Hybrid system using wind power, and method for controlling hybrid system using wind power

Abstract

A hybrid system (1) using wind power, and a method for controlling the hybrid system using wind power, according to the present invention, relate to a technology capable of simultaneously outputting electrical energy and pneumatic energy by providing, inside a nacelle (5), a compressor (17) for receiving the rotational force of blades (7) in a wind power generation apparatus comprising: a tower (3) constructed on the ground so as to perform a support function; the nacelle (5) rotatably mounted on the upper end of the tower (3); the blades (7) rotatably mounted on the nacelle (5) so as to rotate by means of wind power; and a generator (16) mounted inside the nacelle (5), and connected to the blades (7) to be driven so as to generate power.

Description

Hybrid system using wind power and control method of hybrid system using wind power

[0001] The present invention relates to a hybrid system using wind power and a control method for a hybrid system using wind power, and more particularly, to a hybrid system using wind power and a control method for a hybrid system using wind power, characterized in that a compressor is further configured in a nacelle of a wind power generator so as to be capable of producing air pressure as well as electric power.

[0002] Today, humanity lives in an age where the ozone layer is being destroyed by the overuse of fossil fuels, resulting in abnormal climate conditions and yearly natural disasters. Consequently, eco-friendly energies generated from the natural environment, such as wind, solar, tidal, and geothermal energy, are gaining attention and are currently being commercialized. Transforming these eco-friendly energies into more efficient, universal energy sources is an urgent task humanity must achieve.

[0003] Among the aforementioned eco-friendly energies, one of the most widely used is wind energy. Wind energy utilizes the speed of wind, which occurs anywhere on Earth—on land, in mountains, in deserts, in the ocean, and in rivers—making it the most readily available energy source.

[0004] A well-known and already practical method of utilizing the aforementioned wind energy is the wind turbine. This comprises a tower supported on the ground, a nacelle mounted rotatable at the top of the tower, and blades mounted rotatable within the nacelle, configured to receive wind velocity energy and rotate. Furthermore, a generator is mounted within the nacelle, connected to a rotating shaft fixed to the blades and capable of generating electricity.

[0005] Therefore, as the nacelle rotates toward the wind, the blades receive wind power and rotate, and the rotational force generated at this time drives the generator to generate electricity.

[0006] However, not only electricity but also air pressure is used as an energy source in general households and manufacturing sites for various purposes. To utilize this air pressure, the electricity generated by the wind turbine drives a compressor, storing the generated air pressure in a pneumatic tank. The air pressure stored in the tank is then used to power automated systems. Recently, air (oxygen) stored in pneumatic tanks has also been supplied to eutrophic rivers to improve their water quality. To achieve this, electricity generated by wind turbines is charged into a battery, which is then used to drive a compressor to compress the air and then power it. However, this method suffers from the problem of reduced efficiency due to the need to convert the mechanical energy of the wind power into electricity and then back into pneumatic energy. Furthermore, the need for separate batteries and motors to drive the compressor posed a significant challenge. While direct storage of the rotational power of the wind turbine as pneumatic pressure would provide a highly efficient energy source, this approach has proven difficult to achieve in practice.

[0007] The problems to be solved by the hybrid system using wind power and the control method of the hybrid system using wind power according to the present invention are as follows.

[0008] A generator and compressor are installed in the nacelle of an existing wind turbine to produce electrical energy and, at the same time, to produce pneumatic energy directly without converting the mechanical energy of the wind turbine, enabling the pneumatic energy to be directly utilized in an automated line and enabling the realization of a hybrid system that supplies air to eutrophic rivers to improve water quality.

[0009] The hybrid system using wind power according to the present invention may optionally include the following configuration to solve the above problem.

