Floating wind power generation system, floating wind power generation method, and floating wind power generation program

Abstract

To provide a sea-based wind power generation technology which can inhibit deterioration of power generation output caused by influences of wind mill wake.SOLUTION: A sea-based wind power generation system 1 includes: a position information acquisition section 36 which acquires position information indicating positions of multiple wind power generators 2 from a position measurement device 13 which measures positions of the multiple wind power generators 2 floated on the sea by floating bodies 8; a wind direction information acquisition section 37 which acquires wind direction information indicating a wind direction from at least one anemoscope 24 which measures a wind direction on the sea; a wind speed information acquisition section 38 which acquires wind speed information indicating a wind speed from at least one air speedometer 25 which measures a wind speed on the sea; a wind mill wake evaluation section 40 which evaluates influences of wind mill wake on each wind power generator 2 on the basis of the position information, the wind direction information, and the wind speed information; and a layout generation section 42 which generates layout information for changing a layout of at least a part of the wind power generators 2 according to the evaluation of the wind mill wake.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention relate to offshore wind power generation technology. [Background technology]

[0002] A phenomenon known as wind turbine wake occurs when the power output of a downstream wind turbine is reduced due to the influence of an upstream wind turbine. Conventionally, in offshore wind farms where wind turbines are floated on the ocean, a technique has been known in which the mooring lines of the wind turbines are reeled in with a reeling device to adjust their positions so that the downstream wind turbine is not installed directly behind the upstream wind turbine. However, fluid-related phenomena are complex, and multiple wind turbine wakes may interfere with each other. Therefore, power output is not determined solely by whether the downstream wind turbine is installed directly behind the upstream wind turbine. For example, shifting the downstream wind turbine from directly behind the upstream wind turbine may result in a more significant reduction in power output. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5410172 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a floating wind power generation technology that can suppress the reduction in power generation output caused by the influence of the wind turbine wake. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The floating wind power generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a position information acquisition unit that acquires position information indicating the positions of multiple wind power generation devices floated on the water by floats from a position measurement device that measures the positions of the wind power generation devices; a wind direction information acquisition unit that acquires wind direction information indicating the wind direction from at least one anemometer that measures the wind direction on the water; and a wind speed information acquisition unit that acquires wind speed information indicating the wind speed from at least one anemometer that measures the wind speed on the water. a turbulence intensity calculation unit that calculates turbulence intensity downstream of at least one of the wind turbine generators based on the position information, the wind direction information, and the wind speed information; a wind turbine wake evaluation unit that evaluates an influence of a wind turbine wake on each of the wind turbine power generation devices based on the position information, the wind direction information, and the wind speed information; and a layout generation unit that generates layout information for changing the layout of at least some of the wind turbine power generation devices in accordance with the evaluation of the wind turbine wake. ,of The wind turbine wake evaluation unit includes: the position information, the wind direction, the wind speed, and the turbulence intensity Based on the above, the influence of the wind turbine wake on each of the wind power generation devices is evaluated. The evaluation of the turbulence intensity includes evaluation of the kinetic energy of the airflow that flows downward from a layer above the turbulent flow region generated by the upstream wind turbine and strikes the downstream wind turbine. . [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a floating wind power generation technology is provided that can suppress a decrease in power generation output caused by the influence of the wind turbine wake. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of a floating wind power generation system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the floating wind turbine and the wind condition observation device. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the layout of a floating wind turbine power generation device. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a side view of a floating wind power generation system with a wind turbine wake. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a management computer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 3 is a flowchart showing the offshore wind power generation method according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a management computer according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing an offshore wind power generation method according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] (First embodiment) Hereinafter, embodiments of a floating wind power generation system, a floating wind power generation method, and a floating wind power generation program will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. First, a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0009] Reference numeral 1 in Fig. 1 denotes a floating wind power generation system of the first embodiment. This floating wind power generation system 1 includes multiple floating wind turbines 2 floating on an offshore ocean 3. The floating wind turbines 2 use the power of wind W to rotate windmills, generating electricity through this rotational motion. An offshore wind farm is constructed by arranging a large number of floating wind turbines 2 in a forested arrangement. For example, the floating wind turbines 2 are arranged in a grid pattern in a plan view so that the distances between each of the floating wind turbines 2 are equal.

