Hydroelectric power generation system

Abstract

We provide a hydroelectric power generation system that can increase the amount of electricity generated. [Solution] The hydroelectric power generation system 10 comprises a flow channel 11 through which water flows and which has a reservoir 102 downstream, a power generation unit 12 that converts the energy of the water W flowing through the flow channel 11 into electricity, an electric valve 13 that adjusts the flow rate of the water W flowing through the flow channel 11, and a control unit 14 that controls the electric valve 13 based on a target value. The control unit 14 selects a target value from two or more preset values, and these two or more preset values ​​include a first preset value that is greater than the maximum value of the outflow rate Q2 from the reservoir 102.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a hydroelectric power generation system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a small-scale hydroelectric power generation system, there is a hydroelectric power generation system as disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example. In this hydroelectric power generation system, a generator and an electric valve are provided in a flow path connecting a water storage tank such as a purification pond on the upstream side and a water distribution tank on the downstream side. The generator converts the energy of the water flowing through the flow path into electric power. The electric valve adjusts the flow rate of the water flowing through the flow path. The water stored in the downstream water storage tank is distributed to houses, facilities, etc. Therefore, the outflow flow rate, which is the flow rate of the water flowing out from the water storage tank, varies according to the usage conditions in houses, facilities, etc. In a general hydroelectric power generation system, in order to keep the water level in the water storage tank constant, the electric valve is controlled so that the outflow flow rate and the inflow flow rate in the water storage tank are the same.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the above hydroelectric power generation system, since the inflow flow rate into the water storage tank is controlled to match the outflow flow rate from the water storage tank, the flow rate of the water supplied to the generator is limited. As a result, there is a problem that the power generation output of the generator is limited. The object of the present disclosure is to provide a hydroelectric power generation system capable of increasing the power generation amount.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A hydroelectric power generation system from the first perspective that solves this problem comprises a channel through which water flows and which has a reservoir downstream; a power generation unit that converts the energy of the water flowing through the channel into electricity; an electric valve that adjusts the flow rate of the water flowing through the channel; and a control unit that controls the electric valve based on a target value, wherein the control unit selects the target value from two or more preset values, and the two or more preset values ​​include a first preset value that is greater than the maximum outflow rate from the reservoir.

[0006] In this configuration, the flow rate of water supplied to the power generation unit is controlled by the control unit based on a target value selected from two or more setpoints. These two or more setpoints include a first setpoint that is greater than the maximum outflow rate from the reservoir. This allows for a timing where the flow rate of water supplied to the power generation unit exceeds the maximum outflow rate from the reservoir, thereby increasing the amount of power generated by the power generation unit.

[0007] The hydroelectric power generation system from the second perspective is one in which, in the hydroelectric power generation system from the first perspective, the two or more set values ​​include a second set value that is smaller than the minimum outflow rate from the reservoir. In this configuration, the setting value that determines the flow rate of water supplied to the power generation unit includes a second setting value that is smaller than the minimum outflow rate from the reservoir. Therefore, by operating at the second setting value for a certain period of time, it is possible to set the first setting value to a higher value or to set the operating time at the first setting value to a longer value, thereby further increasing the amount of power generated by the power generation unit.

[0008] In the hydroelectric power generation system of the third perspective, the control unit alternately selects the first set value and the second set value as the target value. This configuration simplifies the control of the electric valve because it uses a switching control between two values: a first set value and a second set value. Furthermore, it allows for a longer operating time at the first set value, thereby increasing the amount of power generated by the power generation unit.

[0009] In the fourth aspect of the hydroelectric power generation system, in the second or third aspect of the hydroelectric power generation system, the second setting value is the minimum inflow rate of water flowing from the channel into the reservoir. This configuration allows the second setting value to be set to the minimum value that the hydroelectric power generation system can take. This makes it possible to set the first setting value to a higher value or to set the operating time at the first setting value to a longer value, thereby further increasing the amount of power generated in the power generation section.

