Inspection methods for wind power generation equipment

Abstract

To provide an inspection method and an unmanned inspection device for a wind power generation facility.SOLUTION: This inspection method for inspecting a wind power generation facility 200 by using an unmanned inspection device 100 comprises: a step of applying, by a transmitter 221 installed in the wind power generation facility 200, an electromagnetic wave to a down-conductor 231 provided in a blade 230 of the wind power generation facility 200; a step of mounding a receiver 103 having a first mode in which at least the reception sensitivity of the electromagnetic wave is high and a second mode in which the reception sensitivity of the electromagnetic wave is lower than that in the first mode on the unmanned inspection device 100, and flying it near a receptor 232 provided in the blade 230; a step of bringing a contact instrument 102 of a conductive material connected to the receiver 103 into contact with the receptor 232; and a step of confirming conduction upon reception of the electromagnetic wave applied to the down-conductor 231 through the receptor 232 and the contact instrument 102 by the receiver 103 which operates in a weak mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an inspection method and an unmanned inspection device for wind power generation facilities. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, to protect the blades of wind power generation facilities from lightning strikes, receptors are installed at the tips of the blades. The lightning current received by the receptor is guided to the tower by a down conductor inside the blade, and then connected to ground from the tower.

[0003] This type of grounding condition can deteriorate over time or due to lightning strikes on the blades, etc. For example, if the down conductor is broken, even if lightning is received by the receptor, it will be difficult for the lightning current to flow to the ground, etc., which could damage the blades. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct a continuity test on the down conductor to check whether the grounding condition is appropriate.

[0004] Conventionally, workers have typically traveled up to the receptor using ropework and carried out continuity tests using a tester (a measuring instrument for measuring resistance) that they brought with them, but such high-altitude work places a heavy burden on the workers and takes a long time to complete. Therefore, in recent years, a technique has been developed for inspecting wind power generation facilities using unmanned inspection equipment, in which a continuity tester is mounted on an unmanned aerial vehicle such as a drone, in order to perform continuity tests safely and quickly (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-183996 [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2021-143600 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 requires a conductive cable to be connected to the continuity tester mounted on the drone, as it performs a continuity test by measuring resistance (see paragraph 0025 and Figure 2 of Patent Document 1). This means that the drone flies while pulling the cable, which may hinder the safe flight of the drone.

[0007] Therefore, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 2 involves "passing a modulated signal current through a down conductor from a transmitter provided at the base of the blade, transmitting modulated electromagnetic waves to the outside of the blade via the down conductor or a receptor, and then moving a remotely controlled unmanned aerial vehicle equipped with a receiver for receiving the magnetic field signal of the modulated electromagnetic waves toward the blade, and confirming whether or not the magnetic field signal of the electromagnetic waves is received" (see paragraph 0088 of Patent Document 2). However, with the technology disclosed in Patent Document 2, even if the down conductor is broken, there is a possibility that it may be erroneously determined to be continuous if the break distance is short (as will be described later).

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a method for inspecting wind power generation equipment and an unmanned inspection device that can inspect wind power generation equipment safely and reliably. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] One aspect of the present invention is an inspection method for inspecting wind power generation equipment using an unmanned inspection device, the method including the steps of: a transmitter installed in the wind power generation equipment applying electromagnetic waves to down conductors attached to blades of the wind power generation equipment; a receiver having at least a first mode with high reception sensitivity for the electromagnetic waves and a second mode with lower reception sensitivity for the electromagnetic waves than the first mode, mounted on the unmanned inspection device, and flying the receiver near receptors attached to the blades; a photographing camera attached to an extendable rod of the unmanned inspection device photographing an area in front of the extendable rod, performing image recognition based on the image photographed by the photographing camera, and upon capturing the receptor, bringing a contact device made of a conductive material attached to the front end of the extendable rod into contact with the receptor; and a step of confirming continuity by the receiver receiving the electromagnetic waves applied to the down conductor through the receptor and the contact device while the receiver is operating in the second mode and while the contact device is in contact with the receptor. The receiving sensitivity in the first mode and the second mode is preset such that, when the inspection target of the wind power generation facility is normal, with the receiver in the second mode, the electromagnetic waves cannot be received unless the contact device is in contact with the receptor, whereas, when the receiver is in the first mode, the electromagnetic waves can be received even if the contact device is not in contact with the receptor; and, when there is an abnormality in the inspection target of the wind power generation facility, with the receiver in the second mode, the electromagnetic waves cannot be received even if the contact device is in contact with the receptor, whereas, when the receiver is in the first mode, if the abnormality in the inspection target is a disconnection within a specific disconnection distance, the electromagnetic waves can be received even if the contact device is not in contact with the receptor. . [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a method for inspecting wind power generation equipment and an unmanned inspection device that can inspect wind power generation equipment safely and reliably. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram showing an overall image of a method for inspecting a wind power generation facility according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the tip of a receptor according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 3 is a flowchart showing a method for inspecting a down conductor in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 10A to 10C are diagrams for explaining a method for inspecting a down conductor in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a down conductor in a normal state (conducting) in the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a case where an abnormality occurs in a down conductor (disconnection) in the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the flight of an unmanned inspection device as a comparative example. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the continuity test (resistance measurement) shown in FIG. [Figure 9] 1 is a configuration diagram showing an unmanned inspection device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 10] 1 is an external view showing an example of a continuity tester according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining an example of a continuity test in the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments described below are merely examples. In other words, the embodiments described below can be implemented with various modifications within the scope of the spirit thereof. In addition, parts with the same reference numerals in the drawings represent the same or similar parts unless otherwise specified.