[0010] Here, there is a phenomenon called wind turbine wake, in which the power output of a floating wind turbine 2 on the downstream side (leeward side) is reduced due to the influence of a floating wind turbine 2 on the upstream side (windward side). In offshore wind farms, the impact of power generation loss due to wind turbine wake is significant, resulting in a reduction in power output. In particular, in offshore wind farms planned in Japan, the distance between floating wind turbines 2 is shorter than in European offshore wind farms, and the risk of wind turbine wake is higher.

[0011] In the floating wind power generation system 1 of this embodiment, at least some of the floating wind turbines 2 can be moved, and the planar layout of the floating wind turbines 2 (FIG. 3) can be changed as needed. By optimizing the layout according to wind conditions, it is possible to suppress the reduction in power generation output caused by the effects of wind turbine wake. Furthermore, it is possible to obtain power generation output in accordance with the power generation plan.

[0012] As shown in Figure 2, the floating wind turbine 2 is a floating facility and is equipped with a plurality of blades 5 that rotate around a hub 4 as a central axis. When wind W strikes these blades 5, they rotate around the hub 4 as a central axis, and a generator (not shown) provided inside a nacelle 6 generates electricity. In this embodiment, an upwind propeller-type wind turbine, which is a lift-type wind turbine and a horizontal axis wind turbine, is exemplified.

[0013] Inside the hub 4, a variable pitch mechanism (not shown) is provided to change the pitch angle of the blades 5. Inside the nacelle 6, a brake device (not shown) and the like are provided. Furthermore, an orientation change mechanism (not shown) to change the orientation of the nacelle 6 and the like are also provided. A gearbox (not shown) may also be provided. The nacelle 6 is provided at the top of a tower 7 standing above the ocean 3.

[0014] The floating wind power generation device 2 also includes underwater facilities such as a float 8 for floating the tower 7 on the ocean 3, a mooring line 9 for mooring the float 8, and a transmission cable 10 for transmitting the generated electricity to land.

[0015] The mooring lines 9 are huge metal chains that tie the floating body 8 to the seabed. Multiple mooring lines 9 are provided for one floating body 8. The lower ends of these mooring lines 9 are fixed to the seabed, so that the floating wind turbine generator 2 will not be carried away by ocean currents even when it is floating on the floating body 8.

[0016] Furthermore, the floating wind turbine generator 2 is not completely fixed in place by the mooring ropes 9, but is capable of moving horizontally within a predetermined range. In other words, the mooring ropes 9 are adjusted to a length that allows movement of the floating wind turbine generator 2. The floating wind turbine generator 2 may also be equipped with a hoist (not shown) that winds in and lets out the mooring ropes 9.

[0017] The floating wind power generation device 2 also includes a moving device 11 that moves the floating wind power generation device 2 horizontally. This moving device 11 is attached to the bottom of the floating body 8. The moving device 11 may also be attached to the side of the floating body 8. Furthermore, multiple moving devices 11 may also be attached to the floating body 8.

[0018] The moving device 11 is composed of, for example, a screw 12 for generating propulsive force underwater, a motor (not shown) for driving the screw 12, and a thrust changing mechanism (not shown) for changing the direction of the screw 12. The moving device 11 may also be one that moves the floating wind power generation device 2 using a mechanism other than the screw 12. For example, a moving device 11 such as a sail or wing for receiving wind W and moving the floating body 8 may be attached to the top or side of the floating body 8.

[0019] Furthermore, the moving device 11 may not only move the water-based wind turbine generator 2 in the horizontal direction, but also cause the water-based wind turbine generator 2 to yaw.

[0020] Furthermore, one floating body 8 is provided corresponding to one water-based wind turbine generator 2, but one floating body 8 may float a plurality of water-based wind turbine generators 2.

[0021] The floating wind turbine generator 2 also includes a position measuring device 13 that measures its current position. For example, the position measuring device 13 is provided on top of the nacelle 6, and measures the current position of the floating wind turbine generator 2 based on radio waves received from a satellite positioning system.

