JP2016194280A - Wind power generation system and control method of the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve efficiency of a windmill power generation system mounted with aerodynamic characteristics improvement devices.SOLUTION: A wind power generation system comprises: a windmill section; a generator; aerodynamic characteristics improvement devices; a measurement section 90; a windmill control section 190; a converter 180; and an aerodynamic characteristics improvement device control section 170. The aerodynamic characteristics improvement devices are disposed onto blades of the windmill section, can operate or stop and improve aerodynamic characteristics including an increase of lift force and reduction of drag with respect to the blades by operating. The converter converts or relays a state signal transmitted from the measurement section to the windmill control section or a control signal transmitted from the windmill control section to the windmill section and the generator. The aerodynamic characteristics improvement device control section controls the converter so as to cause the converter to convert the state signal or the control signal into a signal different from the original signal when the aerodynamic characteristics improvement devices are in an operational state and to relay the state signal or the control signal when the aerodynamic characteristics improvement devices are in an operation stop state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a wind power generation system and a wind power generation method.

  Recently, the introduction of wind power generation is being promoted globally. For example, in Japan, geographical restrictions are one of the factors that prevent wind power generation from spreading.

  One of the geographical limitations is that because Japan has mountainous weather, the wind speed and direction fluctuate rapidly, making it difficult to stably maintain the output of the wind power generation system.

  Also, in situations where the wind speed and wind direction fluctuate severely, the blades of the wind turbine used for wind power generation will peel off, reducing the efficiency of the blades and reducing the power generation efficiency, or accumulating fatigue in each part of the wind turbine due to fluctuating loads. The frequency of maintenance has increased the cost of introducing wind power generation systems as a result.

  In addition, in Japan, where the land area is narrow, problems with the location environment have become apparent as wind power generation becomes more widespread, especially when it is necessary to be located near private houses and villages. Is likely to occur.

  There is already an aerodynamic improvement device that improves the aerodynamic characteristics of the wing by controlling the airflow in the vicinity of the wing as a solution to the stabilization of output, the decrease in efficiency, the increase in fatigue load, the noise problem as described above, for example, It is realized as an airflow generator that increases the lift of the blade by mounting an electrode on the windmill blade and generating plasma.

Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-197986

  The aerodynamic improvement device as described above is preferably stopped in a time zone where the wind condition is good and it is not necessary to improve the aerodynamic characteristics of the wing in consideration of its life and power consumption. When the characteristics of the aerodynamic control device can be changed, it is desirable to adjust the characteristics of the aerodynamic improvement device according to the wind conditions.

  On the other hand, in order to stabilize the output, maximize the efficiency, minimize the fatigue load, reduce the noise, etc., the windmill considers the aerodynamic characteristics of the blades according to the fluctuation of the wind condition, The yaw angle, rotation speed, generator torque, etc. are controlled by predetermined control parameters.

  When operating the aerodynamic improvement device or adjusting the characteristics of the aerodynamic improvement device, the aerodynamic characteristics of the blades differ depending on the operating state (running state or shutdown state) of the aerodynamic improvement device. The optimum value should be set according to the operating state of the aerodynamic improvement device.

  The control parameters of the windmill are generally stored as a control database in the control unit of the windmill, but the control database is usually kept secret as the manufacturer's know-how, such as the operator or maintenance company on the user side Is not normally disclosed.

  Therefore, when retrofitting an aerodynamic improvement device to an existing windmill, it is difficult to change the windmill control database as a means for optimizing the control parameters of the windmill according to the state of the aerodynamic improvement device. is there.

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to optimize the wind turbine control parameters according to the state of the aerodynamic improvement device without changing the wind turbine control database when the aerodynamic improvement device is mounted on the existing wind turbine. It is to provide a wind power generation system and a wind power generation method capable of improving the efficiency of the wind turbine power generation system equipped with the aerodynamic improvement device and further maximizing the efficiency.

  The wind power generation system of the embodiment includes a windmill unit, an aerodynamic improvement device, a measurement unit, a windmill control unit, a converter, and an airflow generation device control unit. The windmill rotates by receiving wind from the wings. The generator generates power by the rotation of the wind turbine unit and generates torque in a direction to suppress the rotation of the wind turbine unit. The aerodynamic improvement device is disposed on the wing of the wind turbine unit, and can be operated or stopped. By operating, the aerodynamic improvement device increases the lift force on the wing and improves the aerodynamic characteristics including the reduction of the drag. The measurement unit measures at least one of a wind state, a power generation state of the generator, and a windmill state. A windmill control part controls operation | movement of a windmill part and a generator based on the at least 1 state measured by the measurement part. The converter converts or relays a status signal sent from the measurement unit to the windmill control unit, or a control signal sent from the windmill control unit to the windmill unit and the generator. The airflow generator control unit converts the state signal or control signal to be different from the original signal if the aerodynamic improvement device is in an operating state, and converts the state signal or control signal if the aerodynamic improvement device is in an operation stop state. Control the converter to relay.