[0010] The fifth aspect of the hydroelectric power generation system is a hydroelectric power generation system according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, in which the first set value is the maximum value of the inflow rate of water flowing from the channel into the reservoir.

[0011] This configuration allows the first setpoint to be the maximum value that the hydroelectric power generation system can take. This makes it possible to further increase the amount of power generated by the power generation unit when operating at the first setpoint.

[0012] In the sixth aspect of the hydroelectric power generation system, in a hydroelectric power generation system according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the control unit selects the target value from the two or more set values ​​based on the water level information of the reservoir.

[0013] This configuration makes it possible to prevent the reservoir water level from reaching its upper or lower limit. The hydroelectric power generation system of the seventh perspective is the hydroelectric power generation system of the sixth perspective, wherein the two or more set values ​​include a second set value that is smaller than the minimum outflow rate from the reservoir, and the control unit selects the first set value as the target value when the water level of the reservoir is less than or equal to a first threshold, and selects the second set value as the target value when the water level of the reservoir is greater than or equal to a second threshold that is greater than the first threshold.

[0014] With this configuration, by using the first and second thresholds when the control unit switches between the first and second setpoints, it becomes possible to increase the amount of power generated in the power generation unit while suppressing the reservoir water level from reaching the upper or lower limit.

[0015] In the hydroelectric power generation system of the eighth perspective, in a hydroelectric power generation system of any one of the first to seventh perspectives, the control unit selects the target value from the two or more set values ​​based on the passage of time.

[0016] This configuration ensures a stable power generation rate per unit time, making it easier to manage power output. The hydroelectric power generation system of the ninth perspective comprises a first power generation system and a second power generation system, each having a flow path, a power generation unit, an electric valve, and a control unit, in any one of the first to eighth perspectives, wherein when the target value of the first power generation system is greater than the maximum outflow rate from the reservoir located downstream of the flow path of the first power generation system, the target value of the second power generation system is less than the maximum outflow rate from the reservoir located downstream of the flow path of the second power generation system.

[0017] This configuration allows for stable power generation by combining the first and second power generation systems and by staggering the timing of operation at the first setpoint, which generates the most power. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of a water supply facility into which a hydroelectric power generation system of one embodiment has been introduced. [Figure 2] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the control mode of the control unit in the hydroelectric power generation system of the same embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart showing the control mode of the control unit in the hydroelectric power generation system of the same embodiment. [Figure 4] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the control mode of the control unit in the modified example. [Figure 5]This is a schematic configuration diagram of a water supply facility into which a modified hydropower generation system has been introduced. [Figure 6] This is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the modified hydropower generation system.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] <Hydropower Generation System> Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the hydropower generation system 10 will be described. <Water Supply Facility 100> The hydropower generation system 10 of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is applied to, for example, a water supply facility 100. The water supply facility 100 includes, for example, a water purification plant 101, a water storage tank 102 provided on the downstream side of the water purification plant 101, and a flow path 11 connecting the water purification plant 101 and the water storage tank 102. Due to the head difference between the water purification plant 101 and the water storage tank 102, water W flows in the flow path 11 from the water purification plant 101 toward the water storage tank 102. That is, the water stored in the water purification plant 101 flows into the water storage tank 102 through the flow path 11. The water storage tank 102 temporarily stores the water flowing in from the flow path 11. Then, the water stored in the water storage tank 102 is distributed to supply targets 104 such as houses and buildings via a water distribution pipe 103. In the following description, the flow rate of the water flowing into the water storage tank 102 through the flow path 11 is referred to as "inflow rate Q1", and the flow rate of the water flowing out from the water storage tank 102 to the water distribution pipe 103 is referred to as "outflow rate Q2".

[0020] <Hydropower Generation System 10> The hydropower generation system 10 is configured to include the flow path 11, and uses the effective head difference between the water purification plant 101 and the water storage tank 102 in the water supply facility 100 as an energy source for power generation. The hydropower generation system 10 includes the flow path 11, a power generation unit 12, a motor-operated valve 13, and a control unit 14.