[0014] [overview] The wind power generation facility inspection method according to an embodiment of the present invention is a technology for safely and reliably conducting continuity tests on down conductors using a drone equipped with a continuity tester. If continuity cannot be confirmed, the location of the break is determined. This method is compatible with all blade stop positions and all receptor shapes, making it possible to conduct continuity tests simply and quickly.

[0015] [Overall configuration example] 1 is a block diagram showing an overall view of an inspection method for a wind power generation facility 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Here, a case where the wind power generation facility 200 is installed on land 300 will be described as an example, but the basic configuration is the same when the facility is installed offshore.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, a worker U on the ground 300 is using the unmanned inspection device 100 to check the continuity of the down conductor 231. The worker U holds a terminal T, such as a proportional system, for operating the unmanned inspection device 100 and can refer to two monitors M1 and M2 installed on the ground 300. The monitor M1 is a display device for outputting images captured by the blade receptor imaging camera 106 mounted on the unmanned inspection device 100. The monitor M2 is a display device for outputting images captured by the receiver imaging camera 105 mounted on the unmanned inspection device 100. The types of monitors M1 and M2 are not particularly limited and may be a monitor integrated with the terminal T, an external monitor, or a replacement monitor such as a tablet.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, wind power generation facility 200 includes tower 210 erected on ground 300, nacelle (not shown) provided at the top of tower 210, hub 220 provided in front of the nacelle, and three blades 230, 240, and 250 supported by hub 220. Blades 230, 240, and 250 are wind turbine blades that rotate when exposed to wind. Hub 220 connects the bases of blades 230, 240, and 250 to the rotor shaft. The nacelle houses a gearbox, generator, and other components connected to hub 220 via the rotor shaft. Tower 210 supports blades 230, 240, and 250, hub 220, and nacelle, and also serves as a passageway for various cables.

[0018] The following description focuses on blade 230, but the same applies to the other blades 240 and 250. Blade 230 is a wind turbine blade that rotates in response to wind and is made of lightweight, corrosion-resistant fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) or similar. A receptor 232 made of a conductive material (e.g., copper) is provided at the tip of blade 230. Receptor 232 is a lightning-receiving part that conducts lightning current to the ground. The lightning current received by receptor 232 is guided to tower 210 by down conductor 231 provided on blade 230 and then flows to the ground via down conductor 211 provided on tower 210. Down conductor 231 may be a commonly used conductive wire (e.g., copper wire). Down conductor 211 may also be a commonly used lightning grounding conductor (e.g., copper wire). Providing multiple receptors 232 on the surface of blade 230 can further improve lightning capture performance.

[0019] As already explained, such a grounding condition may deteriorate, so it is necessary to check whether the grounding condition is appropriate by conducting a continuity test on the down conductor 231. In the embodiment of the present invention, the following method is adopted to inspect the down conductor 231 safely and reliably.

[0020] That is, a transmitter 221 is installed in advance on a down conductor 231 in a hub 220, and an electromagnetic wave is applied from the transmitter 221 to the down conductor 231. Although the transmitter 221 is depicted outside the hub 220 in FIG.