It is a figure which shows schematic structure of a wind power generation system. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the airflow generator used for a wind power generation system. It is a figure which shows the example of the voltage waveform applied to a wind power generation system. It is a figure which shows 1st Embodiment of a structure of the control system of a wind power generation system. It is a control map which shows the relationship between the rotation speed of a windmill (generator), and the torque of a generator. It is a figure which shows the input-output characteristic of the signal converter in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows 2nd Embodiment of a structure of the control system of a wind power generation system. It is a figure which shows the input-output characteristic of the signal converter in 2nd Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a wind power generation system, and FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of an air flow generation device as an aerodynamic improvement device of the wind turbine power generation system of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the wind power generation system 10 of this embodiment includes a tower 30 installed on the ground 20 and a windmill 40 as a windmill attached to the top of the tower 30. The windmill unit 40 includes a nacelle 31, an anemometer 50 attached to the upper surface of the nacelle 31, and a windmill blade 42 as a three-blade configuration wing that rotates by receiving wind from the front.

  The nacelle 31 houses a generator 150 and the like. The generator 150 is provided with a rotating shaft protruding from the nacelle 31, and the wind turbine blade 42 is supported on the rotating shaft. That is, the wind turbine blade 42 is supported on the rotating shaft of the generator 150 (see FIG. 4) protruding from the nacelle 31. However, this configuration is a configuration in a case where the windmill is not provided with a speed increaser. When the windmill is provided with a speed increaser, the windmill blade 42 is supported by the speed increaser shaft. That is, the windmill unit 40 is rotated by receiving wind on the windmill blade 42 and applies torque generated by the rotation to the generator 150 to generate power.

  The wind direction anemometer 50 measures the wind direction and speed of the wind, and transmits each measurement data to the wind turbine controller (see FIG. 4). The windmill blade 42 is rotatably supported. The windmill blade 42 rotates by receiving the airflow.

  The wind turbine blade 42 includes an airflow generation device 60 as an aerodynamic improvement device disposed mainly on three blades. The wind turbine blade 42 is rotatably supported on the upper portion of the tower 30 so that each blade receives the wind from the front and rotates. In this example, an example in which the wind turbine blade 42 is configured by three blades will be described, but the number of blades may be two, four, five or more, and the number is not limited.

  As for the main body of the windmill blade 42, the part which makes the external shape of a main body is comprised with the dielectric material. Examples of the dielectric material include GFRP (glass fiber reinforced resin) obtained by solidifying glass fiber with a synthetic resin. However, the dielectric material is not limited to this, and any dielectric material that constitutes a known wind turbine blade body may be used. Good.

  Note that the entire wind turbine blade does not need to be made of a dielectric material, and at least a portion where the airflow generation device 60 is disposed needs to be made of a dielectric material. That is, the electrodes of the airflow generation device 60 and the electrodes of the airflow generation device 60 and the wind turbine blade body may be configured not to conduct.

  The airflow generation device 60 is operated and stopped by an on / off operation of a switch (not shown) by an operator. Moreover, the airflow generation device 60 can adjust the airflow generation function by changing the voltage, frequency, duty ratio, and the like by a proximity or remote adjustment mechanism. The airflow generator 60 improves the aerodynamic characteristics, for example, by causing the windmill blades 42 to generate airflow in a steady or unsteady manner during operation to increase the lift on the windmill blades 42 or reduce the drag.

  Note that the operation of switching the operation / stop of the airflow generator 60 may be switched when the measured value of the number of rotations of the generator reaches a predetermined number of rotations, and it is not necessary to perform manual operations such as timer control or detection by a wind sensor. You may switch automatically.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the airflow generation device 60 is provided at the front edge portion of the wind turbine blade 42. The airflow generation device 60 includes a first electrode 61 and a second electrode 62 that is spaced apart from the first electrode 61 with a dielectric 63 interposed therebetween. Here, an airflow generation device 60 having a configuration in which the first electrode 61 is provided on the surface of the dielectric 63 and the second electrode 62 is embedded in the dielectric 63 is shown. In addition, the dielectric material constituting the dielectric 63 is not particularly limited, and can be appropriately selected from known dielectric materials made of solid according to the intended use and environment.

  Here, the windmill blade 42 is manufactured as follows, for example. For example, when producing a wind turbine blade body by impregnating a resin in which glass fibers are laminated by a manufacturing method such as prepreg or resin transfer, a metal foil strip or a metal plate is laminated between the fibers, and an air flow generator 60 first electrodes 61 and second electrodes 62 are formed, and the wind turbine blade 42 is manufactured. It can also be manufactured by a method in which a separately produced airflow generator is adhered to the surface of the shaped windmill blade. In addition, the manufacturing method of the windmill blade 42 is not restricted to this.