[0010] A wind power generator comprising a tower constructed on the ground and having a support function, a nacelle mounted to rotate on the top of the tower, blades mounted to rotate on the nacelle and rotated by wind, and a generator mounted inside the nacelle and connected to the blades to drive and thereby produce electricity;

[0011] It may include a rotating shaft connected to the blade and the generator to transmit the rotational power of the blade to the generator and extending to the rear of the generator, a gearbox connected to the rotating shaft and mounted inside the nacelle, a brake mounted inside the nacelle to be arranged in front of the gearbox and braking the rotating shaft, and a compressor connected to the gearbox and driven, housed inside the nacelle, for sucking and compressing air.

[0012] In addition, it may include an air pipe connected to the compressor and extending outside the tower, an air pressure tank connected to the air pipe and storing air pressure, and an accumulator connected to the air pipe and arranged in front of the air pressure tank and storing air pressure exceeding the rated air pressure.

[0013] Additionally, it may include an air pipe connected to the air tank, an air motor connected to the air pipe, and a generator connected to the air motor.

[0014] Additionally, a dehumidifier having a dehumidifying function may be included, which is mounted on the air pipe and is arranged in front of the accumulator.

[0015] The control method of a hybrid system using wind power according to the present invention may optionally include the following process to solve the above problem.

[0016] As a method for controlling a hybrid system using the above wind power,

[0017] It may also include a process in which the rotational force of the above blade is transmitted to a generator and a compressor to simultaneously produce electrical energy and pneumatic energy, and a process in which pneumatic pressure is stored in the pneumatic tank connected to the compressor.

[0018] Additionally, it may include a process of driving the pneumatic motor connected to the pneumatic tank to produce electric energy in the generator.

[0019] In addition, the hybrid system utilizing wind power includes a coupling interposed between the generator and the compressor to control rotational force, and a rotational speed sensor mounted on the rotational shaft to detect rotational speed.

[0020] The process may include connecting the coupling when the speed of the rotation speed sensor is higher than the rated speed, and disconnecting the coupling when the speed is lower than the rated speed.

[0021] The hybrid system using wind power and the control method of the hybrid system using wind power according to the present invention have the following effects by the above-mentioned solution.

[0022] A hybrid system is possible by installing a generator and compressor in the nacelle of an existing wind turbine to produce electrical energy and simultaneously produce pneumatic energy directly without converting the mechanical energy of the wind turbine, thereby enabling the direct use of pneumatic energy in automated lines and improving water quality when supplying air to eutrophic rivers.

[0023] In addition, since the compressor is connected to the generator when the rated wind speed, i.e., the rotational speed of the rotating shaft, is higher than the rated speed, a braking torque equivalent to the energy used to drive the compressor is generated on the rotating shaft. This allows for an automatic protection function of the system of the present invention. In case of over-output of power, braking of the generator by the compressor is possible, and at this time, the compressor, which is the cause of the braking, has the effect of producing braking power as pneumatic energy.

[0024] Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a hybrid system utilizing wind power according to the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an excerpt of a dehumidifier mounted on a hybrid system utilizing wind power according to the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a perspective view partially illustrating the process of attaching a thermoelectric element to a cooling tube in a dehumidifier equipped with a hybrid system utilizing wind power according to the present invention.

[0027] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the connection and separation process of a coupling as a control method of a hybrid system using wind power according to the present invention.

[0028] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the process of opening and closing a valve connected to an accumulator as a control method of a hybrid system using wind power according to the present invention.

[0029] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a process of generating electricity using pneumatic pressure as a control method of a hybrid system using wind power according to the present invention.

[0030] Hereinafter, various embodiments of this document are described with reference to the attached drawings. However, this is not intended to limit the technology described in this document to specific embodiments, and it should be understood that various modifications, equivalents, and / or alternatives of the embodiments of this document are included. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar components.

[0031] Additionally, the expressions "first," "second," etc. used in this document can describe various components, regardless of order and / or importance, and are only used to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components. For example, "part 1" and "part 2" can refer to different parts, regardless of order or importance. For example, without departing from the scope of the rights set forth in this document, the first component can be referred to as the second component, and similarly, the second component can also be referred to as the first component.