[0022] The floating wind turbine power generation apparatus 2 also includes a wind turbine control device 14. This wind turbine control device 14 is provided to, for example, control the orientation of the nacelle 6, control the pitch angle of the blades 5, and control the moving device 11. The wind turbine control device 14 also includes communication equipment (not shown). The wind turbine control device 14 transmits position information indicating the current position of the floating wind turbine power generation apparatus 2 measured by the position measuring device 13 to a management computer 30 (FIG. 5) at headquarters in a remote location (ground station).

[0023] In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the wind turbine control device 14 automatically controls the floating wind turbine power generation device 2, but other examples are also possible. For example, the wind turbine control device 14 may be configured to accept input operations from a manager (user) of the floating wind turbine power generation system 1 and control the floating wind turbine power generation device 2. In other words, the wind turbine control device 14 may be a remote control device for manually controlling the floating wind turbine power generation device 2 by a manager.

[0024] 1, the floating wind power generation system 1 includes a plurality of wind condition observation devices 20 floating on the ocean 3. These wind condition observation devices 20 are provided to observe the wind direction and wind speed on the ocean 3.

[0025] 2, the wind condition observation device 20 includes a tower 21 standing on the ocean 3, a float 22 for floating the tower 21 on the ocean 3, and a mooring line 23 for mooring the float 22. The wind condition observation device 20 further includes a wind vane 24 for measuring the wind direction on the ocean 3, and an anemometer 25 for measuring the wind speed on the ocean 3. The wind vane 24 and the anemometer 25 are provided on the top of the tower 21.

[0026] In this embodiment, the wind vane 24 and the anemometer 25 are provided in the wind condition observation device 20, but other configurations are also possible. For example, the wind vane 24 and the anemometer 25 may be provided in the floating wind power generation device 2.

[0027] The wind condition observation device 20 is equipped with communication equipment (not shown). The wind condition observation device 20 transmits wind direction information indicating the wind direction measured by the anemometer 24 and wind speed information indicating the wind speed measured by the anemometer 25 to a management computer 30 (FIG. 5) at headquarters in a remote location (ground station).

[0028] The floating wind power generation system 1 of this embodiment is configured with a management computer 30 having hardware resources such as a CPU, ROM, RAM, and HDD, and in which software-based information processing is realized using the hardware resources by the CPU executing various programs. Furthermore, the floating wind power generation method of this embodiment is realized by having the management computer 30 execute various programs.

[0029] Next, the system configuration of the management computer 30 will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in Figure 5. This management computer 30 comprehensively manages the floating wind turbine generator 2 and the wind condition observation device 20.

[0030] The management computer 30 includes a communication unit 31, an input unit 32, an output unit 33, a storage unit 34, and a control unit 35. Note that each component of the management computer 30 does not necessarily have to be provided on a single computer. For example, these components may be realized by multiple computers connected to each other via a network.

[0031] The communication unit 31 communicates with other computers via a communication line such as the Internet. For example, the communication unit 31 communicates with the floating wind turbine generator 2 and the wind condition observation device 20. In this embodiment, the management computer 30 and the other computers are connected to each other via the Internet, but other embodiments are also possible. For example, the management computer 30 and the other computers may be connected to each other via a WAN (Wide Area Network) or a mobile communication network.

[0032] Predetermined information is input to the input unit 32 in response to operations by an administrator (user) who uses the management computer 30. The input unit 32 includes input devices such as a mouse or a keyboard. That is, predetermined information is input to the input unit 32 in response to operations of these input devices.

[0033] The output unit 33 outputs predetermined information. The management computer 30 includes a device for displaying images, such as a display that outputs analysis results. In other words, the output unit 33 controls the images displayed on the display. The display may be separate from the computer main body, or may be integrated with it.

[0034] The management computer 30 of this embodiment may also control images displayed on a display of another computer connected via a network. In this case, the output unit 33 of the other computer may control the output of the analysis results of this embodiment.

[0035] In this embodiment, a display is used as an example of a device that displays images, but other modes may be used. For example, a printer that prints information on paper media may be used instead of a display. In other words, a printer may be included as an object controlled by the output unit 33.

[0036] The storage unit 34 stores various information necessary for controlling the floating wind power generation system 1. For example, the storage unit 34 stores position information, wind direction information, wind speed information, layout information, etc. Here, the layout information is information for changing the layout of the floating wind power generation device 2.