[0021] The power generation unit 12 and the electric valve 13 are installed in the flow path 11. The electric valve 13 includes a motor 15 as a drive source. The electric valve 13 is opened and closed by the drive of the motor 15 to adjust the flow rate of water W flowing through the flow path 11. The power generation unit 12 includes, for example, a water turbine installed in the flow path 11 and a generator connected to the water turbine. The power generation unit 12 converts the energy of the water W flowing through the flow path 11 into electricity. That is, the power generation unit 12 generates power in the generator by the rotation of the water turbine, which is affected by the flow of water W in the flow path 11. The electric valve 13 is installed, for example, upstream of the power generation unit 12. That is, the flow rate of water W supplied to the power generation unit 12 is adjusted by the electric valve 13. When the electric valve 13 is opened and the flow rate of water W increases, the power generated in the power generation unit 12 increases, and when the electric valve 13 is closed and the flow rate of water W decreases, the power generated in the power generation unit 12 decreases. The electricity generated in the power generation unit 12 is supplied to the power supply recipients, such as power transmission and distribution companies, via a power conditioner, etc. Furthermore, there is a correlation between the flow rate of water W flowing through the channel 11 (the flow rate of water W supplied to the power generation unit 12) and the inflow flow rate Q1 flowing into the reservoir 102, and the inflow flow rate Q1 increases or decreases in accordance with the increase or decrease in the flow rate of water W flowing through the channel 11.

[0022] The hydroelectric power generation system 10 includes, for example, a flow meter 16 that detects the flow rate of water W flowing through the channel 11. The flow meter 16 is installed, for example, downstream of the power generation unit 12 and detects the inflow flow rate Q1 of water that passes through the power generation unit 12 and flows into the reservoir 102. The flow meter 16 outputs the detected inflow flow rate Q1 information to the control unit 14.

[0023] <Control Unit 14> The control unit 14 controls the flow rate of water W flowing through the channel 11 by controlling the opening degree of the electric valve 13. The control unit 14 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro-processor Unit) and memory. The control unit 14 performs various controls based on programs and various information stored in the memory.

[0024] The control unit 14 controls the electric valve 13 based on a target value Qg. In this embodiment, the control unit 14 selects a target value Qg from two preset set values ​​(first set value A1 and second set value A2) and performs flow rate control to bring the flow rate of water W flowing through the flow path 11 closer to the selected target value Qg. The first set value A1 and the second set value A2 are stored, for example, in the memory of the control unit 14. The control unit 14 controls the electric valve 13 by feedback control based on the difference between the detected value of the inflow flow rate Q1 input from the flow meter 16 and the selected target value Qg.

[0025] <First setting value A1 and second setting value A2> As shown in Figure 2, the first setting value A1 and the second setting value A2 are values ​​set based on the predicted value Q2p of the outflow rate Q2 of water flowing out of the reservoir 102. The predicted value Q2p of the outflow rate Q2 is data that represents the 24-hour fluctuation of the outflow rate Q2, predicted based on measurement data of the outflow rate Q2 of the reservoir 102 over the past week. The first setting value A1 is set to a value greater than the maximum value Q2max of the predicted value Q2p. The second setting value A2 is set to a value less than the minimum value Q2min of the predicted value Q2p.

[0026] Furthermore, the predicted value Q2p can be a value predicted based on measurement data of the outflow rate Q2 of reservoir 102 at the same time last year. Alternatively, the predicted value Q2p can be a value predicted based on measurement data of the outflow rate Q2 of reservoir 102 one day prior. Additionally, the maximum value Q2max and minimum value Q2min of the predicted value Q2p can be the annual average of the maximum and minimum daily outflow rate Q2 obtained from measurement data of the outflow rate Q2 of reservoir 102 over the past year. Furthermore, the maximum value Q2max and minimum value Q2min of the predicted value Q2p can be the maximum and minimum values ​​of the outflow rate Q2 of reservoir 102 over the past year, respectively. Additionally, the maximum value Q2max and minimum value Q2min of the predicted value Q2p can be the maximum and minimum daily measurement data based on measurement data of the outflow rate Q2 over a predetermined period in the past (e.g., 3 years), under the same conditions such as temperature, weather, and weekdays / holidays.