[0032] Furthermore, the terms used in this document are merely used to describe specific embodiments and may not be intended to limit the scope of other embodiments. Singular expressions may include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, may have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art described in this document. Terms defined in general dictionaries among the terms used in this document may be interpreted as having the same or similar meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this document. In some cases, even if a term is defined in this document, it cannot be interpreted to exclude the embodiments of this document.

[0033]

[0034] (Hybrid system using wind power)

[0035] Below, a detailed example of a hybrid system (1) utilizing wind power according to the present invention will be examined together with the attached drawings.

[0036] Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a hybrid system utilizing wind power according to the present invention.

[0037] In a wind power generator comprising a tower (3) constructed on the ground and having a support function, a nacelle (5) mounted to rotate on the top of the tower (3), blades (7) mounted to rotate on the nacelle (5) and rotated by wind power, and a generator (16) mounted inside the nacelle (5) and connected to the blades (7) to drive and thereby produce electric power, the present invention enables the wind power generator to produce compressed air, i.e., pneumatic energy, as well as electric energy.

[0038] To this end, a rotational shaft (9) is configured to be connected to the blade (7) and the generator (16) to transmit the rotational power of the blade (7) to the generator (16), and extends to the rear of the generator (16), and a gearbox (11) is configured inside the nacelle (5) as connected to the rotational shaft (9). The gearbox (11) is configured so that the rotational speed of the compressor (17) is faster than that of the generator (16), and the compressor (17) is configured to be driven at 3,000 RPM when the generator (16) is 60 RPM. In addition, a brake (13) is configured to be installed inside the nacelle (5) so as to be arranged in front of the gearbox (11) and to brake the rotational shaft (9). In addition, a compressor (17) is configured to be connected to and driven by the gearbox (11), to be housed inside the nacelle (5), and to suck in and pressure air. That is, since a rotational shaft (S) is formed on the output side of the gearbox (11), and a rotational shaft (F) of a compressor (17) is connected to the rotational shaft (S), transmission of rotational power is possible. In addition, a coupling (15) is formed between the generator (16) and the compressor (17) to enable rotational power to be controlled, and it is preferable that it be interposed between the brake (13) and the compressor (17). In order for the coupling (15) to be mounted, it is mounted on the rotational shafts (S, F) on both sides, so that power can be controlled. The coupling (15) can be controlled to be controlled by an electric signal. In addition, a rotational speed detection sensor (not shown) is mounted on the rotational shaft (9) so that the rotational speed can detect the rated speed. Therefore, when the rated speed is higher than the rated speed, the coupling (15) is connected to apply a load to the rotating shaft (9), thereby realizing the rated speed, and when the speed is lower than the rated speed, the coupling (15) is disconnected to reduce the load, thereby making it as close to the rated speed as possible.

[0039] In addition, a cable (C) is extended from the generator (16) and supplied as a commercial power source. A voltmeter (not shown) is mounted on the cable (C), so that when the measured value of the voltmeter is higher than the rated voltage, a battery (29) is connected to the cable (C) so that charging of electric energy is possible.

[0040] In addition, an air pipe (21) is configured to be connected to the compressor (17) and extend outside the tower (3), and an air pressure tank (19) is configured to be connected to the air pipe (21) and to store air pressure. In addition, an accumulator (25) is configured to be connected to the air pipe (21) so as to be placed in front of the air pressure tank (19) and to store air pressure exceeding the rated air pressure. A valve (27) is configured between the accumulator (25) and the air pipe (21), and an air pressure sensor (not shown) for detecting air pressure is configured in the air pipe (21). Therefore, when the air pressure of the air pressure sensor is higher than the rated air pressure, the valve (27) is opened to store air pressure in the accumulator (25), and when the air pressure is lower than the rated air pressure, the valve (27) is closed so that air pressure can be stored only in the air pressure tank (19).