  Note that the configuration of the airflow generation device 60 is not limited to this. For example, a groove portion is formed in the wind turbine blade 42, and a configuration including the first electrode 61, the second electrode 62, and the dielectric 63 is installed in the groove portion. You may comprise so that it may not protrude from the surface. In this case, for example, when the wind turbine blade 42 is made of a dielectric material such as GFRP (glass fiber reinforced resin) obtained by solidifying glass fiber with a synthetic resin, the wind turbine blade 42 itself can function as the dielectric 63. it can. That is, the first electrode 61 can be disposed directly on the surface of the wind turbine blade 42, and the second electrode 62 can be directly embedded in the wind turbine blade 42 apart from the first electrode 61.

  Here, for example, the first electrode 61 is disposed so that the edge of the first electrode 61 on the second electrode 62 side is on the front edge of the wind turbine blade 42, and the wind turbine is more than the first electrode 61. The second electrode 62 can be disposed at a position that becomes the blade upper surface 42 a on the back side of the blade 42. The arrangement position of the airflow generation device 60 is not particularly limited as long as it is a position that can control separation and the like generated on the blade surface, but in order to accurately control the flow, It is preferable to use the front edge.

  Thus, in the airflow generation device 60, the first electrode 61 and the second electrode 62 are arranged so that the generated plasma induced flow flows from the first electrode 61 side toward the second electrode 62 side. Yes. For example, in the airflow generation device 60 shown in FIG. 2, the plasma induced flow flows from the front edge of the wind turbine blade 42 toward the back side 42 a of the blade surface.

  As shown in FIG. 1, for example, a plurality of airflow generation devices 60 are independently arranged in the blade width direction from the blade root portion of the wind turbine blade 42 toward the blade tip portion. In this case, each airflow generator 60 is controlled independently, for example, the voltage applied between the first electrode 61 and the second electrode 62 is controlled for each airflow generator 60. When the blade width is small, for example, one airflow generation device 60 is disposed in the blade width direction on the front edge portion of the wind turbine blade 42.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the first electrode 61 and the second electrode 62 are electrically connected to a discharge power source 65 that functions as a voltage application mechanism via a cable wiring 64. By starting the discharge power supply 65, a voltage is applied between the first electrode 61 and the second electrode 62.

  The discharge power source is, for example, a pulse-modulated voltage in the form of a pulse (positive polarity, negative polarity, positive and negative polarity (alternating voltage)) between the first electrode 61 and the second electrode 62, A voltage having an alternating current (sine wave, intermittent sine wave) waveform or the like can be applied. Thus, the discharge power supply 65 applies a voltage between the first electrode 61 and the second electrode 62 by changing current voltage characteristics such as a voltage value, a frequency, a current waveform, and a duty ratio. be able to.

  For example, when a plurality of airflow generation devices 60 are provided, the discharge power supply 65 may be provided for each airflow generation device 60, or one power supply having a function capable of controlling the voltage of each airflow generation device 60 independently. It may be constituted by.

  Here, an outline of pulse modulation control in a general wind power generation system will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, a control method in which the applied voltage from the discharge power supply 65 is turned on (ON) for a predetermined time and turned off (OFF) for a predetermined time is called pulse modulation control, and the frequency is called a pulse modulation frequency f. Moreover, the fundamental frequency shown in FIG. 3 is a frequency of an applied voltage.

  For example, when the voltage is subjected to pulse modulation control, it is preferable to set the pulse modulation frequency f so as to satisfy the following relational expression (1).

                      0.1 ≦ fC / U ≦ 9 Formula (1)

  However, C in the above equation (1) is the chord length of the wind turbine blade 42 in the blade portion where the airflow generation device 60 is provided. U is a relative speed obtained by synthesizing the peripheral speed of the wing and the wind speed in the wing portion provided with the airflow generation device 60.

  As shown in FIG. 3, even when a plurality of airflow generation devices 60 are provided in the blade width direction, one airflow generation device 60 has a predetermined width in the blade width direction. For this reason, also in one airflow generation device 60, the chord length C and the relative speed U change in the width direction of the airflow generation device 60. Therefore, it is preferable to use, as the chord length C and the relative speed U, an average value in the blade width direction in the blade portion provided with each airflow generation device 60.

Here, the principle by which the airflow is generated by the airflow generator 60 will be described.
When a voltage is applied between the first electrode 61 and the second electrode 62 from the discharge power source 63 and a potential difference equals or exceeds a certain threshold value, a discharge occurs between the first electrode 61 and the second electrode 62. Is induced.

  This discharge is called corona discharge when both electrodes are exposed on the blade upper surface 42a of the wind turbine blade body, and is called barrier discharge when at least one electrode is embedded in the wind turbine blade body. Plasma is generated.

  In these discharge plasmas, energy can be given only to electrons in the gas, so that the gas can be ionized to generate electrons and ions with little heating of the gas. The generated electrons and ions are driven by an electric field, and momentum shifts to gas molecules when they collide with gas molecules.

  That is, the air flow AF can be generated near the electrode by applying the discharge. The magnitude and direction of the airflow AF can be controlled by changing the current-voltage characteristics such as the voltage, frequency, current waveform, and duty ratio applied to the electrodes.

