Wind power generation equipment

Abstract

To provide a technology that improves the energy efficiency of a wind power generator.SOLUTION: A wind power generator disclosed in the present specification comprises: a wind turbine; a first motor generator and a second motor generator to be driven by the wind turbine; at least one mechanism to be driven by the second motor generator; a power splitting mechanism that couples a first shaft connected to the first motor generator, a second shaft connected to the second motor generator, and a third shaft different from the first and second shafts in a way that enables differential rotation of the first, second, and third shafts; and a rotation restricting mechanism that prevents or restricts the rotation of the third shaft.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a wind turbine generator. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 states: , th 1 motor generator, Powered by a windmill a second motor generator; No. 1 The present invention discloses a wind turbine generator including at least one mechanism (cooling pump) driven by a motor generator, wherein a first shaft connected to the first motor generator and a second shaft connected to the second motor generator are not connected to each other. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-53548 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the configuration of Patent Document 1, No. 1 The cooling pump cannot be driven unless the motor generator is powered. No. 2 While generating electricity using a motor generator, No. 1 Since the motor generator consumes power, it is expected that there will be waste in terms of energy efficiency. No. 1 The mechanism driven by the motor generator is not limited to a cooling pump. This specification provides a technique that can improve the energy efficiency of a wind turbine generator. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The wind power generation device disclosed in this specification is a wind turbine. , th 1 motor generator, Powered by a windmill a second motor generator; No. 1 At least one mechanism driven by a motor generator, a first shaft connected to the first motor generator, a second shaft connected to the second motor generator, and a third shaft different from the first shaft and the second shaft are connected to each other so as to be capable of differential rotation. Planetary gear mechanism and, To transmit power between the first shaft and the second shaft and a rotation limiting mechanism that prohibits or limits the rotation of the third shaft. The planetary gear mechanism includes a sun gear connected to the first shaft, a ring gear connected to the second shaft, a plurality of planetary gears engaged with each of the sun gear and the ring gear, and a planetary carrier rotatably supporting the plurality of planetary gears and connected to the third shaft.

[0006] According to the above configuration, the power generated by the rotation of the wind turbine can be distributed to the first motor generator and the second motor generator. No. 2 Not just motor generators, No. 1 It is also possible to rotate the motor generator. No. 1 Without powering the motor generator, No. 1 At least one mechanism connected to the motor generator can be driven by the power generated by the rotation of the wind turbine. For example, when there is a surplus of power generated by the rotation of the wind turbine in a strong wind, part of that power can be used as a No. 1 It is possible to distribute the power to the motor generator. This allows the following to be done when driving at least one mechanism: No. 1 This reduces the power consumed by the motor generator, thereby improving the energy efficiency of the wind turbine generator. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a wind turbine generator 50 according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating a wind turbine generator 250 according to a second embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating a wind turbine generator 350 according to a third embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating a wind turbine generator 450 according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 5]FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating a wind turbine generator 550 according to a fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In one or more embodiments, the at least one mechanism may include at least one of a lubrication pump for supplying lubricating liquid to parts to be lubricated of the wind turbine generator, a cooling pump for supplying cooling liquid to parts to be cooled of the wind turbine generator, a cooling fan for supplying cooling air to parts to be cooled of the wind turbine generator, a pitch angle change mechanism for changing the pitch angle of the blades of the wind turbine, and a yaw angle change mechanism for changing the yaw angle of the rotation axis of the wind turbine.

[0009] According to the above configuration, the power generated by the rotation of the wind turbine can be used for various purposes other than power generation.

[0010] In one or more embodiments, the wind turbine generator includes: No. 2 The electric power generated by the motor generator is No. 1 The vehicle may further include a power supply circuit that supplies power to the motor generator.

[0011] If the external power source No. 1 If power is supplied to the motor generator, the power transmission loss will be relatively large. No. 2 The power generated by the motor generator No. 1 This allows the power to be supplied to the motor generator, thereby reducing transmission loss.