[0041] In addition, an air pipe (23) is connected to the air tank (19), an air motor (M) is connected to the air pipe (23), and a generator (G) that supplies rotational power to the air motor (M) is connected. Accordingly, the air motor (M) can be driven by the air pressure energy of the air tank (19) as needed to produce electric energy.

[0042] Next, the dehumidifier (100) added to the present invention will be examined as follows.

[0043] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an excerpt of a dehumidifier mounted in a hybrid system utilizing wind power according to the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view partially illustrating a process of attaching a thermoelectric element to a cooling tube in a dehumidifier mounted in a hybrid system utilizing wind power according to the present invention.

[0044] The compressed air charged in the above-mentioned pneumatic tank (19) generally contains vapor, which, if supplied to an automated line, will cause corrosion and shorten the life of the automated line. Therefore, a dehumidifier (100) is configured in front of the accumulator (25) to dehumidify the air supplied from the compressor (17), as follows.

[0045] First, the air pipe (21) is connected to the air pipes (21) on both sides while being separated vertically. An L-shaped pipe (101) is connected to the upper air pipe (21), and a straight cooling pipe (103) is vertically connected to the L-shaped pipe (101). In addition, a horizontal pipe (105) is connected horizontally to the lower end of the cooling pipe (103), a straight heating pipe (107) is connected downward from the horizontal pipe (105), and an L-shaped pipe (109) is connected to the lower end of the heating pipe (107) and connected to the lower air pipe (21) at the lower end. In this way, a zigzag-shaped passage is formed, thereby slowing down the air speed and enabling smooth dehumidification. If the passage is formed in a straight shape, the air passes through quickly, making smooth dehumidification difficult.

[0046] In addition, a thermoelectric element (120) having a cooling surface (121) attached to the cooling tube (103) is configured, a heat dissipation block (130) attached to the heat dissipation surface (123) of the thermoelectric element (120) is configured, and a heat dissipation fan (140) attached to the heat dissipation block (130) is configured. In the case where the cooling tube (103) is a circular tube, a protrusion (W) is integrally formed as in FIG. 3, and a plane (P) is formed on the protrusion (W), so that the cooling efficiency is increased when the plate-shaped thermoelectric element (120) is attached. Since anyone skilled in the art would know that when DC power is supplied to the thermoelectric element (120), one side becomes a cooling surface (121) and the other side becomes a heat dissipation surface (123), a detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the cooling efficiency of the cooling surface (121) is improved because the heat dissipation surface (123) exchanges heat with the external air by the heat dissipation block (130) and the heat dissipation fan (140).

[0047] In addition, a thermoelectric element (150) having a heat dissipation surface (151) attached to the heating tube (107) is configured, a cooling block (160) attached to a cooling surface (153) of the thermoelectric element (150) is configured, and a cooling fan (170) attached to the cooling block (160) is configured. Attaching the thermoelectric element (150) to the heating tube (107) is the same as attaching the thermoelectric element (120) to the cooling tube (103) through FIG. 3. In addition, since the cooling surface (153) exchanges heat with the external air by the cooling block (160) and the cooling fan (170), the cooling efficiency of the heat dissipation surface (151) is improved.

[0048] In addition, a discharge pipe (111) is configured to be connected to the lower portion of the horizontal pipe (105), correspond to the cooling pipe (103), and open downwards, a cap (113) is closed on the open lower portion of the discharge pipe (111), and a valve (115) is configured to be connected to the lower portion of the cap (113) and to the inside of the cap (113).

[0049] In addition, a cover plate (117) is formed that extends downward from the upper side of the horizontal pipe (105) in the discharge pipe (111) and maintains a gap (T) with the inner surface of the discharge pipe (111).

[0050] Accordingly, when direct current is applied to the thermoelectric element (120), the cooling surface (153) cools down, thereby cooling the cooling tube (103). At this time, the cooling surface (123) is heat-exchanged by the heat-dissipating block (130) and the heat-dissipating fan (140), so that the cooling efficiency of the cooling surface (153) is not reduced.