  Here, the airflow generator 60 is disposed so as to generate the airflow AF in the direction from the front edge to the rear edge of the blade upper surface 42a of the windmill blade body, but the direction of the airflow depends on the electrode installation method. Can also be changed.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of the system configuration in the wind power generation system. As shown in FIG. 4, the wind power generation system includes a wind condition measurement unit 100, a power generation state measurement unit 110, a measurement unit 90 such as a windmill state measurement unit 120, a pitch drive mechanism 130, a yaw drive mechanism 140, a generator 150, An airflow generation device 60, an airflow generation device control unit 170, a signal converter 180, a windmill control unit 190, and the like are provided. Further, the wind power generation system includes a discharge power source (not shown) that drives the airflow generator 60.

The generator 150 generates power by the rotation of a windmill that rotates by receiving an airflow. The windmill control unit 190 is configured by the wind condition measurement unit 100, the power generation state measurement unit 110, and the windmill state measurement unit 120, the wind condition (wind state such as wind speed and wind direction), the output state of the generator 150, the windmill state. Based on the state, the pitch of the windmill, the yaw, and the load state of the generator 150 are controlled.
The airflow generator 60 is provided so that it can be operated / stopped or its capacity can be adjusted, and has a function of improving aerodynamic characteristics such as increasing lift and reducing drag against the wind turbine blades during operation.

  The airflow generation device control unit 170 drives the airflow generation device 60 based on the state information measured by the measurement unit 90 including the wind condition measurement unit 100, the power generation state measurement unit 110, the windmill state measurement unit 120, and the like. The signal converter 180 is made to function in accordance with the state of the airflow generation device 60, and the signals sent from the various measuring units to the windmill control unit 190 are converted into values or signal levels different from the original signals. The generator load is adjusted to an optimum state according to the state of the airflow generation device 60.

  That is, the airflow generation device control unit 170 converts the state signal to be different from the original signal if the airflow generation device 60 is in an operating state, and outputs the state signal if the airflow generation device 60 is in an operation stop state. The signal converter 180 is controlled to relay.

  The generator 150 generates power by the rotation of the wind turbine blades 42 and generates torque in a direction that suppresses the rotation of the wind turbine blades 42.

  For example, a wind direction anemometer 50 is used as the wind condition measuring unit 100. The wind direction anemometer 50 is a sensor that measures the speed of the wind flowing into the wind turbine blade 42 and the wind direction of the wind flowing into the wind turbine blade 42. The wind direction anemometer 50 is provided, for example, on the upper surface of the nacelle 35 shown in FIG.

The wind condition measuring unit 100 is not necessarily installed in the upper part of the nacelle 35, but may be installed in a wind condition observation tower installed in front of the windmill or the like.
In addition, the wind condition measuring unit 100 can also use a rider, a soda, or the like that measures the wind speed and the wind direction at a place away from the measuring unit by using a laser or an ultrasonic wave.

  The power generation state measurement unit 110 is provided in the generator, and serves as a load for suppressing two rotations of the rotating shaft (wind turbine blade 42) (because it is different from the rotational torque on the wind turbine side. Measure).

  The torque sensor may not be one that directly measures the torque, but may be one that calculates by dividing the power generation output by the angular velocity. In this case, in order to measure the generator output, it is necessary to provide a voltmeter, an ammeter, a wattmeter, etc. between the generator or the generator and the power converter.

  The windmill state measuring unit 120 includes a rotation speed sensor, a pitch angle detection sensor, a yaw angle detection sensor, and the like. The rotation speed of the rotor, which is the rotation axis of the windmill blade 42, the rotation speed of the generator 150, and the pitch angle of the windmill blade 42. Measures the current value such as the yaw angle.

  In addition to this, as the measurement unit 90, for example, a sensor that measures vibrations of a windmill, a fluid state, a load state, and the like, such as a vibration meter, a surface pressure gauge, and a strain gauge, may be used. That is, the measurement unit 90 measures at least one of the wind condition, the power generation state of the generator 150, and the state of the windmill unit 40.

  The signal converter 180 converts or relays a state signal sent from the measurement unit 90 to the windmill control unit 190.

  The windmill control unit 190 is preliminarily built in based on the wind condition, the generator output state, and the windmill state measured by the measurement unit 90 such as the wind condition measurement unit 100, the generator measurement unit 110, and the windmill state measurement unit 120. The wind turbine control database 191 (hereinafter referred to as “DB 191”) is used to control the pitch angle of the wind turbine blades 42, the yaw angle of the wind turbine section 40, and the load state of the generator 150.

  The windmill control unit 190 mainly includes, for example, an arithmetic unit (CPU), a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), and the like.

  The CPU executes various arithmetic processes using programs and data stored in the ROM and RAM. The processing executed by the windmill control unit is realized by, for example, a computer device.

