lightning current, and the maximum and average electric charge of the lightning strikes. This makes it possible to provide statistical information on lightning strikes regardless of the location of any wind power generation facility operated by different power generation companies, and to provide lightning strike information for a wide range of wind power generation facilities. In addition, the electric charge (energy) of the lightning strikes can also be provided, which can resolve the lack of information that existed in the past due to the lack of wide-ranging lightning data measuring the electric charge.

[0063] In the lightning information providing method of the present embodiment, the lightning information includes a lightning map in which at least one of the location of lightning strikes, the number of lightning strikes, the peak value of the lightning strike current, and the charge amount of the lightning strike is specified on a map.

[0064] The lightning information includes a lightning map that specifies at least one of the location of lightning strikes, the number of lightning strikes, the peak value of the lightning current, and the charge of the lightning strike. Conventional lightning maps were insufficient in providing data on the occurrence of lightning strikes, the charge amount, and other information to wind power generation facilities over a wide area on the map.

[0065] In the lightning strike information providing method of the present embodiment, the lightning strike information includes information relating to damage or failure of the wind power generation facility.

[0066] This makes it possible to clarify the correlation between damage or failure of wind power generation equipment and lightning strikes to wind power generation equipment, and can provide useful information to, for example, insurance companies that provide compensation for damage or failure of wind power generation equipment.

[0067] The lightning information providing method of the present embodiment notifies registered users within a predetermined range of the wind power generation facility of the occurrence of a lightning strike, based on the location information.

[0068] The lightning information providing method can notify registered persons within a predetermined range of a wind power generation facility of a lightning strike based on the location information. The registered persons may be, for example, persons involved in the wind power generation facility or workers who perform maintenance or inspection. The notification can be sent to a mobile device carried by the registered person or a terminal device used by the registered person. This allows the occurrence of a lightning strike to be notified promptly.

[0069] The lightning information providing method of the present embodiment determines a compensation to be given to each power generation company based on at least one of the number of installed lightning sensors, the data collection period by the lightning sensors, and the number of companies to which the lightning information is provided.

[0070] When a power generation company provides lightning information, the more lightning sensors installed, the more data the power generation company can provide, so it can be determined that a higher compensation will be paid to the power generation company. Also, when a power generation company provides lightning information, the longer the data collection period by the lightning sensors (for example, the period during which the lightning sensors are in operation), the more data the power generation company can provide, so it can be determined that a higher compensation will be paid to the power generation company. Also, when a power generation company provides lightning information, the more the number of companies to which the lightning information is provided, the wider the scope of sharing of the lightning information can be, so it can be determined that a higher compensation will be paid to the power generation company. This can motivate power generation companies to provide data and promote the sharing of lightning information.

[0071] The lightning information providing method of the present embodiment determines a usage fee for a provider of the lightning information based on at least one of the number of installed lightning sensors and the period of data collection by the lightning sensors.

[0072] When a destination business receives lightning information, the more lightning sensors installed by the power generation business, the greater the amount of lightning information provided, so the higher the usage fee paid by the destination business is determined.When a destination business receives lightning information, the longer the data collection period by the power generation business's lightning sensors, the greater the amount of lightning information provided, so the higher the usage fee paid by the destination business is determined.This makes it possible to build a system in which businesses that receive more lightning information pay a higher usage fee, and eliminates the sense of unfairness when sharing lightning information.

[0073] The lightning information providing method of the present embodiment determines a usage fee for a provider to which the lightning information is provided depending on whether the lightning information is provided in real time or statistical form.

[0074] This makes it possible to determine an appropriate usage fee depending on the form in which the lightning information is provided.

[0075] The lightning information providing method of the present embodiment provides statistical information relating to the lightning information to a terminal device of a predetermined business operator in response to a request from the terminal device.

[0076] The predetermined business entity may be, for example, an insurance company, but is not limited to an insurance company. For example, the predetermined business entity may provide useful information to an insurance company that provides compensation for lightning damage to wind power generation facilities. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 1. Communication Network 10. Wind power generation facilities (wind turbines) 20 Lightning detection device 21 Coil 22 Measurement Cable 23 Sensor interface section 24 Calculation and recording section 25 GPS section 26 Communications Department 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d Terminal device 50 Servers 51 Control section 52 Communications Department 53 Lightning Information Department 54 Interface section 55 Payment Processing Unit 60 Database (DB)

Claims

1. A lightning strike information providing server, Obtaining lightning-related data including detection data, detected by lightning sensors installed on the wind turbines of each wind power generation facility operated by different power generation companies, including lightning currents of direct lightning strikes to the wind turbines, time information when the lightning struck the wind turbines, and position information of the wind turbines; The acquired lightning-related data is stored in a database. providing lightning information based on the stored lightning-related data to a terminal device; notifying registered users within a predetermined range of the wind power generation facility of the occurrence of a lightning strike based on the location information; How to provide lightning information.

2. The lightning information providing method according to claim 1, wherein the lightning information including the location of the lightning strike, the date and time of the strike, the peak value of the lightning strike current, and the charge amount is provided to the terminal device in real time.

3. 3. The lightning strike information providing method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of providing statistical information relating to the lightning strike information to the terminal device.

4. The lightning strike information is 4. The lightning information providing method according to claim 1, further comprising a lightning map in which at least one of a location of lightning strikes, a number of lightning strikes, a peak value of a lightning current, and an electric charge of a lightning strike is specified on a map.

5. The lightning strike information is The lightning information providing method according to claim 1 , further comprising information about damage or a malfunction of the wind power generation facility.

6. A method for providing lightning information as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein compensation to be paid to each power generation company is determined based on at least one of the number of lightning sensors installed, the data collection period by the lightning sensors, and the number of companies to which the lightning information is provided.

7. 7. The lightning information providing method according to claim 1, further comprising determining a usage fee for the lightning information providing business based on at least one of the number of the lightning sensors installed and a data collection period by the lightning sensors.

8. The lightning information providing method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a usage fee for the business entity to which the lightning information is provided is determined depending on whether the lightning information is provided in real time or statistical form.

9. 9. The lightning information providing method according to claim 1, further comprising providing statistical information on the lightning information to a terminal device of a predetermined business operator in response to a request from the terminal device.

10. an acquisition unit that acquires lightning-related data including detection data, detected by lightning sensors installed on the wind turbines of each wind power generation facility operated by different power generation companies, the lightning-related data including lightning currents of direct lightning strikes to the wind turbines, time information when the lightning struck the wind turbines, and position information of the wind turbines; A database for storing the acquired lightning-related data; a providing unit that provides lightning strike information based on the stored lightning strike related data to a terminal device; a notification unit that notifies registered users within a predetermined range of the wind power generation facility of the occurrence of a lightning strike based on the location information; A lightning information providing server comprising:

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