[0027] In this embodiment, the first set value A1 is the maximum value of the inflow rate Q1 of water flowing from the flow path 11 to the reservoir 102. The inflow rate Q1 is maximized, for example, when the electric valve 13 is fully open. That is, the maximum value of the inflow rate Q1 is the outflow rate Q2 when the electric valve 13 is fully open. Furthermore, the maximum value of the inflow rate Q1 is greater than the maximum value Q2max of the predicted value Q2p.

[0028] In this embodiment, the second set value A2 is the minimum value of the inflow flow rate Q1 of water flowing from the flow path 11 to the reservoir 102. The inflow flow rate Q1 is minimized, for example, when the electric valve 13 is fully closed. When the electric valve 13 is fully closed, the inflow flow rate Q1 is 0 [m³]. 3 The minimum value of the inflow flow rate Q1 in this embodiment is 0 [m³ / h]. 3 The value is [ / h]. Also, the minimum value of the inflow rate Q1 is smaller than the minimum value Q2min of the predicted value Q2p.

[0029] The control unit 14 sets either the first set value A1 or the second set value A2 to the target value Qg based on the water level information Dw of the reservoir 102. The control unit 14 receives the water level information Dw from the water level gauge 105 installed in the reservoir 102 (see Figure 1). The water level gauge 105 detects the water level WL in the reservoir 102, and various types such as ultrasonic or float type gauges can be used.

[0030] As shown in Figure 2, when the water level WL of the reservoir 102 based on the water level information Dw falls below the first threshold WL1, the control unit 14 switches the target value Qg from the second setting value A2 to the first setting value A1. Also, when the water level WL of the reservoir 102 based on the water level information Dw falls above the second threshold WL2, the control unit 14 switches the target value Qg from the first setting value A1 to the second setting value A2. The first threshold WL1 is a preset value and is set to a value near the lower limit hmin of the water level of the reservoir 102 (see Figure 1), which is greater than the lower limit hmin of the water level. The second threshold WL2 is a preset value and is set to a value near the upper limit hmax of the water level of the reservoir 102 (see Figure 1), which is less than the upper limit hmax of the water level. The second threshold WL2 is a value greater than the first threshold WL1. The first threshold WL1 and the second threshold WL2 are stored, for example, in the memory of the control unit 14.

[0031] (Control mode of the control unit 14) Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the control modes of the control unit 14. As shown in Figure 3, in step S1, the control unit 14 selects a second setpoint A2 as the target value Qg and performs flow rate control to bring the flow rate of water W (inflow flow rate Q1) flowing through the flow path 11 closer to the second setpoint A2. Here, the second setpoint A2 is 0 [m 3 If set to [ / h], the control unit 14 closes the electric valve 13 completely. After step S1, the control unit 14 proceeds to step S2.

[0032] In step S2, the control unit 14 determines whether the water level WL of the reservoir 102 is less than or equal to the first threshold WL1. If the water level WL is greater than the first threshold WL1 (step S2: NO), the control unit 14 repeats step S2. At this time, the electric valve 13 is kept open at the degree based on the second set value A2 selected for the target value Qg. In step S2, if the water level WL is less than or equal to the first threshold WL1 (step S2: YES), the control unit 14 proceeds to step S3.

[0033] In step S3, the control unit 14 selects the first set value A1 as the target value Qg and performs flow control to bring the flow rate of water W flowing through the flow path 11 (inflow flow rate Q1) closer to the first set value A1. At this point, the control unit 14 fully opens the electric valve 13 based on the first set value A1, and the inflow flow rate Q1 becomes the maximum value. After step S3, the control unit 14 proceeds to step S4.