  The DB 191 includes a memory, a hard disk device, and the like. In addition, data can be input to the windmill control DB 191 via a keyboard, a mouse, an external input interface, or the like (not shown).

  The DB 191 stores a plurality of control maps (for example, the curves 51 and 52 in FIG. 5) that connect the measurement values such as the wind speed, the wind direction, and the rotation speed, and the control target values such as the wind turbine torque, the yaw angle, and the pitch angle. ing.

  For example, the DB 191 stores a control map as shown in a “stop curve 51” in FIG. 5 that shows characteristics of torque generated by the generator with respect to the rotational speed of the generator.

  The pitch drive mechanism 130 is controlled by the windmill control unit 190 to adjust the pitch angle of the windmill blades 42. Specifically, the windmill control unit 190 controls the pitch driving mechanism 130 to control the angle (pitch angle) of the blades of the windmill blades 42 according to the number of rotations of the windmill blades 42 detected by the rotation number sensor. A signal (information) is sent and the pitch driving mechanism 130 is operated to adjust the pitch angle.

  As another specific control, the windmill control unit 190 sets the blade angle (pitch angle) of the windmill blade 42 according to the windmill output determined from the values of the voltmeter / ammeter of the generator state measurement unit. A control signal (information) is sent to the pitch drive mechanism 130 to control it, and the pitch drive mechanism 130 is operated to adjust the pitch angle.

  The yaw drive mechanism 140 is a mechanism for turning (rotating) the nacelle 31 to align the windmill rotor with the wind direction. Specifically, the windmill control unit 190 sends a control signal to the yaw drive mechanism 140 to adjust the windmill rotor to the wind direction based on the detected wind condition information (wind speed, wind direction, etc.), and the yaw drive mechanism The nacelle 31 is turned (rotated) by operating 140.

  The airflow generation device control unit 170 is a pre-built airflow generation based on the wind condition, the generator output state, and the windmill state measured by the wind condition measurement unit 100, the generator measurement unit 110, and the windmill state measurement unit 120. The operation of the airflow generation device 60 is controlled with reference to the device control database 171 (hereinafter referred to as “DB171”).

  The airflow generation device control unit 170 is mainly composed of, for example, an arithmetic unit (CPU), a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), and the like.

  The CPU executes various arithmetic processes using programs and data stored in the ROM and RAM. The processing executed by the airflow generation device control unit is realized by a computer device, for example.

  The DB 171 includes a memory, a hard disk device, and the like. Data can be input to the DB 171 via a keyboard, a mouse, an external input interface, etc. (not shown).

  The DB 171 stores a plurality of control maps that connect measurement values such as wind speed, wind direction, and rotation speed, and operation parameters of the airflow generation device 60 that is an aerodynamic improvement device. The control map may be expressed as a curve, a function, a control characteristic, or the like.

  The operation parameters of the airflow generation device 60 are, for example, current-voltage characteristics such as a voltage, a frequency, a current waveform, a modulation frequency, and a duty ratio applied to the electrode for each airflow generation device 60.

  The airflow generation device 60 is configured so that the voltage, frequency, current waveform, modulation frequency, and duty ratio applied to the electrodes are optimally adjusted by the signal from the airflow generation device control unit 170, so Optimum adjustment of the strength of the airflow in the direction along the edge, so that the optimum aerodynamic improvement effect can be obtained.

  The signal converter 180 is disposed and connected between the measurement unit 90 and the windmill control unit 190. The signal converter 180 converts or relays a signal sent from the measurement unit 90 to the windmill control unit 190. The airflow generation device control unit 170 causes the signal converter 180 to perform signal conversion using a different function (see FIG. 6) depending on the operating state (operation state or operation stop state) of the airflow generation device 60. The signal converter 180 converts the signal sent from the measurement unit 90 to the windmill control unit 190, so that the pitch angle of the windmill, the yaw angle, and the load of the generator 150 are optimized according to the state of the airflow generation device 60. Adjust to the state.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the wind turbine power generation system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a rotational speed-torque curve of the generator of this wind turbine power generation system.

Normally, a wind power generation system is operated at an angular velocity and torque determined by the following (Equation 1) if friction and the like are ignored.
I (dω / dt) = TW−TM (Expression 1)

  Here, I is the moment of inertia of the windmill, ω is the angular velocity of the windmill, TW is the torque of the windmill, and TM is the torque of the generator 150 (hereinafter referred to as “generator torque”). The wind turbine torque is determined by the performance of the wind and blades, and is determined by the wind conditions at that time.

  Since the generator torque TM is related to the amount of power generated by the generator 150, the generator torque TM can be freely controlled by controlling, for example, the excitation current of the generator. For example, if power generation is not performed at all, that is, if the output end of the generator 150 is open, if the friction is ignored, the generator torque TM will theoretically become 0, and if the wind blows, the rotational speed of the windmill will increase without limit. To go.

  If the generator is a permanent magnet synchronous generator, a converter for connecting the generator output to the system adjusts the output voltage and phase to the system to control the power output to the system. By doing so, the generator torque TM can be freely controlled.