[0037] The control unit 35 comprehensively controls the management computer 30. The control unit 35 includes a position information acquisition unit 36, a wind direction information acquisition unit 37, a wind speed information acquisition unit 38, a turbulence intensity calculation unit 39, a wind turbine wake evaluation unit 40, a power generation output calculation unit 41, and a layout generation unit 42. These are realized by the CPU executing programs stored in the memory or HDD.

[0038] As shown in Figure 3, first, there is a reference position 2A for each floating wind turbine generator 2. Here, it is assumed that wind W is blowing from a predetermined direction, and the wind direction and wind speed of this wind W are observed by a wind condition observation device 20 (Figure 1). Based on this, a management computer 30 (Figure 5) analyzes the optimal position 2B for suppressing a decrease in power generation output caused by the effects of the wind turbine wake.

[0039] For example, the management computer 30 calculates the effects of the wind turbine wake and the interactions of the wind turbine wake. A predetermined engineering model (a mathematical formula for the model) may be preset for this calculation, and predetermined analysis results may be output according to the wind direction and wind speed. Furthermore, atmospheric stability and fluctuations in wind direction may also be analyzed.

[0040] Furthermore, when analyzing the influence of the wind turbine wake on the reference water-based wind turbine power generation device 2, not only the influence of the wind turbine wake from the water-based wind turbine power generation device 2 upstream of the reference water-based wind turbine power generation device 2 is analyzed, but also the influence of the wind turbine wake on the water-based wind turbine power generation device 2 downstream of the reference water-based wind turbine power generation device 2. Then, an optimal position 2B for the reference water-based wind turbine power generation device 2 is analyzed. Note that the reference water-based wind turbine power generation device 2 may be fixed at a reference position 2A, while the surrounding water-based wind turbine power generation devices 2 are moved to their optimal positions 2B.

[0041] The management computer 30 then outputs layout information indicating the optimum position 2B for each of the water-based wind turbine generators 2. Based on the layout information, each of the water-based wind turbine generators 2 controls the moving device 11 (FIG. 2) to move to the optimum position 2B.

[0042] 4, the management computer 30 analyzes not only the horizontal flow of the wind W but also the vertical (up and down) flow of the wind W. For example, a turbulent region T that causes wind turbine wake is formed behind a given floating wind power generation device 2.

[0043] Here, an air current F may occur that flows downward from a layer L above the turbulent region T generated by the upstream floating wind turbine 2. The management computer 30 also analyzes the effect of the kinetic energy of this air current F on the downstream floating wind turbine 2. For example, if the region of high turbulence intensity of this air current F can be utilized, not only can the effect of the wind turbine wake be reduced, but the power output of the downstream floating wind turbine 2 may also be increased.

[0044] Next, the floating wind power generation method of the first embodiment will be described using the flowchart in Figure 6. The aforementioned drawings will be referred to as appropriate. The following steps are at least a part of the processing included in the floating wind power generation method, and other steps may also be included in the floating wind power generation method.

[0045] First, in step S1, the position measuring device 13 (Fig. 2) of each floating wind turbine generator 2 measures its current position. Then, the wind turbine controller 14 (Fig. 2) transmits position information indicating the current position measured by the position measuring device 13 to the management computer 30 (Fig. 5). Then, the process proceeds to step S4.

[0046] In step S2, which is executed in parallel with step S1, the anemometer 24 (FIG. 2) of each wind condition observation device 20 measures the wind direction over the ocean 3. Here, the wind condition observation device 20 transmits wind direction information indicating this wind direction to the management computer 30. Then, the process proceeds to step S5.

[0047] In step S3, which is executed in parallel with step S1, the anemometer 25 (FIG. 2) of each wind condition observation device 20 measures the wind speed on the ocean 3. Here, the wind condition observation device 20 transmits wind speed information indicating this wind speed to the management computer 30. Then, the process proceeds to step S6.

[0048] In step S4, the position information acquisition unit 36 ​​(FIG. 5) of the management computer 30 acquires position information from each of the water wind turbine generators 2. Then, the process proceeds to step S8.

[0049] In step S5, the wind direction information acquisition unit 37 (FIG. 5) of the management computer 30 acquires wind direction information from each wind condition observation device 20. Then, the process proceeds to steps S7 and S8.