[0034] In step S4, the control unit 14 determines whether the water level WL of the reservoir 102 is equal to or greater than the second threshold WL2. If the water level WL is less than the second threshold WL2 (step S4: NO), the control unit 14 repeats step S4. At this time, the electric valve 13 is kept open at the degree based on the first setting value A1 selected as the target value Qg. In step S4, if the water level WL is equal to or greater than the second threshold WL2 (step S4: YES), the control unit 14 returns to step S1. In this manner, the control unit 14 alternately selects the first setting value A1 and the second setting value A2 as the target value Qg based on the water level information Dw (water level WL) of the reservoir 102.

[0035] The operation of this embodiment will now be explained. The control unit 14 selects either a first setting value A1 or a second setting value A2 as the target value Qg when controlling the electric valve 13. Here, the first setting value A1 is set to a value greater than the maximum value Q2max of the outflow rate Q2 (predicted value Q2p) from the reservoir 102. Therefore, when the first setting value A1 is selected as the target value Qg, a flow rate greater than the maximum value Q2max of the outflow rate Q2 is supplied to the power generation unit 12. As a result, compared to the conventional technology in which the electric valve 13 is controlled so that the inflow rate Q1 in the reservoir 102 matches the outflow rate Q2, it becomes possible to drive the power generation unit 12 with a larger flow rate. As a result, it becomes possible to increase the amount of power generated in the power generation unit 12. The second setting value A2 is set to a value less than the minimum value Q2min of the outflow rate Q2 (predicted value Q2p) from the reservoir 102. The smaller the second setting value A2, the higher the first setting value A1 can be set to, and the longer the operating time at the first setting value A1. This makes it possible to further increase the amount of power generated by the power generation unit 12.

[0036] Furthermore, the control unit 14 switches the target value Qg from the second setting value A2 to the first setting value A1 when the water level WL of the reservoir 102 falls below the first threshold WL1, and switches the target value Qg from the first setting value A1 to the second setting value A2 when the water level WL falls above the second threshold WL2. This makes it possible to prevent the water level WL of the reservoir 102 from exceeding the upper limit hmax and from falling below the lower limit hmin.

[0037] The effects of this embodiment will now be explained. (1) The flow rate of water W supplied to the power generation unit 12 is controlled by the control unit 14 based on a target value Qg selected from two set values. The two set values ​​include a first set value A1 which is greater than the maximum value Q2max of the outflow flow rate Q2 (predicted value Q2p) from the reservoir 102. As a result, there are times when the flow rate of water W supplied to the power generation unit 12 is greater than the maximum value Q2max of the outflow flow rate Q2 from the reservoir 102, making it possible to increase the amount of power generated by the power generation unit 12.

[0038] (2) The two set values ​​that determine the flow rate of water W supplied to the power generation unit 12 include a second set value A2 that is smaller than the minimum value Q2min of the outflow rate Q2 (predicted value Q2p) from the reservoir 102. Therefore, by setting a time for operation with the second set value A2, it is possible to set the first set value A1 to a higher value or to set a longer time for operation with the first set value A1, thereby further increasing the amount of power generated by the power generation unit 12.

[0039] (3) The control unit 14 alternately selects the first set value A1 and the second set value A2 as the target value Qg. With this configuration, the selection control of the target value Qg is a switching control between two values, the first set value A1 and the second set value A2, which simplifies the control of the electric valve 13. In addition, since the operating time at the first set value A1 can be made longer, the amount of power generated by the power generation unit 12 can be increased even further.

[0040] (4) The second setting value A2 is the minimum value of the inflow rate Q1 of water W flowing from the flow path 11 into the reservoir 102. With this configuration, the second setting value A2 can be set to the minimum value that the hydroelectric power generation system 10 can take. This makes it possible to set the first setting value A1 to a higher value or to set the operating time at the first setting value A1 to a longer value, thereby further increasing the amount of power generated in the power generation unit 12.