  In other words, the generator torque TM can be controlled by adjusting the output impedance of the generator 150, that is, by adjusting how much power is generated.

  The windmill control unit 190 of a general windmill power generation system that does not include the airflow generation device 60 preliminarily displays a control map indicating the relationship between the rotation speed and the torque as illustrated in, for example, the “curve 51 at the time of stop” in FIG. The generated torque, that is, the power generation amount of the generator is controlled with reference to this control map according to the rotational speed.

  This rotational speed-torque control map is normally set so that the peripheral speed ratio of the wind turbine takes an optimum value so that wind energy can be extracted to the maximum.

  Here, the circumferential speed ratio λ is λ = rω / U, where r is the rotational radius of the rotor, ω is each speed of the rotor, and U is the wind speed. The value of the peripheral speed ratio is set to, for example, “5” to “7”, preferably “6”.

  The reason for this control is that the blade is designed to extract energy from the wind most efficiently at its peripheral speed ratio.

  However, when an aerodynamic improvement device such as the airflow generation device 60 is retrofitted to an optimally designed windmill, for example, when the airflow generation device 60 of FIGS. The wind turbine torque TW is larger than when the airflow generator 60 is not working.

  For this reason, if the conventional rotational speed-generator torque characteristic, that is, the control map is used as it is, the wind turbine torque TW becomes larger than the generator torque TM, so that the rotational frequency tends to increase, resulting in the peripheral speed of the wind turbine. The ratio shifts to a higher side than the optimum value, and the efficiency with which the wings extract energy from the wind deteriorates.

  Therefore, in the wind turbine power generation system of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, a signal converter 180 is provided between the rotation speed sensor of the wind turbine state measurement unit 120 and the wind turbine control unit 190, and the operating state of the air flow generation device 60. As shown in FIG. 6, the signal converter 180 converts the rotation speed signal in accordance with (operation state or operation stop state).

  In this example, different conversion curves (a function 61 at the time of stop and a function 62 at the time of operation) are used when the airflow generation device 60 is stopped and when it is operating. When the Rx axis that is the horizontal axis in FIG. 6 is an input rotation speed signal (rotation speed input) and the Ry axis that is the vertical axis is an output rotation speed signal (rotation speed output), the airflow generator 60 is The conversion curve when stopped (function 61 at the time of stop) is Ry = Rx (straight line 1), and the rotational speed input to the signal converter 180 is output as it is from the signal converter 180, It is sent to the windmill control unit 190.

On the other hand, when the aerodynamic improvement device is operating, the rotational speed input input to the signal converter 180 is converted by the “operation function 62” in FIG. 6 and sent to the windmill control unit 190. As a result of this conversion, an apparent rotational speed signal (information indicating the rotational speed) different from the actual rotational speed is sent from the signal converter 191 to the windmill control unit 190.
As a result, as shown in FIG. 5, the actual relationship between the rotational speed and the torque is the “stop curve 51” when the airflow generation device 60 is stopped, but the airflow generation device 60 When driving, the curve changes as “curve 52 during driving”.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a control state when the signal converter 180 is used. Due to the action of the signal converter described above, the number of rotations of the generator in the range of symbols a and b is set to a low rotation region (hereinafter referred to as “low rotation region”) and a medium rotation region (hereinafter referred to as “medium rotation region”). When the airflow generator 60 is operated, for example, when the airflow generator 60 is operated, the windmill increases the torque in the middle rotation region compared to the state where the airflow generator 60 is stopped. It is used in the characteristic (curve 52).

  In the curve 51 at the time of stop, torque is not generated below a certain number of revolutions, and the torque is extremely increased above the rated number of revolutions in order to prevent further increase in the number of revolutions and damage. . In the middle rotation range, the torque and the rotation speed are connected to the former two in a shape (linear shape) almost like a linear function.

  On the other hand, when the airflow generator 60 is operated (during operation), the curve 52 is the same as the curve 51 when the rotation speed is equal to or lower than the predetermined rotation speed and higher than the rated rotation speed. Even when the rotational speed changes, the curve becomes gradually asymptotic to the curve 51 by applying a substantially constant (same) torque.

  The reason why the generator torque is increased particularly in the low rotation range is that the increase rate of the wind turbine torque is larger by the airflow generation device 60 on the lower rotation side, and therefore the rotational speed is faster on the curve 51 than when there is no airflow generation device 60.

  This corresponds to the peripheral speed ratio becoming larger than the design value, so that the power generation efficiency of the windmill is deteriorated. When the rotational speed of the wind turbine blades 42 becomes high, the torque increase rate of the wind turbine blades 42 by the airflow generator 60 becomes small and becomes the same as the characteristic without the original airflow generator 60. The curve 51 is asymptotic.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, the signal converter 180 is provided between the measurement unit 90 and the windmill control unit 190, and the airflow generation device control unit 170 controls the signal converter 180. When it is difficult to change the DB 191 of the windmill control unit 190 as in a windmill, the control map of the DB 171 in the airflow generation device control unit 170 can be properly used according to the operating state of the airflow generation device 60.