[0021] As shown by arrow F1 in Fig. 1, worker U manually operates terminal T to launch unmanned inspection device 100 from ground 300, and when it arrives near receptor 232 provided on blade 230, switches from manual operation to autonomous flight. The unmanned inspection device 100 is an unmanned aerial vehicle such as a drone equipped with a continuity tester, and its detailed configuration will be described later.

[0022] As shown by arrow F2 in FIG. 1 , after the unmanned inspection device 100 approaches the receptor 232, it performs image analysis (image recognition) using AI (artificial intelligence) based on the image captured by the blade / receptor imaging camera 106 attached to the telescopic rod, capturing the target receptor 232. The unmanned inspection device 100 then slowly approaches the receptor 232, bringing the contact device 102 attached to the front end of the telescopic rod into contact with the receptor 232. If continuity is established at this time, the receiver 103 mounted on the unmanned inspection device 100 responds (e.g., an LED lamp flashes), allowing continuity to be confirmed on the monitor M2 on the ground 300 based on the image captured by the receiver imaging camera 105. If the receiver 103 notifies continuity with a buzzer, the buzzer sound can be detected by a microphone mounted on the unmanned inspection device 100 and notified to a terminal T or the like operated by a worker U on the ground 300.

[0023] In the above explanation, the unmanned inspection device 100 switches from manual flight to autonomous flight when it reaches the vicinity of the receptor 232, but whether it is manual flight or autonomous flight is not the main focus of the present invention and is not particularly limited. For example, the worker U may manually perform the entire flight sequence while watching the monitor M1 on the ground 300 based on the image captured by the blade / receptor capturing camera 106.

[0024] Although not mentioned in the above description, the telescopic rod of the unmanned inspection device 100 may be equipped with a shock absorbing mechanism to reduce the impact when the contact device 102 comes into contact with the receptor 232. Since such a shock absorbing mechanism is not the main focus of the present invention, a detailed description of it will be omitted here.

[0025] [Receptor type] 2 is a schematic diagram showing the tip of a receptor 232 of a wind power generation facility 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention, with (A) illustrating a tip type, (B) a disk type, and (C) a rod type. As shown in FIGS. 2(A), (B), and (C), all types of receptors 232 are exposed from the blades 230, so it is possible to capture the shape of the blades 230 with the blade / receptor capturing camera 106, and then perform image recognition based on the captured image to capture the receptor 232. Of course, receptors 232 of types other than the tip, disk, and rod types can also be captured using a similar technique.

[0026] In Figure 2, the image-recognized receptor 232 is surrounded by a frame W, but the image recognition technology is not the main focus of the present invention. A worker U may visually check the tip of the blade 230 while looking at a monitor M1 on the ground 300. In any case, a continuity test can be performed regardless of the receptor shape.

[0027] [Continuity test procedure] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a method for inspecting down conductor 231 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram thereof. An example of a continuity test procedure will be described below with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. Here, it is assumed that a cable breaker locator PTR620 from Goodman Co., Ltd. is used as transmitter 221 and receiver 103. Of course, this locator is merely an example, and other transmitters 221 and receivers 103 may actually be used.

[0028] First, a blade 230 to be inspected is selected, and a transmitter 221 is installed in advance inside the hub 220 (FIG. 3, step S1). Under normal circumstances (when generating power), the down conductor 231 and the down conductor 211 are electrically connected, and the down conductors 231 and 211 are grounded. Therefore, it is necessary to connect the lead wire 222 of the transmitter 221 to the down conductor 231 in the hub 220 and to connect the lead wire 223 of the transmitter 221 to the down conductor 211 in the tower 210 while keeping the down conductor 231 and the down conductor 211 electrically isolated from each other. Here, the transmitter 221 is installed inside the hub 220, but the transmitter 221 may also be installed inside a nacelle.

[0029] Next, an electromagnetic wave is applied from the transmitter 221 to the down conductor 231 in the selected blade 230 (FIG. 3, step S2). The frequency of this electromagnetic wave is preferably a low frequency, such as 33.3 kHz, that easily propagates through a conductor. "Applying an electromagnetic wave" can also be rephrased as "inputting a search signal" or "inputting an input signal." As a result, the electromagnetic wave propagates from the transmitter 221 in the hub 220 to the receptor 232, as shown by arrow D1 in FIG. 4.