[0012] In one or more embodiments, the rotation limiting mechanism may include at least one of a locking mechanism that selectively locks and unlocks rotation of the third shaft, a clutch mechanism that selectively connects and disconnects the third shaft to the wind turbine, and a transmission mechanism that connects the third shaft to the wind turbine via a torque limiter.

[0013] According to the above configuration, at least one of the lock mechanism, the clutch mechanism, and the transmission mechanism Planetary gear mechanism The power division pattern in the motor can be diversified.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, the at least one mechanism is connected to the third axis, Planetary gear mechanism via No. 1 The at least one mechanism may be driven by a motor generator. The at least one mechanism may function as the rotation limiting mechanism.

[0015] According to the above configuration, there is no need to separately provide the locking mechanism or the like, and therefore the number of parts of the wind turbine generator can be reduced.

[0016] (Example 1; Wind power generation device 50; Figure 1) The wind power generation system 50 of this embodiment includes a hybrid unit 8, a wind turbine 52, a power conditioner 54, a speed increaser 56, and a locking mechanism 70.

[0017] The hybrid unit 8 is a power unit extracted from a hybrid vehicle (not shown). The hybrid unit 8 includes a transaxle 6 and a power control unit 7.

[0018] The transaxle 6 includes a first motor generator 12 and a second motor generator 14. The first motor generator 12 is a motor generator with a lower rated output than the second motor generator 14. In the drawings, the first motor generator 12 may be referred to as MG1, and the second motor generator 14 may be referred to as MG2.

[0019] The first motor generator 12 is connected to the first motor shaft 12a. The first motor generator 12 can rotate the first motor shaft 12a in response to the supply of electric power. The first motor generator 12 can also generate electric power in response to the rotation of the first motor shaft 12a.

[0020] The second motor generator 14 is connected to the second motor shaft 14a. The second motor generator 14 can rotate the second motor shaft 14a in response to the supply of electric power. The second motor generator 14 can also generate electric power in response to the rotation of the second motor shaft 14a.

[0021] The transaxle 6 further includes a planetary gear mechanism 16. The planetary gear mechanism 16 connects the engine shaft 10a, the first motor shaft 12a, and the second motor shaft 14a so that they can rotate differentially with one another. The planetary gear mechanism 16 can also be called a power split mechanism.

[0022] The planetary gear mechanism 16 includes a sun gear 16s, a plurality of planetary gears 16p, a planetary carrier 16c, and a ring gear 16u. The sun gear 16s is connected to the first motor shaft 12a. The plurality of planetary gears 16p are disposed around the sun gear 16s and engaged with the sun gear 16s. The planetary carrier 16c rotatably supports the plurality of planetary gears 16p and is connected to the engine shaft 10a. The ring gear 16u is disposed around the plurality of planetary gears 16p and engaged with the plurality of planetary gears 16p. The ring gear 16u is connected to the second motor shaft 14a via a first reduction mechanism 18. The ring gear 16u is also connected to the axle 4a via a second reduction mechanism 20 and a differential gear 21. The axle 4 a is connected to a main shaft 52 a of the wind turbine 52 via a speed-up gear 56 .

[0023] The locking mechanism 70 is provided on the engine shaft 10a. The locking mechanism 70 selectively locks and unlocks the rotation of the engine shaft 10a. When the rotation of the engine shaft 10a is locked, the first motor shaft 12a rotates at a predetermined speed increase ratio relative to the second motor shaft 14a. On the other hand, when the rotation of the engine shaft 10a is unlocked, the engine shaft 10a is in a substantially unloaded state. Therefore, the first motor shaft 12a and the second motor shaft 14a can rotate independently of each other. Hereinafter, the state in which the rotation of the engine shaft 10a is locked may be referred to as the "locked state." Furthermore, the state in which the rotation of the engine shaft 10a is unlocked may be referred to as the "unlocked state."

[0024] Transaxle 6 further includes a mechanical oil pump 24. Mechanical oil pump 24 is connected to first motor shaft 12a and is driven in response to the rotation of first motor shaft 12a. When mechanical oil pump 24 is driven, it circulates lubricating oil within transaxle 6. This allows each component of transaxle 6 to be lubricated and cooled. The flow rate of lubricating oil circulated by mechanical oil pump 24 varies in response to the amount of rotation of first motor shaft 12a.