  As a result, the conversion function of the signal converter 180 is optimized according to the state of the airflow generation device 60, and the airflow generation device 60 needs to be operated when there is a good wind condition where the airflow generation device 60 does not need to operate. It becomes possible to operate to maintain the peripheral speed ratio in the vicinity of the optimum value for both cases where the wind condition is bad, improve the power generation efficiency of the wind turbine power generation system 10, and further maximize the power generation efficiency. As a result, the amount of power generation can be increased.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of the second embodiment, and FIG. 8 is a diagram showing conversion characteristics of a control signal by the signal converter 181.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the signal converter 181 converts or relays a control signal (such as a torque control command) sent from the windmill control unit 190 to the generator 150. In addition, the signal converter 181 converts or relays control signals sent from the windmill control unit 190 to the pitch drive mechanism 130 and the yaw drive mechanism 140. That is, the signal converter 181 converts or relays a control signal sent from the windmill control unit 190 to the windmill unit 40 and the generator 150.

  The airflow generation device control unit 170 causes the signal converter 181 to function according to the operating state of the airflow generation device 60, and is sent from the windmill control unit 190 to the pitch drive mechanism 130, the yaw drive mechanism 140, and the generator 150. By converting the two control signals, the pitch, yaw, and generator load of the windmill are adjusted to the optimum state according to the operating state (operating state or operating stop state) of the airflow generator 60.

  That is, the airflow generation device control unit 170 converts the control signal to be different from the original signal if the airflow generation device 60 is in the operating state, and outputs the control signal if the airflow generation device 60 is in the operation stop state. The signal converter 181 is controlled to relay.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in the second embodiment, a signal converter 181 is provided between the windmill control unit 190, the windmill drive unit (pitch drive mechanism 130, yaw drive mechanism 140), and the generator 150, and FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the signal converter 181 converts, for example, a control signal (such as a torque command) to the generator 150 in accordance with the operating state (operation state or operation stop state) of the airflow generation device 60. In addition, the signal converter 181 may convert control signals to the pitch drive mechanism 130 and the yaw drive mechanism 140.

  In this example, different conversion functions are used when the airflow generation device 60 stops operating and when it operates. In FIG. 8, the horizontal axis Tx axis is a torque control signal (input torque control signal) input to the signal converter 181 and the vertical axis Ty axis is a torque control signal (output torque control) output from the signal converter 181. Signal), the conversion function when the airflow generation device 60 stops operation is “stop function 81” which is Ty = Tx (straight line 1), and is input to the signal converter 181. The command signal to the generator 150 is output (simply relayed) as it is from the signal converter 181 and sent to the generator 150.

  On the other hand, when the airflow generation device 60 is in operation, the command signal to the generator 150 input to the signal converter 181 is converted by the “function 82 during operation” shown in FIG. Sent.

  The “operation function 82” is a control signal for controlling the generator 150 so as to increase the generator torque in the middle rotation region more than usual. As a result of this conversion, an apparent control signal different from the command signal from the actual windmill control unit 190 is sent from the signal converter 181 to the generator 150.

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 5, the actual relationship between the rotational speed and the torque is the “curve 51 at the time of stop” when the airflow generator 60 is stopped. When driving, the curve changes as “curve 52 during driving”. Thereby, the same effect as described in the first embodiment can be obtained.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, the signal converter 181 is provided between the windmill control unit 190, the windmill drive unit (pitch drive mechanism 130, yaw drive mechanism 140), and the generator 150 to control the airflow generator. When the unit 170 controls the signal converter 181, it is difficult to change the DB 191 of the windmill control unit 190, such as an existing windmill, for example, the control map of the DB 171 in the airflow generation device control unit 170 is It can be used properly according to the operating state of the airflow generation device 60. As a result, the same effect as the first embodiment can be obtained.

  Here, the signals between the windmill control unit 190 and the windmill drive unit / generator 150 are often not based on analog communication but on protocol communication such as CAN OPEN. In such a case, the signal converter 181 may be not a mere analog signal converter but a virtual device that receives protocol communication from the transmission side, applies a certain process to the content, and transmits it to the reception side. . In this case, since a phase lag occurs due to transmission of communication, it is desirable to prevent the control response from becoming unstable by adding a control logic that compensates for the phase lag.