[0030] Next, the receiver 103 mounted on the unmanned inspection device 100 is set to weak mode (described later), and the unmanned inspection device 100 is flown close to the receptor 232 provided at the tip of the blade 230 to be inspected (FIG. 3, step S3). The unmanned inspection device 100 is equipped with various testers required for the continuity test and is set to an appropriate operation mode.

[0031] Next, the contact device 102 attached to the unmanned inspection device 100 is brought into contact with the receptor 232 (FIG. 3, step S4). As a result, as shown by arrow D2 in FIG. 4, if the receiver 103 receives an electromagnetic wave (search signal), it is possible to confirm that electricity flows through the down conductor 231, i.e., that there is continuity (FIG. 3, steps S5 → S6). On the other hand, if the receiver 103 does not receive an electromagnetic wave, it is possible to detect that electricity does not flow through the down conductor 231, i.e., that there is a break in the wire (FIG. 3, steps S5 → S7).

[0032] Furthermore, when a break is detected (FIG. 3, step S7), the receiver 103 may determine the position of the break in the down conductor 231 by identifying the positions where the receiver 103 can receive the electromagnetic waves and the positions where the receiver 103 cannot receive the electromagnetic waves (FIG. 3, step S8). A detailed explanation will be given later.

[0033] Here, the procedure for the continuity test for the down conductor 231 and receptor 232 of the blade 230 has been described, but similar continuity tests are performed for all three blades 230, 240, and 250. For the wind power generation facility 200 as a whole, a continuity test is also performed for the hub 220, nacelle, and tower 210. However, since the continuity tests for the hub 220, nacelle, and tower 210 are all performed indoors, it is not necessary to follow the above procedure.

[0034] In this example, the receiver 103 is already set to the low power mode when the unmanned inspection device 100 takes off (FIG. 3, step S3), but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the receiver 103 only needs to be in the low power mode when continuity is confirmed. For example, even if the receiver 103 is not set to the low power mode at takeoff, it may be set to the low power mode by remote control after takeoff, and may be in the low power mode when continuity is confirmed.

[0035] [Necessity of contact device contact] The receiver 103 used in the embodiment of the present invention can receive electromagnetic waves both in contact and non-contact mode, but has strong and weak modes for electromagnetic wave reception sensitivity. In strong mode, even weak electromagnetic waves can be received, making it suitable for cases where the target object is within a certain distance (e.g., up to about 3 m) (i.e., non-contact), such as when searching for cables inside walls or ceilings. In weak mode, reception is only possible with strong electromagnetic waves, making it suitable for reliable testing without contact errors.

[0036] Therefore, in the embodiment of the present invention, in order to perform a reliable continuity test without false detection, continuity is confirmed in "weak mode & contact." "Weak mode & contact" refers to a state in which the receiver 103 is operating in weak mode and the contact device 102 is in contact with the target object (the same applies hereinafter).

[0037] 5A and 5B are diagrams showing the down conductor 231 in the embodiment of the present invention when it is normal (conductive). Arrow D1 in the diagram indicates electromagnetic waves. When the down conductor 231 is conductive, electromagnetic waves of a substantially constant intensity propagate to the receptor 232, as shown by arrow D1 in FIG. 5A. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5B, continuity can be correctly determined in "strong mode & contact," "strong mode & non-contact," and "weak mode & contact." On the other hand, continuity cannot be determined in "weak mode & non-contact" (non-conduction determination).

[0038] In other words, under normal conditions (conduction), when receiver 103 is in weak mode, it does not receive electromagnetic waves (search signals) unless contact device 102 is in contact with receptor 232. On the other hand, when receiver 103 is in strong mode, it receives electromagnetic waves even if contact device 102 is not in contact with receptor 232.

[0039] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of an abnormality (disconnection) in the down conductor 231 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Arrows D1a and D1b in the figure indicate electromagnetic waves, and the width of the arrows D1a and D1b indicates the qualitative electromagnetic wave intensity. Even if the down conductor 231 is disconnected, as long as the disconnection distance L is short, for example, about 1 mm, the electromagnetic waves propagate as radio waves, as indicated by arrow D1b in FIG. 6(A). That is, the electromagnetic waves emitted from the disconnected end 231A of the down conductor 231 on the hub 220 side propagate through the space around the disconnection and are guided to the tip of the disconnected part of the opposing down conductor 231 (the disconnected end 231B of the down conductor 231 on the receptor 232 side). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6(B), in the "strong mode & contact" and "strong mode & non-contact" modes, there is a possibility of erroneously determining continuity (possibility of false detection). On the other hand, in "weak mode & non-contact" it can correctly determine that there is a break, but in "weak mode & non-contact" it cannot determine that there is continuity (non-continuity determination).