[0050] In step S6, the wind speed information acquisition unit 38 (FIG. 5) of the management computer 30 acquires wind speed information from each wind condition observation device 20. Then, the process proceeds to steps S7 and S8.

[0051] In step S7, the turbulence intensity calculation unit 39 (FIG. 5) of the management computer 30 calculates the turbulence intensity downstream of each of the water-based wind turbine generators 2 based on the wind direction information and wind speed information. Then, the process proceeds to step S8.

[0052] In step S8, the wind turbine wake evaluation unit 40 (Figure 5) of the management computer 30 evaluates the impact of the wind turbine wake on each of the floating wind power generation devices 2 based on at least wind direction information and wind speed information in addition to the position information of each of the floating wind power generation devices 2.

[0053] Additionally or alternatively, the wind turbine wake evaluation unit 40 evaluates the influence of the wind turbine wake on each of the floating wind turbine power generation devices 2 based on wind direction information, wind speed information, and turbulence intensity in addition to the position information of each of the floating wind turbine power generation devices 2. In this way, it is possible to evaluate the wind turbine wake including turbulence intensity.

[0054] The evaluation of this turbulence intensity includes evaluation of the kinetic energy of the airflow F (FIG. 4) hitting the downstream floating wind turbine 2. In this way, the power output of the downstream floating wind turbine 2 can be increased by utilizing the area with high turbulence intensity.

[0055] In the next step S9, the power generation output calculation unit 41 (FIG. 5) of the management computer 30 calculates the power generation output of each of the floating wind turbine power generation devices 2 when affected by the wind turbine wake. Here, the power generation output calculation unit 41 simulates the state of the power generation output of the floating wind turbine power generation device 2 when affected by the wind turbine wake.

[0056] In the next step S10, the layout generation unit 42 (FIG. 5) of the management computer 30 generates layout information for changing the layout (position) of at least some of the floating wind power generation devices 2 in accordance with the evaluation of the wind turbine wake.

[0057] In the next step S11, the layout generation unit 42 determines whether or not the total reduction in the power output of each of the water wind turbines 2 will be minimized when at least some of the water wind turbines 2 are moved based on the generated layout information. If the total reduction in the power output will be minimized (YES in step S11), the process proceeds to step S12. On the other hand, if the total reduction in the power output will not be minimized (NO in step S11), the process proceeds to step S13.

[0058] That is, the layout generation unit 42 generates layout information that minimizes the total amount of reduction in power output of each of the floating wind turbine generators 2. The determination in step S11 may be performed by generating several patterns (e.g., 100 patterns) of layout information and selecting the layout information that minimizes the total amount of reduction in power output from among them. Alternatively, steps S8 to S11 may be repeated until layout information that minimizes the total amount of reduction in power output is generated.

[0059] When the layout information is generated by the layout generation unit 42, calculations are performed using constraints such as the range in which the floating wind power generation devices 2 can move as defined by the mooring ropes 9, or the range in which the floating wind power generation devices 2 do not interfere with each other.

[0060] In step S12, the layout generation unit 42 outputs layout information that minimizes the total reduction in power output. The management computer 30 then transmits this layout information to each of the water wind turbine generators 2. Then, the process proceeds to step S14.

[0061] On the other hand, in step S13, the layout generation unit 42 corrects the position of the water-based wind turbine power generation device 2 in the layout information. Then, the process returns to step S8. Here, the wind turbine wake evaluation unit 40 evaluates the wind turbine wake again based on the corrected position of the water-based wind turbine power generation device 2.

[0062] In step S14, the wind turbine control device 14 (FIG. 2) of each floating wind turbine power generation apparatus 2 executes a wind turbine movement process. Here, each wind turbine control device 14 controls the movement device 11 to move the floating wind turbine power generation apparatus 2 to an appropriate position according to the layout information. In this way, the floating wind turbine power generation apparatus 2 can be moved to a position where a decrease in power generation output is suppressed.

[0063] The wind turbine movement process is a process for moving at least some of the water wind turbine generators 2. The wind turbine movement process also includes control of the orientation of the nacelle 6 and control of the pitch angle of the blades 5. Then, the process returns from step S1 to step S3.

[0064] In the first embodiment, by repeating steps S1 to S14, it is possible to minimize the amount of reduction in power generation output when the power generation output is reduced due to the influence of the wind turbine wake.