[0041] (5) The first set value A1 is the maximum value of the inflow rate Q1 of water W flowing from the flow path 11 into the reservoir 102. With this configuration, the first set value A1 can be set to the maximum value that the hydroelectric power generation system 10 can take. This makes it possible to further increase the amount of power generated by the power generation unit 12 when it is operated at the first set value A1.

[0042] (6) The control unit 14 selects a target value Qg from the first set value A1 and the second set value A2 based on the water level information Dw of the reservoir 102. With this configuration, it is possible to suppress the water level WL of the reservoir 102 from reaching the upper water level limit hmax or the lower water level limit hmin.

[0043] (7) The control unit 14 selects a first set value A1 as the target value Qg when the water level WL of the reservoir 102 is less than or equal to the first threshold WL1, and selects a second set value A2 as the target value Qg when the water level WL of the reservoir 102 is greater than or equal to the second threshold WL2, which is greater than the first threshold WL1. With this configuration, by using the first threshold WL1 and the second threshold WL2 in switching between the first set value A1 and the second set value A2 by the control unit 14, it is possible to extend the operating time at the first set value A1 as much as possible while suppressing the water level WL of the reservoir 102 from reaching the upper water level limit hmax or the lower water level limit hmin. As a result, it is possible to further increase the amount of power generated by the power generation unit 12.

[0044] <Variation> In addition to the embodiments described above, the hydroelectric power generation system 10 of this disclosure may also be, for example, the modified forms shown below, and a combination of at least two non-inconsistent modified forms.

[0045] In the above embodiment, the control unit 14 selects a target value Qg from a first setting value A1 and a second setting value A2 based on the water level information Dw of the reservoir 102. However, it is not limited to this, and the manner in which the control unit 14 selects the target value Qg can be appropriately changed according to the configuration of the water supply facility 100, etc. For example, as shown in Figure 4, the control unit 14 may select a target value Qg from a first setting value A1 and a second setting value A2 based on the passage of time. In the example shown in Figure 4, when the elapsed time of operation with the first setting value A1 reaches a preset first setting time T1, the control unit 14 switches the target value Qg from the first setting value A1 to the second setting value A2. Also, when the elapsed time of operation with the second setting value A2 reaches a preset second setting time T2, the control unit 14 switches the target value Qg from the second setting value A2 to the first setting value A1. The control unit 14 repeats the above-described switching control between the first setting value A1 and the second setting value A2. With this type of control, the amount of power generated by the power generation unit 12 per unit time is stabilized, making it easier to manage the amount of power generated. Furthermore, with this type of control, the control unit 14 alternately selects the first set value A1 and the second set value A2 as the target value Qg, so the selection control of the target value Qg becomes a switching control between two values, the first set value A1 and the second set value A2. This simplifies the control of the electric valve 13. Note that the first set time T1 and the second set time T2 may be set to the same value. Also, the first set time T1 may be set to a value smaller or larger than the second set time T2.

[0046] The hydroelectric power generation system 10 in the above embodiment may be changed to, for example, the hydroelectric power generation system 10A shown in Figure 5. The hydroelectric power generation system 10A comprises a first power generation system E1 and a second power generation system E2. The first power generation system E1 and the second power generation system E2 are installed in two water supply facilities (first water supply facility 201 and second water supply facility 202), respectively.

[0047] The first water supply facility 201 and the second water supply facility 202 each have the same configuration as the water supply facility 100 in the above embodiment. That is, the first water supply facility 201 and the second water supply facility 202 each include a water treatment plant 101, a reservoir 102, and a flow path 11, etc. The water stored in the reservoirs 102 of the first water supply facility 201 and the second water supply facility 202 is distributed to the target recipients 104 such as houses and buildings.