[0040] In other words, when an abnormality (disconnection) occurs, if the receiver 103 is in the weak mode, the electromagnetic waves are not received even if the contact device 102 is in contact with the receptor 232. On the other hand, if the abnormality to be inspected is a disconnection that is less than a specific disconnection distance, the receiver 103 receives the electromagnetic waves even if the contact device 102 is not in contact with the receptor 232.

[0041] For the above reasons, in order to perform a reliable continuity test without false positives, it is necessary to check the continuity using "weak mode & contact." Patent Document 2 (JP 2021-143600 A) employs a method of receiving electromagnetic waves without contacting the receptor 232 (see paragraphs 0054 and 0059 of Patent Document 2), so even if the down conductor 231 is broken, it may be erroneously determined to be continuous if the break distance L is short. In contrast, in the embodiment of the present invention, continuity is checked using "weak mode & contact," so it is possible to perform a reliable continuity test without false positives even if the break distance L is short.

[0042] Although the example shown here illustrates a case in which receiver 103 has two operating modes, a strong mode and a weak mode, the number of modes of receiver 103 and the receiving sensitivity of each mode are not limited to this. That is, receiver 103 only needs to have at least a first mode with high receiving sensitivity to electromagnetic waves and a second mode with lower receiving sensitivity to electromagnetic waves than the first mode. For example, even if receiver 103 has four modes, A, B, C, and D, a continuity test similar to the above can be performed as long as the four modes include modes corresponding to the first and second modes. In this way, the number of modes of receiver 103 and the receiving sensitivity of each mode are not limited to the example described above and can be adjusted (set) as appropriate.

[0043] [Applicability of wireless continuity tester to blade stop angle] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the flight of the unmanned inspection device 100 as a comparative example. Here, assuming a case where a continuity test is performed by resistance measurement, a case where a lead wire 401 is connected to a contact device 102 attached to the unmanned inspection device 100 is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 7, if the starting point of the continuity tester is set at the hub 220, the starting point can be set at the midpoint of the blades 230, 240, and 250. Therefore, compared to when the starting point is on the ground as shown in FIG. 2 of Patent Document 1, the lead wire length (lead wire weight) is reduced by up to half or more, which is advantageous for drone flight (the effect of wind on the lead wire, the payload).

[0044] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram, and the proportions of the various parts may differ from those of the actual product. A more detailed explanation will be provided below with reference to FIG. 7(B). For example, as shown in FIG. 7(B), assume that the height from the tower bottom to the hub 220 is 150 m, and the height from the tower bottom to the top of the blade 230 is 250 m. In this case, in order to bring the contact device 102 attached to the unmanned inspection device 100 into contact with the receptor 232, the unmanned inspection device 100 would need to be elevated by approximately 250 m if the starting point was the ground, whereas if the starting point was the hub 220, the unmanned inspection device 100 would only need to be elevated by approximately 100 m. In other words, as described above, it can be seen that the lead wire length can be reduced by up to half or more.

[0045] However, even when the starting point of the continuity tester is set at the hub 220 in this way, as shown in Figure 7(A), when the unmanned inspection device 100 flies downward, there is a possibility that the lead wire 401 may become entangled in the propeller of the unmanned inspection device 100. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 7(B) and 7(C), when the unmanned inspection device 100 flies upward or sideways, loads such as the weight of the lead wire 401 itself and wind pressure received by the lead wire 401 may be applied, which may impede the safe flight of the unmanned inspection device 100.

[0046] In contrast, in the embodiment of the present invention, there is no need to connect lead wires to the continuity tester mounted on the unmanned inspection device 100 (see FIG. 1), and therefore steps S1 to S8 shown in FIG. 3 can be performed without depending on the stop angle of the blade 230. The stop angle here includes the pitch angle. In this way, according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to perform a simple, safe, and quick continuity test that is not dependent on the stop angle of the blade 230.