[0051] In addition, when direct current is applied to the thermoelectric element (150), the heat dissipation surface (151) becomes hot, thereby heating the heating tube (107). At this time, the cooling surface (153) is heat-exchanged by the cooling block (160) and the cooling fan (170), so that the heat dissipation efficiency of the heat dissipation surface (151) is not reduced.

[0052] Accordingly, when air containing steam passes through the cooling tube (103), the steam is cooled and liquefied, falls downwards, passes through the gap (T) along the cover plate (117), and is received by the cap (113). Of course, it may also pass through the gap (T) directly along the inner surface of the cooling tube (103) and be received by the cap (113). At this time, when the cap (113) is filled, the valve (115) is opened to discharge the liquefied water to the outside.

[0053] The air thus dehumidified is heated as it passes through the cover plate (117) and the heating tube (107), and expands in a condensed state, thereby restoring its original air pressure. At this time, since the cover plate (117) is present, the phenomenon of moisture being included by directly contacting the water filled inside the cap (113) is prevented.

[0054]

[0055] (Control method for hybrid system using wind power)

[0056] The method for controlling the hybrid system (1) using the above wind power is as follows.

[0057] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a process of connecting and disconnecting a coupling as a control method of a hybrid system using wind power according to the present invention, FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a process of opening and closing a valve connected to an accumulator as a control method of a hybrid system using wind power according to the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a process of generating electricity using pneumatic pressure as a control method of a hybrid system using wind power according to the present invention.

[0058] It includes a process in which the rotational force of the blade (7) is transmitted to the generator (16) and the compressor (17) to simultaneously produce electric energy and pneumatic energy, a process in which pneumatic pressure is stored in the pneumatic tank (19) connected to the compressor (17), and a process in which the pneumatic motor (M) connected to the pneumatic tank (19) is driven to produce electric energy in the generator (G).

[0059] In addition, since the compressor (17) is connected to the generator (16) when the rated wind speed, i.e., the rotational speed of the rotating shaft (9), is higher than the rated speed, a braking torque is generated in the rotating shaft (9) in an amount equivalent to the energy used to drive the compressor (17). This makes it possible for the system of the present invention to automatically protect itself. In case of over-output of electric power, braking of the generator (16) is possible due to the compressor (17), and at this time, the compressor (17), which is the cause of the braking, has the effect of producing braking force as pneumatic energy.

[0060] In addition, the following more extended operation is also possible by the coupling (15). It includes a process of connecting the coupling (15) when the rotational speed of the rotational shaft (9) is detected as being higher than the rated speed by the rotational speed sensor, and disconnecting the coupling (15) when it is lower than the rated speed. Therefore, when it is higher than the rated speed, the coupling (15) is connected so that the compressor (17) is connected to the rotational shaft (9) to apply a load, thereby realizing the rated speed, and when it is lower than the rated speed, the coupling (15) is disconnected so that it is separated from the compressor (17), thereby reducing the load and allowing the speed to be as close to the rated speed as possible.

[0061] In addition, as in Fig. 5, when the air pressure of the air pressure sensor (not shown) is higher than the rated air pressure, the valve (27) is opened so that the air pressure is stored in the accumulator (25), and when the air pressure is lower than the rated air pressure, the valve (27) is closed so that the air pressure can be stored only in the air pressure tank (19).

[0062] In addition, as in Fig. 6, when the output voltage is lower than the rated voltage, the process includes driving the pneumatic motor (M) connected to the pneumatic tank (19) to produce electric energy from the generator (G).

[0063] According to the present invention as described above, a generator (16) and a compressor (17) are mounted on the nacelle (5) of an existing wind power generator to produce electrical energy and at the same time, produce pneumatic energy directly without conversion of the mechanical energy of the wind power generator, thereby enabling the pneumatic energy to be directly utilized in an automated line, and realizing a hybrid system that enables improvement of water quality when supplying air to a eutrophic river.