[0048] The first power generation system E1 and the second power generation system E2 each have the same configuration as the hydroelectric power generation system 10 of the above embodiment. That is, the first power generation system E1 and the second power generation system E2 each have the same flow path 11, power generation unit 12, electric valve 13, control unit 14, and flow meter 16 as the hydroelectric power generation system 10 of the above embodiment. The first power generation system E1 and the second power generation system E2 can send and receive signals between their respective control units 14. Each control unit 14 in the first power generation system E1 and the second power generation system E2 selects a target value Qg from a plurality of set values ​​(for example, first set value A1 and second set value A2) based on the water level information Dw of the reservoir 102 or the passage of time.

[0049] Figure 6 shows the control modes in the control units 14 of the first power generation system E1 and the second power generation system E2. In the following description, the target value Qg in the first power generation system E1 will be referred to as the first target value Qg1, and the maximum value that the first target value Qg1 can take will be referred to as the maximum value Qg1max. For example, if the first target value Qg1 is selected from either the first setting value A1 or the second setting value A2, the maximum value Qg1max of the first target value Qg1 will be the first setting value A1. Similarly, the target value Qg in the second power generation system E2 will be referred to as the second target value Qg2, and the maximum value that the second target value Qg2 can take will be referred to as the maximum value Qg2max. For example, if the second target value Qg2 is selected from either the first setting value A1 or the second setting value A2, the maximum value Qg2max of the second target value Qg2 will be the first setting value A1. Furthermore, in the following explanation, the outflow rate Q2 from reservoir 102 in the first power generation system E1 will be referred to as the first outflow rate Q2a, and the outflow rate Q2 from reservoir 102 in the second power generation system E2 will be referred to as the second outflow rate Q2b.

[0050] As shown in Figure 6, when the first target value Qg1 in the first power generation system E1 is greater than the maximum value Q2amax of the first outflow rate Q2a, the second target value Qg2 in the second power generation system E2 is less than the maximum value Q2bmax of the second outflow rate Q2b. For example, when the first setting value A1 is selected as the first target value Qg1 in the first power generation system E1, the second setting value A2 is selected as the second target value Qg2 in the second power generation system E2.

[0051] Furthermore, when the first target value Qg1 in the first power generation system E1 is smaller than the maximum value Q2amax of the first outflow rate Q2a, the second target value Qg2 in the second power generation system E2 is larger than the maximum value Q2bmax of the second outflow rate Q2b. For example, when the second setting value A2 is selected as the first target value Qg1 in the first power generation system E1, the first setting value A1 is selected as the second target value Qg2 in the second power generation system E2. Note that the maximum values ​​Q2amax and Q2bmax of the first outflow rate Q2a and the second outflow rate Q2b, respectively, are predicted values ​​based on past data, similar to the predicted value Q2p of the outflow rate Q2 in the above embodiment.

[0052] According to the control configuration shown in the example in Figure 6, stable power generation is possible by combining the first power generation system E1 and the second power generation system E2, and by staggering the timing of operation at the first setpoint A1 (a value greater than the maximum value Q2max of the outflow rate Q2) for both systems. In Figures 5 and 6, the hydroelectric power generation system 10A is given as an example configuration that includes two power generation systems (first power generation system E1 and second power generation system E2), but the hydroelectric power generation system 10A is not limited to this and may include three or more power generation systems.

[0053] In the above embodiment, the first set value A1 was set to the maximum value of the inflow flow rate Q1, but it is not limited to this, and the first set value A1 can be set to a value other than the maximum value of the inflow flow rate Q1 as long as it is greater than the maximum value Q2max of the outflow flow rate Q2.

[0054] In the above embodiment, the second setting value A2 was set to the minimum value of the inflow flow rate Q1, but the value of the second setting value A2 can be changed within a range smaller than that of the first setting value A1, and is not limited to this.

[0055] In the above embodiment, the number of setting values ​​(first setting value A1 and second setting value A2) that the control unit 14 can select as the target value Qg is two, but the number of setting values ​​that the control unit 14 can select as the target value Qg may be three or more.