[0047] [Details of wired continuity test (resistance measurement)] Figure 8 is a diagram for explaining the continuity test (resistance measurement) shown in Figure 7. As shown in Figure 8, when performing resistance measurement, a digital multimeter 400 is attached inside hub 220. Digital multimeter 400 is a measuring instrument (tester) that can measure multiple basic electrical elements (voltage, current, resistance) with a single unit. Digital multimeter 400 is connected to the object to be measured, and a known current is passed through it to determine the resistance value from the voltage change during that time.

[0048] For example, the negative terminal of the digital multimeter 400 is connected to the unmanned inspection device 100 via lead wire 401, and the positive terminal is connected to the down conductor 231 via lead wire 402. This allows current to be supplied from the digital multimeter 400 to the unmanned inspection device 100, and a continuity test is performed by bringing the conductive contact device 102 mounted on the unmanned inspection device 100 into contact with the receptor 232. If the down conductor 231 is broken, no current will flow and measurement will be impossible (over-range), making it possible to detect an abnormality in the down conductor 231 (lack of continuity).

[0049] [Unmanned inspection device] 9 is a configuration diagram showing an unmanned inspection device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. This unmanned inspection device 100 is an unmanned aerial vehicle such as a drone equipped with a continuity tester.

[0050] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9 , arms 120 are attached around a main body 101, and propellers 130 are connected to the arms 120. Legs 140 are attached to the lower part of the main body 101. The main body 101 houses a control device 101a, a drone battery 101b, and the like. The control device 101a is a controller for controlling the drone, and is configured, for example, by a microcomputer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), and non-volatile memory. The drone battery 101b is a battery for the drone, and is, for example, a lithium-ion battery or a lithium polymer battery.

[0051] A receiver 103 that receives electromagnetic waves from the transmitter 221 is mounted below the main body 101, and a camera 105 for photographing the receiver 103 is attached. A microphone that detects the buzzer sound of the receiver 103 may also be attached.

[0052] An extension rod 109 is attached to the top of the main body 101, serving as a support for attaching the contact device 102 and the blade / receptor imaging camera 106. Specifically, the contact device 102 made of a conductive material (e.g., copper) is attached to the front end of the extension rod 109, and an extension cable 104 extends from the contact device 102 along the extension rod 109, electrically connecting the contact device 102 to the receiver 103. The blade / receptor imaging camera 106 is also attached to the extension rod 109, facing forward. The blade / receptor imaging camera 106 is a camera for capturing images of the blade 230 and the receptor 232, and image recognition can be performed based on the captured images. Furthermore, a buffer mechanism 108 is provided slightly forward of the blade / receptor imaging camera 106. The buffer mechanism 108 is configured, for example, as a damper, to reduce the impact when the contact device 102 comes into contact with the receptor 232.

[0053] The receiver 103 is charged and used without power. Furthermore, if no signal (no electromagnetic waves are received) continues for a certain period of time, such as five minutes, the power is automatically turned off to conserve battery power. On the other hand, the receiver 103 is equipped with a constant power-on mode so that the power does not turn off even when there is no signal. Since a continuous no-signal state (disconnection state) may occur during a continuity test of the down conductor 231, it is desirable to use the receiver in the constant power-on mode. However, in this case, the battery (remaining charge) will run out quickly, necessitating repeated recharging (or having multiple devices and replacing them whenever they run out of power). Therefore, in an embodiment of the present invention, the constant power supply cable 110 of the receiver 103 is connected to the drone battery 101b, so that power is constantly supplied from the drone battery 101b to the receiver 103. By adopting such a power supply method, the receiver 103 can operate more stably, enabling more reliable continuity tests.

[0054] Although not shown in Fig. 9, the unmanned inspection device 100 also has various functional units that are commonly found in drones. For example, it is also equipped with a communication device for communicating with terminal T, a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver, an inertial measurement unit, and the like. Images captured by the receiver imaging camera 105 and the blade / receptor imaging camera 106 are transmitted by the communication device of the unmanned inspection device 100 and output to monitors M1 and M2 on the ground 300.

[0055] [Wireless continuity tester] Figure 10 is an external view showing an example of a continuity tester according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the above description, a cable breaker locator PTR620 from Goodman Co., Ltd. is used, but other continuity testers can also be used. The continuity tester shown in Figure 10 is merely an example, and of course, may differ from the actual one.