Claims

1. A tower constructed on the ground and providing support, A nacelle mounted to rotate on the top of the tower, A blade that is mounted to rotate in the above nacelle and rotates by wind power, In a wind power generator including a generator mounted inside the above-mentioned nacelle and connected to the above-mentioned blades to drive and thereby produce electric power; A rotating shaft connected to the above blade and the generator to transmit the rotational power of the blade to the generator, and extending to the rear of the generator; A booster mounted inside the nacelle, connected to the above rotating shaft, A brake mounted inside the nacelle so as to be positioned in front of the above-mentioned booster and for braking the above-mentioned rotating shaft; A hybrid system utilizing wind power, characterized in that it includes a compressor that is connected to and driven by the above-mentioned booster, is housed inside the nacelle, and sucks in air and transmits it.

2. In paragraph 1, An air pipe connected to the compressor and extending outside the tower, An air pressure tank connected to the above air pipe and storing air pressure, A hybrid system utilizing wind power, characterized in that it includes an accumulator connected to the air pipe so as to be placed in front of the air tank and storing air pressure exceeding the rated air pressure.

3. In paragraph 2, An air pipe connected to the above pneumatic tank, A pneumatic motor connected to the above air pipe, A hybrid system utilizing wind power, characterized by including a generator connected to the above pneumatic motor.

4. In paragraph 3, A dehumidifier is provided in the air pipe to be placed in front of the accumulator and has a dehumidifying function. The above dehumidifier, As a connection between the above air pipes separated vertically, An L-shaped pipe connected to the upper air pipe, A straight-line cooling tube connected vertically to the L-shaped tube above, A horizontal pipe connected horizontally to the bottom of the above cooling pipe, A straight heating tube connected downward from the above horizontal tube, It includes an L-shaped tube connected to the lower end of the above heating tube and having a lower air tube connected to the lower end. A thermoelectric element having a cooling surface attached to the above cooling tube, A heat dissipation block attached to the heat dissipation surface of the above thermoelectric element, A heat dissipation fan attached to the above heat dissipation block, A thermoelectric element having a heat dissipation surface attached to the above heating tube, A cooling block attached to the cooling surface of the above thermoelectric element, Including a cooling fan attached to the above cooling block, A discharge pipe connected to the lower part of the above horizontal pipe and corresponding to the above cooling pipe, A cap connected to the above discharge pipe, A valve connected to the lower part of the cap and connected to the inside of the cap, A hybrid system utilizing wind power, characterized in that it includes a cover plate extending downward from the upper end of the horizontal pipe side of the discharge pipe and maintaining a gap with the inner surface of the discharge pipe.

5. A method for controlling a hybrid system using wind power according to Article 3, The process of transmitting the rotational power of the above blades to the generator and compressor to produce electrical energy and pneumatic energy simultaneously, A process including a process of storing air pressure in the air pressure tank connected to the compressor, A control method for a hybrid system using wind power, characterized in that it includes a process of causing a braking torque to be generated on the rotating shaft by a compressor connected to the generator equal to the energy used to drive the compressor when the rotating speed of the rotating shaft connecting the blade and the generator is equal to or higher than the rated speed (equal to or higher than the rated wind speed).

6. In paragraph 5, A control method for a hybrid system using wind power, characterized by including a process of producing electric energy in the generator by driving the pneumatic motor connected to the pneumatic tank.

7. In paragraph 6, The above hybrid system utilizing wind power includes a coupling interposed between the generator and the compressor, which enables the rotational force to be interrupted, It includes a rotation speed sensor mounted on the above rotation shaft to detect the rotation speed, A control method for a hybrid system using wind power, characterized by including a process of connecting the coupling when the speed of the rotation speed sensor is equal to or greater than the rated speed, and disconnecting the coupling when the speed is less than the rated speed.

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