[0056] The control unit 14 may be configured as a circuit including 1) one or more processors that perform various processes according to a computer program (software), 2) one or more dedicated hardware circuits such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) that perform at least some of the various processes, or 3) a combination thereof. The processor includes a CPU and memory such as RAM and ROM, and the memory stores program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to perform the processes. Memory, or computer-readable media, includes any available media that can be accessed by a general-purpose or dedicated computer.

[0057] Although embodiments of the hydroelectric power generation systems 10 and 10A have been described above, it should be understood that various modifications to the form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the hydroelectric power generation systems 10 and 10A as described in the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0058] 10,10A...Hydroelectric power generation system, 11...Flow path, 12...Power generation unit, 13...Electric valve, 14...Control unit, 102...Reservoir, A1...First setpoint, A2...Second setpoint, Dw...Water level information, E1...First power generation system, E2...Second power generation system, Q1...Inflow rate, Q2...Outflow rate, Q2max...Maximum outflow rate, Q2min...Minimum outflow rate, Q2a...First outflow rate (outflow rate), Q2amax...Maximum first outflow rate, Q2b...Second outflow rate (outflow rate), Q2bmax...Maximum second outflow rate, Qg...Target value, Qg1...First target value (target value), Qg2...Second target value (target value), WL...Water level, WL1...First threshold, WL2...Second threshold.

Claims

1. A channel (11) through which water flows, with a reservoir (102) on the downstream side, A power generation unit (12) that converts the energy of the water flowing through the aforementioned channel into electricity, An electric valve (13) that adjusts the flow rate of water flowing through the aforementioned channel, A control unit (14) that controls the electric valve based on a target value (Qg), A hydroelectric power generation system (10) comprising, The control unit selects the target value from two or more preset setting values ​​(A1, A2), The two or more setting values ​​include a first setting value (A1) that is greater than the maximum value (Q2max) of the outflow rate (Q2) from the reservoir, and a second setting value (A2) that is less than the minimum value (Q2min) of the outflow rate (Q2) from the reservoir. The aforementioned maximum value (Q2max) is a predicted value based on measurement data of the outflow rate (Q2) over a predetermined period in the past. The aforementioned minimum value (Q2min) is a predicted value based on measurement data of the outflow rate (Q2) over a predetermined period in the past. Hydroelectric power generation system.

2. The control unit alternately selects the first set value and the second set value as the target value. The hydroelectric power generation system according to claim 1.

3. The second setting value is the minimum value of the inflow rate (Q1) of water flowing from the channel into the reservoir. The hydroelectric power generation system according to claim 1.

4. The first set value is the maximum value of the inflow rate (Q1) of water flowing from the channel into the reservoir. The hydroelectric power generation system according to claim 1.

5. The control unit selects the target value from the two or more set values ​​based on the water level information (Dw) of the reservoir. The hydroelectric power generation system according to claim 1.

6. The control unit is When the water level of the reservoir is below the first threshold (WL1), the first set value is selected as the target value. When the water level of the reservoir is greater than or equal to a second threshold (WL2) which is greater than the first threshold, the second set value is selected as the target value. The hydroelectric power generation system according to claim 5.

7. The control unit selects the target value from the two or more set values ​​based on the passage of time. The hydroelectric power generation system according to claim 1.

8. The system comprises a first power generation system (E1) and a second power generation system (E2), each having the aforementioned flow path, power generation unit, electric valve, and control unit, respectively. When the target value (Qg1) of the first power generation system is greater than the maximum value (Q2amax) of the outflow rate (Q2a) from the reservoir located downstream of the flow path of the first power generation system, the target value (Qg2) of the second power generation system is less than the maximum value (Q2bmax) of the outflow rate (Q2b) from the reservoir located downstream of the flow path of the second power generation system. The hydroelectric power generation system according to claim 1.

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