[0025] The power control unit 7 is provided integrally with the transaxle 6. The power control unit 7 is electrically connected to an external power system 100 via a power conditioner 54.

[0026] The power control unit 7 includes a first inverter 26, a second inverter 28, a DC-DC converter 30, and a control unit 31. The control unit 31 is, for example, a PCU (power control unit). The first inverter 26 is electrically connected to the first motor generator 12. The second inverter 28 is electrically connected to the second motor generator 14. The first inverter 26, the second inverter 28, and the power conditioner 54 are electrically connected to each other.

[0027] The first inverter 26 can convert AC power from the first motor generator 12 into DC power and supply it to the second inverter 28 and / or the power conditioner 54. The first inverter 26 can also convert DC power from the second inverter 28 and / or the power conditioner 54 into AC power and supply it to the first motor generator 12. The control unit 31 can control the operation of the first motor generator 12 via the first inverter 26.

[0028] The second inverter 28 can convert AC power from the second motor generator 14 into DC power and supply it to the first inverter 26 and / or the power conditioner 54. The second inverter 28 can also convert DC power from the first inverter 26 and / or the power conditioner 54 into AC power and supply it to the second motor generator 14. The control unit 31 can control the operation of the second motor generator 14 via the second inverter 28.

[0029] The first motor generator 12 and the second motor generator 14 are each provided with a temperature sensor 61, 62. Temperature data output from the temperature sensors 61, 62 is input to the control unit 31. The control unit 31 can calculate an optimal value for the circulation flow rate of the lubricating oil based on the temperature data output from the temperature sensors 61, 62, etc.

[0030] The control unit 31 is electrically connected to the locking mechanism 70. The control unit 31 can control the operation of the locking mechanism 70. That is, the control unit 31 can switch the wind turbine generator 50 between a locked state and an unlocked state. Normally, the control unit 31 keeps the wind turbine generator 50 in the locked state.

[0031] (Operation of the wind turbine generator 50 in the locked state) When wind turbine 52 receives wind power and rotates, first motor shaft 12a and second motor shaft 14a rotate. In response to the rotation of first motor shaft 12a, first motor generator 12 generates electricity and drives mechanical oil pump 24. In addition, in response to the rotation of second motor shaft 14a, second motor generator 14 generates electricity.

[0032] In the locked state, the mechanical oil pump 24 can be driven without the powering operation of the first motor generator 12. However, it is possible that the circulation flow rate of the lubricating oil may be excessive or insufficient relative to the optimum value. If such a situation is anticipated, the control unit 31 switches the wind turbine generator 50 to the unlocked state.

[0033] (Operation of the wind turbine generator 50 in the unlocked state) When the wind turbine 52 receives wind power and rotates, the engine shaft 10a rotates, and the second motor shaft 14a rotates as well. In response to the rotation of the second motor shaft 14a, the second motor generator 14 generates electricity.

[0034] The power control unit 7 supplies a portion of the power generated by the second motor generator 14 to the first motor generator 12. This drives the first motor generator 12, causing the first motor shaft 12a to rotate. The power control unit 7 can freely adjust the amount of rotation of the first motor shaft 12a by adjusting the power supplied to the first motor generator 12. This allows the power control unit 7 to drive the mechanical oil pump 24 so that the circulation flow rate of the lubricating oil becomes an optimum value.

[0035] (Example 2; Wind power generation device 250; Figure 2) In the following, only the differences between the wind turbine generator 250 and the wind turbine generator 50 (see FIG. 1) will be described.

[0036] In this embodiment, a clutch mechanism 270 is provided in place of the lock mechanism 70 (see FIG. 1). The clutch mechanism 270 includes a clutch 272. Furthermore, an engine shaft 210a is provided in place of the engine shaft 10a (see FIG. 1). A speed increaser 256 is provided in place of the speed increaser 56 (see FIG. 1).