  According to at least one embodiment described above, the signal converters 180 and 181 for the input / output signals of the windmill control unit 190 are provided, and the airflow generator control unit 170 is configured to control each converter, When the airflow generation device 60 is mounted on an existing windmill, the windmill control parameters are set to optimum values according to the state of the airflow generation device 60 without changing the DB 191 that is a database for windmill control. The efficiency of the wind turbine power generation system equipped with the airflow generation device 60 can be improved, and further the efficiency can be maximized.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this embodiment is shown as an example and is not intending limiting the range of invention. The novel embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

  In FIG. 8, analog control signals are assumed as signals on the vertical axis and the horizontal axis. However, not only analog signals but also digital signals, pulse signals, and other forms of signals may be received by the signal converter 181. This can be dealt with by the signal converter 181 converting the signal into a signal that can be recognized by the receiving side.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the airflow generation device 60 that generates the airflow by the action of the discharge plasma is described as the high lift device. However, for example, a synthetic jet using a MEMS element may be used. A flap or the like may be used. A synthetic jet using a MEMS element is one in which a hole is provided in a wing, and a MEMS element installed in the hole is driven to eject and inhale air from the hole.

  In the above embodiment, the curve 52 gradually approaches the curve 51 by applying a substantially constant (same) torque even when the rotation speed changes in the middle rotation range. However, as shown in FIG. Alternatively, the curve 51 may be moved upward as it is (a characteristic map in which the generator torque is generally higher than the curve 51 when stopped).

  Further, a part of each component of the control system shown in the above embodiment may be realized by a program installed in a storage such as a hard disk device of a computer, and the above program may be realized by a computer-readable electronic medium: electronic media The function of the present invention may be realized by the computer by causing the computer to read the program from the electronic medium.

  Examples of the electronic medium include a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, flash memory, and removable media. Further, the configuration may be realized by distributing and storing components in different computers connected via a network, and communicating between computers in which the components are functioning.

  Here, as aerodynamic improvement devices, devices that improve the aerodynamic characteristics around the wind turbine blades are assumed, but not only around the wind turbine blades, but also the flow around the nacelle, hub, and tower affects the efficiency of the wind turbine. The same application is possible for a device for improving the flow around the wind turbine equipment.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Wind power generation system, 20 ... Ground, 30 ... Tower, 31 ... Nasser, 40 ... Windmill part, 50 ... Wind direction anemometer, 42 ... Windmill blade, 42a ... Top surface of windmill blade, 60 ... Airflow generator, 61 ... 1st electrode 62 ... 2nd electrode 63 ... Dielectric material 64 ... Cable wiring 65 ... Power supply for discharge 100 ... Wind condition measuring part 110 ... Power generation state measuring part 120 ... Windmill state measuring part 130 ... Pitch drive mechanism, 140 ... Yaw drive mechanism, 150 ... Generator, 170 ... Airflow generator control unit, 171 ... Database (DB), 180,181 ... Signal converter, 190 ... Windmill control unit, 191 ... Database (DB) ).

Claims (4)

A windmill that rotates by receiving wind on its wings,
A generator for generating torque in a direction to suppress rotation of the wind turbine unit by generating power by rotation of the wind turbine unit;
An aerodynamic improvement device that is disposed on the wing of the wind turbine unit and that can be operated or stopped and that increases the lift force on the wing by driving and improves aerodynamic characteristics including drag reduction;
A measuring unit for measuring at least one of a wind state, a power generation state of the generator, and a state of the windmill; and
A windmill control unit that controls operations of the windmill unit and the generator based on at least one state measured by the measurement unit;
A converter that converts or relays a state signal sent from the measurement unit to the windmill control unit, or a control signal sent from the windmill control unit to the windmill unit and the generator;
If the aerodynamic improvement device is in operation, the state signal or control signal is converted to be different from the original signal, and if the aerodynamic improvement device is in operation stop, the state signal or control signal is relayed. A wind power generation system comprising an aerodynamic improvement device control unit for controlling the converter. The control signal is
2. The wind power generation system according to claim 1, wherein the wind power generation system is a control signal for controlling a mechanism for adjusting a pitch angle of a blade of the wind turbine unit and / or a mechanism for adjusting a yaw angle of the blade or a control signal for controlling a load of the generator. . A wind turbine unit that rotates by receiving wind on the blades, a generator that generates power by rotating the wind turbine unit and generates torque in a direction that suppresses the rotation of the wind turbine, and is disposed on the blades of the wind turbine unit and can be operated or stopped An aerodynamic improvement device that improves aerodynamic characteristics including increased lift and drag reduction by driving, and at least one of a wind condition, a power generation state of the generator, and a state of the windmill unit. In a control method for a wind power generation system, comprising: a measurement unit that measures one state; and a windmill control unit that controls operations of the windmill unit and the generator based on at least one state measured by the measurement unit ,
If the aerodynamic improvement device is in an operating state, a state signal sent from the measurement unit to the windmill control unit or a control signal sent from the windmill control unit to the windmill unit and the generator is different from the original signal. And convert
A control method of a wind power generation system that relays the state signal or the control signal when the aerodynamic improvement device is in an operation stop state. The control signal is
The wind power generation according to claim 3, which is a control signal for controlling a mechanism for adjusting a pitch angle of the blades of the wind turbine unit and / or a mechanism for adjusting a yaw angle of the blades, or a control signal for controlling a load of the generator. How to control the system.

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