[0056] 10(A), transmitter 221 is provided with connection portions 221C and 221D on the top of main body 221A. One connection portion 221C is connected to down conductor 231 via lead wire 222, and the other connection portion 221D is connected to down conductor 211 via lead wire 223. As shown in FIG. 10(B), only one connection portion 221E may be provided on the top of main body 221A, and the lead wire connected to connection portion 221E may be bifurcated, with one of the bifurcated portions connected to down conductor 231 and the other to down conductor 211. When power button 221B is pressed, electromagnetic waves are applied to down conductor 231.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 10(C), the receiver 103 has an antenna unit 103E on top of the main body 103A. An extension cable 104 is connected to the antenna unit 103E. Pressing the strong mode button 103B operates the receiver in strong mode, and pressing the weak mode button 103C operates the receiver in weak mode. When the receiver 103 is receiving an electromagnetic wave (search signal), the LED lamp 103D flashes. Instead of using the LED lamp 103D to notify the receiver, a buzzer may be used to notify the receiver. Alternatively, the LED lamp 103D may be used to notify the receiver, and a buzzer may be used to notify the receiver.

[0058] [Continuity test example] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a continuity test according to an embodiment of the present invention. As already described, as shown in FIG. 11(A), if the down conductor 231 is broken, continuity cannot be confirmed through the receptor 232 provided at the tip of the blade 230 with the receiver 103 in the weak mode. In this case, since the broken point is closer to the hub 220 than the current test position, it is desirable to move the unmanned inspection device 100 closer to the hub 220 and perform a continuity test. For example, as shown in FIG. 11(B), the receiver 103 can be switched to the strong mode, the unmanned inspection device 100 can be moved along the down conductor 231, and a continuity test can be performed without bringing the contact device 102 into contact with the receptor 232. This allows the receiver 103 to identify positions where it can and cannot receive electromagnetic waves, making it possible to determine the location of the break (FIG. 3, step S8).

[0059] [Characteristic composition and its effects] As described above, the inspection method for wind power generation equipment 200 in the embodiment of the present invention is an inspection method for inspecting wind power generation equipment 200 using unmanned inspection device 100, and includes the steps of: a transmitter 221 installed in wind power generation equipment 200 applying electromagnetic waves to down conductors 231 provided on blades 230 of wind power generation equipment 200; mounting a receiver 103 having at least a first mode (e.g., strong mode) with high electromagnetic wave reception sensitivity and a second mode (e.g., weak mode) with lower electromagnetic wave reception sensitivity than the first mode on unmanned inspection device 100, and flying it near receptors 232 provided on blades 230; bringing contact devices 102 made of a conductive material connected to receiver 103 into contact with receptor 232; and confirming continuity by having receiver 103 operating in the weak mode receive the electromagnetic waves applied to down conductor 231 through receptor 232 and contact device 102. This makes it possible to perform a reliable continuity test without false detection even when the disconnection distance L is short, making it possible to provide an inspection method for inspecting the wind power generation facility 200 safely and reliably.

[0060] Furthermore, if continuity cannot be confirmed, the method may include a step of determining the position of the disconnection in the down conductor 231 by identifying the positions where the receiver 103 can receive electromagnetic waves and the positions where it cannot receive them. This makes it possible to inspect the wind power generation facility 200 quickly.

[0061] Specifically, if continuity cannot be confirmed through the receptor 232 provided at the tip of the blade 230 with the receiver 103 in the weak mode, the receiver 103 may be switched to the strong mode, the unmanned inspection device 100 may be moved along the down conductor 231, and a continuity test may be performed without bringing the contact device 102 into contact with the receptor 232. This makes it possible to identify the positions where the receiver 103 can receive electromagnetic waves and the positions where it cannot receive them, and therefore to determine the location of the break.

[0062] Furthermore, the transmitter 221 may be connected to a down conductor 231 in the hub 220 that supports the blade 230. This allows for easy installation of the transmitter 221. Of course, the location where the transmitter 221 is installed is not limited to inside the hub 220, as long as the electromagnetic waves can propagate from the base to the tip of the blade 230.

[0063] Furthermore, the above-described steps are performed independently of the stop angle of the blades 230. In other words, the inspection method for the wind power generation facility 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention is applicable to all blade stop positions.