[0037] The engine shaft 210a includes a first engine shaft 212a and a second engine shaft 214a. The first engine shaft 212a connects the clutch 272 and the speed increaser 256. The second engine shaft 214a connects the clutch 272 and the planetary gear mechanism 16.

[0038] The speed increaser 256 connects the first engine shaft 212a to the main shaft 52a so that the first engine shaft 212a rotates at a first speed increase ratio relative to the main shaft 52a. The speed increaser 256 also connects the axle 4a to the main shaft 52a so that the axle 4a rotates at a second speed increase ratio relative to the main shaft 52a. The first speed increase ratio is greater than the second speed increase ratio.

[0039] The clutch mechanism 270 selectively connects and disconnects the first engine shaft 212a and the second engine shaft 214a. Hereinafter, the state in which the first engine shaft 212a and the second engine shaft 214a are connected may be referred to as the "clutch connected state." Furthermore, the state in which the first engine shaft 212a and the second engine shaft 214a are disconnected may be referred to as the "clutch disengaged state." The control unit 31 can switch the wind turbine generator 250 between the clutch connected state and the clutch disengaged state. Normally, the control unit 31 keeps the wind turbine generator 250 in the clutch connected state.

[0040] (Operation of the wind turbine generator 250 in the clutch engaged state) When the wind turbine 52 receives wind power and rotates, the engine shaft 210a, the first motor shaft 12a, and the second motor shaft 14a rotate in conjunction with one another. In response to the rotation of the first motor shaft 12a, the first motor generator 12 generates electricity and drives the mechanical oil pump 24. In addition, in response to the rotation of the second motor shaft 14a, the second motor generator 14 generates electricity.

[0041] In the clutch-engaged state, the mechanical oil pump 24 can be driven without the powering operation of the first motor-generator 12. However, it is possible that the circulation flow rate of the lubricating oil may be excessive or insufficient relative to the optimum value. If such a situation is anticipated, the control unit 31 switches the wind turbine generator 250 to the clutch-disengaged state.

[0042] (Operation of the wind turbine generator 250 in the clutch disengaged state) When the wind turbine 52 receives wind power and rotates, the second motor shaft 14a rotates, and the second motor generator 14 generates electricity in response to the rotation of the second motor shaft 14a.

[0043] The power control unit 7 supplies a portion of the power generated by the second motor generator 14 to the first motor generator 12. This drives the first motor generator 12, causing the first motor shaft 12a to rotate. The power control unit 7 can freely adjust the amount of rotation of the first motor shaft 12a by adjusting the power supplied to the first motor generator 12. This allows the power control unit 7 to drive the mechanical oil pump 24 so that the circulation flow rate of the lubricating oil becomes an optimum value.

[0044] (Example 3; Wind power generation device 350; Figure 3) In the following, only the differences between the wind turbine generator 350 and the wind turbine generator 250 (see FIG. 2) will be described.

[0045] In this embodiment, a transmission mechanism 370 is provided instead of the clutch mechanism 270 (see FIG. 2). The transmission mechanism 370 includes a torque limiter 372. The torque limiter 372 limits the torque generated between the first engine shaft 212a and the second engine shaft 214a to a predetermined value or less. For example, if the wind turbine 52 rotates excessively, the torque limiter 372 can reduce the torque input to the mechanical oil pump 24. In this way, the torque limiter 372 can prevent the circulation flow rate of the lubricating oil from becoming excessive.

[0046] (Operation of the wind power generation device 350) When the wind turbine 52 receives wind power and rotates, the engine shaft 210a, the first motor shaft 12a, and the second motor shaft 14a rotate in conjunction with one another. In response to the rotation of the first motor shaft 12a, the first motor generator 12 generates electricity and drives the mechanical oil pump 24. In this embodiment, the first motor generator 12 does not generate electricity.