[0065] In the floating wind power generation method of the first embodiment, the wind turbine control device 14 moves the floating wind turbine power generation apparatus 2 based on the layout information output by the management computer 30, but other aspects are also possible. For example, the floating wind turbine power generation apparatus 2 may be moved by remote control by a user based on the layout information output by the management computer 30. In other words, the floating wind power generation method of the first embodiment is sufficient as long as the management computer 30 executes at least the processes from step S4 to step S13.

[0066] In the first embodiment, the evaluation of the wind turbine wake is performed based on the wind direction information, the wind speed information, and the turbulence intensity, but other aspects are also possible. For example, the evaluation of the wind turbine wake may be performed based only on the wind direction information and the wind speed information.

[0067] It is preferable that the direction in which the floating wind turbine generators 2 move is perpendicular to the wind direction. In this way, wind turbine wake can be avoided with a minimum moving distance. Furthermore, when moving the upstream floating wind turbine generator 2, the downstream floating wind turbine generator 2 may be moved in the opposite direction to the upstream floating wind turbine generator 2. In this way, wind turbine wake caused by the upstream floating wind turbine generator 2 can be avoided with a minimum moving distance.

[0068] If moving a specific floating wind turbine generator 2 would reduce the overall power output of the floating wind turbine generator system 1, the specific floating wind turbine generator 2 may not be moved.

[0069] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 7 and 8. Note that the same components as those shown in the above-described embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals and redundant description will be omitted.

[0070] 7, the management computer 30 of the second embodiment includes, in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment (FIG. 5) described above, a wind condition prediction unit 43. This wind condition prediction unit 43 predicts future wind direction and wind speed based on wind direction information and wind speed information acquired by the management computer 30.

[0071] Next, a floating wind power generation method according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart in Figure 8. In the floating wind power generation method according to the second embodiment, steps S5A and S6A are added to the steps of the first embodiment (Figure 6). The other steps are the same as those of the first embodiment. The block diagram shown in Figure 7 will be referred to as appropriate.

[0072] 8, in step S5A following step S5, the wind condition prediction unit 43 of the management computer 30 predicts the future wind direction, and then the process proceeds to steps S7 and S8.

[0073] In step S6A, which follows step S6, the wind condition prediction unit 43 predicts the future wind speed, and then the process proceeds to steps S7 and S8.

[0074] In step S7, the turbulence intensity calculation unit 39 of the management computer 30 calculates the turbulence intensity downstream of each water wind turbine 2 based on the predicted wind direction and wind speed. In other words, the future turbulence intensity is predicted. Then, the process proceeds to step S8.

[0075] In step S8, the wind turbine wake evaluation unit 40 of the management computer 30 evaluates the impact of the wind turbine wake on each of the floating wind turbines 2 based on the predicted wind direction, wind speed, and turbulence intensity in addition to the position information of each of the floating wind turbines 2. In this way, the impact of the wind W that will actually hit the floating wind turbines 2 can be predicted in advance, further suppressing the reduction in power generation output.

[0076] For example, suppose that it takes 10 minutes for the floating wind turbine 2 to move to an appropriate position based on the layout information. Here, the wind condition prediction unit 43 predicts the wind direction and wind speed 10 minutes from now, which corresponds to this movement time. If layout information is generated based on this prediction and the floating wind turbine 2 starts moving, the predicted wind direction and wind speed will be exactly as predicted when the movement is completed (10 minutes later). Therefore, it is possible to sufficiently suppress a reduction in power generation output. Furthermore, by changing the layout in combination with the wind condition prediction, it is also possible to predict power generation output. In particular, power generation output that matches the power generation plan can be obtained.

[0077] It is also possible to determine whether or not to change the layout based on a predetermined threshold. For example, the floating wind turbine generator 2 may be moved if the power generation output when the influence of the wind turbine wake is present is 50% or less compared to the power generation output when the influence of the wind turbine wake is not present. In this way, it is possible to prevent the floating wind turbine generator 2 from being moved frequently and to save the energy required for moving the floating wind turbine generator 2.

[0078] In the second embodiment, the water wind turbine generator 2 moves in accordance with the predicted wind direction and wind speed, thereby making it possible to obtain the power output according to the power generation plan.