[0064] In addition, the unmanned inspection device 100 in an embodiment of the present invention is an unmanned inspection device 100 for inspecting wind power generation equipment 200, and is equipped with an unmanned aerial vehicle, a control device 101a for controlling the unmanned aerial vehicle, a receiver 103 having at least a first mode (e.g., a strong mode) with high electromagnetic wave reception sensitivity and a second mode (e.g., a weak mode) with lower electromagnetic wave reception sensitivity than the first mode, and a contact device 102 made of a conductive material connected to the receiver 103, and flies near a receptor 232 provided on a blade 230 of the wind power generation equipment 200, brings the contact device 102 into contact with the receptor 232, and causes the receiver 103 operating in the weak mode to receive the electromagnetic waves applied to the down conductor 231 provided on the blade 230 through the receptor 232 and the contact device 102. This makes it possible to perform a reliable continuity test without false detection even when the disconnection distance L is short, making it possible to provide an unmanned inspection device 100 that inspects the wind power generation facility 200 safely and reliably.

[0065] Furthermore, the receiver 103 may be equipped with a drone battery 101b, and may be used in a state where the power is always on, and may be constantly supplied with power from the drone battery 101b. By adopting such a power supply method, it becomes possible to perform a continuity test more stably. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 100 Unmanned inspection device 101 Main body 101a Control device 101b Drone Battery 102 Contact devices 103 Receiver 104 Extension Cable 105 Receiver camera 106 Blade Receptor Camera 108 Buffer mechanism 109 Telescopic rod 110 Continuous power supply cable 120 Arm 130 propeller 140 Legs 200 Wind power generation facilities 210 Tower 211 Down Conductor 220 Hub 221 Transmitter 230 Blade 231 Down Conductor 232 Receptor 240 blades 250 blades M1 Monitor M2 Monitor T-Terminal

Claims

1. An inspection method for inspecting wind power generation equipment using an unmanned inspection device, comprising: A step in which a transmitter installed in the wind power generation facility applies an electromagnetic wave to a down conductor provided on a blade of the wind power generation facility; a step of mounting a receiver having at least a first mode with high reception sensitivity to the electromagnetic waves and a second mode with lower reception sensitivity to the electromagnetic waves than the first mode on the unmanned inspection device, and flying the receiver in the vicinity of a receptor provided on the blade; a step of photographing the area in front of the telescopic rod using a photographing camera attached to the telescopic rod of the unmanned inspection device, performing image recognition based on the image photographed by the photographing camera, and when the receptor is captured, bringing a contact device made of a conductive material attached to the front end of the telescopic rod into contact with the receptor; confirming continuity by receiving the electromagnetic waves applied to the down conductor through the receptor and the contact device while the receiver is operating in the second mode and the contact device is in contact with the receptor; Including, The receiving sensitivity of the first mode and the second mode is When the inspection target of the wind power generation facility is normal, in a state where the receiver is in the second mode, the electromagnetic waves cannot be received unless the contact device is in contact with the receptor, whereas in a state where the receiver is in the first mode, the electromagnetic waves can be received even if the contact device is not in contact with the receptor, and When there is an abnormality in the inspection target of the wind power generation facility, if the receiver is in the second mode, the electromagnetic waves cannot be received even if the contact device is in contact with the receptor, whereas if the receiver is in the first mode, and the abnormality in the inspection target is a disconnection that is less than a specific disconnection distance, the electromagnetic waves can be received even if the contact device is not in contact with the receptor. It is preset How to inspect wind power generation equipment.

2. The method for inspecting wind power generation equipment according to claim 1 further includes a step of determining the location of a break in the down conductor by identifying positions where the receiver can receive the electromagnetic waves and positions where it cannot receive the waves if the continuity cannot be confirmed.

3. 3. The method for inspecting wind power generation equipment according to claim 2, wherein, when the receiver is in the second mode and continuity cannot be confirmed through the receptor provided at the tip of the blade, the receiver is switched to the first mode, the unmanned inspection device is moved along the line of the down conductor, and a continuity test is performed without bringing the contact device into contact with the receptor.

4. The method for inspecting a wind power generation facility according to claim 1 , wherein the transmitter is connected to a down conductor in a hub that supports the blade.

5. A method for inspecting wind power generation equipment, comprising carrying out each step according to any one of claims 1 to 4 without depending on the stop angle of the blades.

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