[0047] The power control unit 7 supplies a portion of the power generated by the second motor generator 14 to the first motor generator 12. This drives the first motor generator 12, and increases (or decreases) the rotation speed of the first motor shaft 12a. The power control unit 7 can freely adjust the amount of rotation of the first motor shaft 12a by adjusting the power supplied to the first motor generator 12. This allows the power control unit 7 to drive the mechanical oil pump 24 so that the circulation flow rate of the lubricating oil becomes an optimum value.

[0048] (Example 4; Wind power generation device 450; Figure 4) In the following, only the differences between the wind turbine generator 450 and the wind turbine generator 50 (see FIG. 1) will be described.

[0049] In this embodiment, a pitch angle change mechanism 470 is provided instead of the lock mechanism 70 (see FIG. 1). The mechanical oil pump 24 is not connected to the first motor shaft 12a. The mechanical oil pump 24 in this embodiment is driven, for example, by an actuator (not shown).

[0050] The pitch angle change mechanism 470 is connected to the engine shaft 10a and is driven in response to the rotation of the engine shaft 10a. When the pitch angle change mechanism 470 is driven, the pitch angle change mechanism 470 changes the pitch angle of the blades of the wind turbine 52. Furthermore, since the pitch angle change mechanism 470 is connected to the engine shaft 10a, a load is applied to the engine shaft 10a.

[0051] (Operation of wind power generation device 450) When the wind turbine 52 receives wind power and rotates, the engine shaft 10a, the first motor shaft 12a, and the second motor shaft 14a rotate in conjunction with one another. The pitch angle change mechanism 470 is driven in response to the rotation of the engine shaft 10a. Furthermore, power is generated by the second motor generator 14 in response to the rotation of the second motor shaft 14a. Note that in this embodiment, power is not generated by the first motor generator 12.

[0052] The power control unit 7 supplies a portion of the electric power generated by the second motor generator 14 to the first motor generator 12. This drives the first motor generator 12, and the rotation speed of the first motor shaft 12a is increased (or decreased). The power control unit 7 can freely adjust the rotation speed of the first motor shaft 12a by adjusting the electric power supplied to the first motor generator 12. The power control unit 7 adjusts the rotation speed of the engine shaft 10a by adjusting the rotation speed of the first motor shaft 12a. This allows the power control unit 7 to operate the pitch angle change mechanism 470 at an appropriate operating point.

[0053] (Example 5; Wind power generation device 550; Figure 5) In the following, only the differences between the wind turbine generator 550 and the wind turbine generator 450 (see FIG. 4) will be described.

[0054] In this embodiment, the pitch angle change mechanism 470 is connected to the axle 4a instead of the engine shaft 10a, and the speed increaser 56 connects the engine shaft 10a to the main shaft 52a instead of connecting the axle 4a to the main shaft 52a.

[0055] (Operation of wind power generation device 550) When the wind turbine 52 receives wind power and rotates, the engine shaft 10a, the first motor shaft 12a, and the second motor shaft 14a rotate in conjunction with one another. Power is generated by the first motor generator 12 in response to the rotation of the first motor shaft 12a. Note that in this embodiment, power is not generated by the second motor generator 14.

[0056] The power control unit 7 supplies a portion of the power generated by the first motor generator 12 to the second motor generator 14. This drives the second motor generator 14, and the rotation speed of the second motor shaft 14a is increased (or decreased). The power control unit 7 can freely adjust the amount of rotation of the second motor shaft 14a by adjusting the power supplied to the second motor generator 14. The power control unit 7 adjusts the amount of rotation of the axle 4a by adjusting the amount of rotation of the second motor shaft 14a. This allows the power control unit 7 to operate the pitch angle change mechanism 470 at an appropriate operating point.

[0057] (Variation) The positions of the first motor-generator 12 and the second motor-generator 14 may be interchanged.

[0058] Instead of the planetary gear mechanism 16, other power dividing mechanisms (for example, a differential gear) may be provided.

[0059] Other mechanisms may be provided in place of the mechanical oil pump 24. For example, a cooling fan for supplying cooling air to each component of the transaxle 6 may be provided.