[0079] In the second embodiment, the evaluation of the wind turbine wake is performed based on the predicted wind direction, predicted wind speed, and turbulence intensity, but other aspects are also possible. For example, the evaluation of the wind turbine wake may be performed based only on the predicted wind direction.

[0080] The floating wind power generation system, floating wind power generation method, and floating wind power generation program have been described based on the first and second embodiments, but the configuration applied in any one embodiment may be applied to another embodiment, or the configurations applied in each embodiment may be combined.

[0081] In the flowcharts of the above-described embodiments, the order of steps is not necessarily fixed, and the order of some steps may be reversed. Also, some steps may be executed in series with other steps or in parallel with other steps.

[0082] In the above embodiment, the floating wind turbine power generation apparatus 2 is installed on the ocean 3, but other configurations are also possible. For example, the floating wind turbine power generation apparatus 2 may be installed on a lake. In other words, the term "on water" includes the meanings of both on the sea and on the lake.

[0083] In the above-described embodiment, the floating wind turbine 2 is an upwind propeller-type wind turbine that is a lift-type wind turbine and a horizontal axis wind turbine, but other configurations are also possible. For example, the floating wind turbine 2 may be a downwind propeller-type wind turbine. The floating wind turbine 2 may also be a lift-type wind turbine and a vertical axis wind turbine such as a Darrieus wind turbine, a gyromill wind turbine, or a vertical blade wind turbine. The floating wind turbine 2 may also be a drag-type wind turbine and a vertical axis wind turbine such as a Savonius wind turbine, a paddle wind turbine, a crossflow wind turbine, or an S-rotor wind turbine. The floating wind turbine 2 may also be a lift-type wind turbine and a Magnus wind turbine that is a horizontal axis wind turbine or a vertical axis wind turbine.

[0084] In the above-described embodiment, the wind condition observation device 20 observes the wind direction and wind speed on the ocean 3, but other aspects are also possible. For example, the floating wind power generation system 1 may be equipped with multiple aerial drones (not shown), and these aerial drones may observe the wind direction and wind speed on the ocean 3.

[0085] In the above-described embodiment, the layout of the floating wind power generation device 2 is changed when it is affected by the wind turbine wake, but other aspects are also possible. For example, during times of low power consumption, such as at night, the layout may not be changed even when it is affected by the wind turbine wake. Furthermore, if sufficient power generation output can be obtained based on a predetermined power generation plan, the layout may not be changed even when it is affected by the wind turbine wake.

[0086] The system of the above-described embodiment includes a control device with a highly integrated processor such as a dedicated chip, FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or CPU (Central Processing Unit), a storage device such as ROM (Read Only Memory) or RAM (Random Access Memory), an external storage device such as HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive), a display device such as a monitor, an input device such as a mouse or keyboard, and a communication interface. This system can be realized with a hardware configuration using a normal computer.

[0087] The programs executed by the systems of the above-described embodiments are provided in advance in a ROM, etc. Alternatively, the programs may be provided in the form of installable or executable files stored on a computer-readable, non-transitory storage medium such as a CD-ROM, CD-R, memory card, DVD, or flexible disk (FD).

[0088] The programs executed by this system may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading them via the network. This system may also be configured by combining separate modules that independently perform the functions of the components and interconnect them via a network or dedicated lines.

[0089] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, by providing a layout generation unit that generates layout information for changing the layout of at least some of the wind turbine power generation devices in accordance with an evaluation of the wind turbine wake, it is possible to suppress a decrease in power generation output caused by the influence of the wind turbine wake.

[0090] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are intended to be included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention described in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 1...floating wind power generation system, 2...floating wind power generation device, 3...ocean, 4...hub, 5...blade, 6...nacelle, 7...tower, 8...floating body, 9...mooring line, 10...transmission cable, 11...moving device, 12...screw, 13...position measuring device, 14...wind turbine control device, 20...wind condition observation device, 21...tower, 22...floating body, 23...mooring line, 24...wind vane, 25...anemometer, 30...management computer, 31...communication unit, 32...input unit, 33...output unit, 34...memory unit, 35...control unit, 36...position information acquisition unit, 37...wind direction information acquisition unit, 38...wind speed information acquisition unit, 39...turbulence intensity calculation unit, 40...wind turbine wake evaluation unit, 41...power generation output calculation unit, 42...layout generation unit, 43...wind condition prediction unit, F...air flow, L...layer, T...turbulence region, W...wind.

Claims

1. a position information acquisition unit that acquires position information indicating the positions of a plurality of wind turbine generators from a position measurement device that measures the positions of the wind turbine generators floated on water by floating bodies; a wind direction information acquisition unit that acquires wind direction information indicating the wind direction from at least one anemometer that measures the wind direction on water; a wind speed information acquisition unit that acquires wind speed information indicating the wind speed from at least one anemometer that measures wind speed on water; a turbulence intensity calculation unit that calculates turbulence intensity downstream of at least one of the wind turbine generators based on the position information, the wind direction information, and the wind speed information; a wind turbine wake evaluation unit that evaluates an influence of a wind turbine wake on each of the wind power generation devices based on the position information, the wind direction information, and the wind speed information; a layout generation unit that generates layout information for changing the layout of at least some of the wind turbine generators in accordance with the evaluation of the wind turbine wake; Equipped with the wind turbine wake evaluation unit evaluates an influence of the wind turbine wake on each of the wind power generation devices based on the position information, the wind direction, the wind speed, and the turbulence intensity; the evaluation of the turbulence intensity includes evaluation of the kinetic energy of airflow that flows downward from a layer above a turbulent flow region generated by the upstream wind turbine and strikes the downstream wind turbine; Floating wind power generation system.

2. a moving device that moves at least some of the wind turbine generators in accordance with the layout information; The floating wind power generation system according to claim 1 .

3. a power generation output calculation unit that calculates the power generation output of each of the wind power generation devices when affected by the wind turbine wake, the layout generation unit generates the layout information that minimizes the total amount of reduction in the power generation output of each of the wind turbine generators. The floating wind power generation system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. a step in which a position information acquisition unit acquires position information indicating the positions of the wind turbine generators from a position measurement device that measures the positions of the wind turbine generators floated on water by floating bodies; a step in which a wind direction information acquisition unit acquires wind direction information indicating the wind direction from at least one anemometer that measures the wind direction on water; a step in which a wind speed information acquisition unit acquires wind speed information indicating the wind speed from at least one anemometer that measures wind speed on water; a turbulence intensity calculation unit calculating turbulence intensity downstream of at least one of the wind turbine generators based on the position information, the wind direction information, and the wind speed information; a step in which a wind turbine wake evaluation unit evaluates an influence of the wind turbine wake on each of the wind turbine power generation devices based on the position information, the wind direction information, and the wind speed information; a step of generating layout information by a layout generation unit for changing the layout of at least some of the wind turbine power generation devices in accordance with the evaluation of the wind turbine wake; Including, In the evaluating step, an influence of the wind turbine wake on each of the wind power generation devices is evaluated based on the position information, the wind direction, the wind speed, and the turbulence intensity; the evaluation of the turbulence intensity includes evaluation of the kinetic energy of airflow that flows downward from a layer above a turbulent flow region generated by the upstream wind turbine and strikes the downstream wind turbine; Floating wind power generation method.

5. On the computer, a step of acquiring position information indicating the positions of a plurality of wind turbine generators floated on water by floating bodies from a position measuring device that measures the positions of the wind turbine generators; obtaining wind direction information indicating the wind direction from at least one wind vane that measures the wind direction over water; obtaining wind speed information indicative of wind speed from at least one anemometer measuring wind speed over water; calculating a turbulence intensity downstream of at least one of the wind turbine generators based on the position information, the wind direction information, and the wind speed information; evaluating an influence of the wind turbine wake on each of the wind power generation devices based on the position information, the wind direction information, and the wind speed information; generating layout information for changing the layout of at least some of the wind turbine power generation devices in accordance with the evaluation of the wind turbine wake; Execute In the evaluating step, an influence of the wind turbine wake on each of the wind power generation devices is evaluated based on the position information, the wind direction, the wind speed, and the turbulence intensity; the evaluation of the turbulence intensity includes evaluation of the kinetic energy of airflow that flows downward from a layer above a turbulent flow region generated by the upstream wind turbine and strikes the downstream wind turbine; Floating Wind Power Program.

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