[0060] Other mechanisms may be provided instead of the pitch angle change mechanism 470. For example, a yaw angle change mechanism for changing the yaw angle of the main shaft 52a of the wind turbine 52 may be provided.

[0061] Two of the lock mechanism 70, the clutch mechanism 270, and the transmission mechanism 370 may be provided on the engine shaft 10a (210a) at the same time. Alternatively, all of the lock mechanism 70, the clutch mechanism 270, and the transmission mechanism 370 may be provided on the engine shaft 10a (210a) at the same time.

[0062] The power control unit 7 may adjust the amount of rotation of the first motor shaft 12a by adjusting the power generation torque applied to the first motor generator 12.

[0063] It is not necessary for the first motor generator 12 to generate electricity. That is, the first motor generator 12 may function only as a prime mover that rotates the first motor shaft 12a.

[0064] Although specific examples of the technology disclosed in this specification have been described in detail above, these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and variations of the specific examples exemplified above. The technical elements described in this specification or in the drawings exhibit technical utility alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. The technology exemplified in this specification or in the drawings can achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving one of these objectives itself has technical utility. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 4a: Axle 6: Transaxle 7: Power control unit 8: Hybrid unit 10a: Engine shaft 12: First motor generator 12a: First motor shaft 14: Second motor generator 14a: Second motor shaft 16: Planetary gear mechanism 16c: Planetary Carrier 16p: Planetary gear 16s: Sun gear 16u: Ring gear 18: 1st reduction mechanism 20:Second reduction mechanism 21: Differential gear 24: Mechanical oil pump 26: 1st inverter 28: Second inverter 30: DC-DC converter 31: Control unit 50: Wind power generation equipment 52: Windmill 52a: Main shaft 54: Power conditioner 56: Gearbox 61, 62: Temperature sensor 70: Locking mechanism 100: Power system 210a: Engine shaft 212a: No. 1 engine shaft 214a: No. 2 engine shaft 250: Wind power generation equipment 256: Gearbox 270: Clutch mechanism 272: Clutch 350: Wind power generation equipment 370: Transmission Mechanism 372: Torque limiter 450: Wind power generation equipment 470: Pitch angle change mechanism 550: Wind power generation equipment

Claims

1. A wind power generation device, Windmills and a first motor generator; a second motor generator driven by the wind turbine; at least one mechanism driven by the first motor generator; a planetary gear mechanism that connects a first shaft connected to the first motor generator, a second shaft connected to the second motor generator, and a third shaft different from the first shaft and the second shaft so as to be capable of differential rotation with one another; a rotation limiting mechanism that prohibits or limits rotation of the third shaft in order to transmit power between the first shaft and the second shaft; It is equipped with The planetary gear mechanism includes: a sun gear connected to the first shaft; a ring gear connected to the second shaft; a plurality of planetary gears engaged with the sun gear and the ring gear, respectively; a planetary carrier that rotatably supports the plurality of planetary gears and is connected to the third shaft.

2. The at least one mechanism comprises: a lubrication pump for supplying lubricating liquid to a lubrication target part of the wind turbine generator; a cooling pump for supplying a cooling liquid to a cooling target part of the wind turbine generator; a cooling fan for supplying cooling air to a cooling target portion of the wind turbine generator; a pitch angle changing mechanism for changing the pitch angle of the blades of the wind turbine; a yaw angle changing mechanism for changing the yaw angle of the rotation axis of the wind turbine.

3. The wind turbine generator according to claim 1 , further comprising a power supply circuit that supplies the electric power generated by the second motor generator to the first motor generator.

4. 2. The wind turbine generator of claim 1, wherein the rotation limiting mechanism includes at least one of a locking mechanism that selectively locks and unlocks rotation of the third shaft, a clutch mechanism that selectively connects and disconnects the third shaft to the wind turbine, and a transmission mechanism that connects the third shaft to the wind turbine via a torque limiter.

5. the at least one mechanism is connected to the third shaft and is driven by the first motor generator via the planetary gear mechanism; The wind turbine generator of claim 1 , wherein the at least one mechanism functions as the rotation limiting mechanism.

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