BG112187A - System for protection of horizontal axis wind turbine - Google Patents

Abstract

The system has been designed to protect the wind turbine from strong winds causing damages such as broken blades, and over-charging the batteries when provided. The system includes a turbine (1) with a rotor (2) with propellers (3) mounted on a hub shaft (4) fixed to a carrier platform (5) with bearings to a rotation shaft (6) fixed on a tower (7) covered by a protective housing (8). A rotor orientation device for wind direction (9) is mounted on the carrier platform, triggered by a signal from a main controller (10) connected to a power supply and to a rotor speed sensor (11) and a wind direction sensor (12). Turbine connections to the main controller and consumption networks (17) are also provided. The orientation device for wind direction (9) is an electric motor (14) fixed to the carrier platform (5) having an output drive element (15) engaged with a gear (16) fixed to the rotation shaft (6). The main controller (10) has been programmed to actuate the motor (14) according to the sensor data and is connected to a voltage controller (13) fed to the consumption networks (17). 6 claims, 7 figures

Description

(54) HORIZONTAL ROTARY WIND TURBINE PROTECTION SYSTEM (57) The system is designed to protect the wind turbine from damage by strong winds, the propellers from breakage, as well as rechargeable batteries from overcharging. The system includes a turbine (1) with a rotor (2) with propellers (3) mounted on a shaft with a hub (4), fixed to a bearing platform (5), mounted on a rotating shaft (6), fixed on a tower (7), covered with a protective housing (8). A means (9) for orientation of the propellers to the wind is mounted to the supporting platform, activated by a signal from a main controller (10) connected to the power supply and to a rotor speed sensor (11) and a wind direction sensor (12). Connections from the turbine to the main controller and to the consumption networks are also provided (17). The means (9) for orienting the propellers to the wind is an electric motor (14) fixed on the supporting platform (5), which has an output drive element (15) engaged with a gear wheel (16) fixed to the rotating shaft (6). The main controller (10) is programmed to actuate the motor (14), according to the sensor data, and is connected to a voltage controller (13) supplied to the consuming networks (17).

claims, 7 figures

WIND TURBINE PROTECTION SYSTEM WITH HORIZONTAL ROTATION AXLE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a wind turbine protection system with a horizontal axis of rotation, designed to protect the wind turbine from damage in high winds, the propellers from breakage, as well as from overcharging the batteries in which the energy produced by the wind turbine is stored. , when provided.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Different types of wind turbines are known that extract energy from the wind flow for useful needs. The physical principle of their work is the same. The wind turbine, as a primary energy source, has a low energy density and is driven by a natural phenomenon that cannot be controlled, such as wind. In order to be able to obtain more efficient electricity production from the wind through a wind generator, various constructions and means are applied, which help to absorb energy and provide protection of the wind generator from strong winds.

A wind turbine protection system with a horizontal axis of rotation is known from WO 2014/028581. The wind turbine includes a rotor with propellers mounted on a shaft with a horizontal axis of rotation. The listed elements are mounted to a support platform mounted by a rotating shaft on a vertical support element / pylon. All elements located on the supporting platform are covered with a protective housing. The wind turbine has a tail stabilizer, ensuring the orientation of the propellers to the wind. The generation of electricity occurs as the translational movement of the wind, through the propellers, is converted into a rotating movement of the rotor, through the movement of which an electric generator is activated, converting the mechanical energy of the wind into electricity. The electric generator is of any known type, for example with permanent magnets or another type. The protection system includes a means for orienting the propellers against the wind, which consists of a piston located at one end near the rotating shaft. The other end of the piston is connected to movable elements and stabilizing blocks located on the periphery of the supporting platform, allowing in the translational movement of the piston back and forth, to deviate, at a signal from a computer with a programmable controller, to the shaft direction. rotor angle, tail stabilizer. The location of the tail stabilizer determines the orientation of the wind turbine propellers relative to the wind. The system includes wind speed sensors or the so-called anemometer, depending on the readings of which the angle of deflection of the tail stabilizer is set, with a value from 0 ° to 90. An on-board computer is provided for monitoring and control of the turbine operating parameters. and a programmable controller that receives status data of various changing parameters. When comparing them with the set ones, such as wind speed limit, current voltage limit, current limit, temperature limits, rotor speed limit and other operating parameters, if any of the monitored parameters is outside the set limits, the system has the ability to stop the operation of the wind turbine so that it can be inspected or switch on the piston and change the angle of the tail stabilizer, the basic actuation information being the measured value of the wind speed.

The known protection system does not cover the case where the wind turbine also has rechargeable batteries for storing the produced energy. The system requires complex and expensive control mechanisms and due to the rotation of the tail stabilizer at its point of connection to the supporting platform, changes the center of mass of the wind turbine and requires the use of higher mechanical strength for the supporting elements. This leads to significant costs. Another disadvantage is that the system is not suitable for use for wind turbines with a capacity of more than 5 kW. In general, the known automated system is investment and operationally unacceptable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a system for the protection of a wind turbine with a horizontal axis of rotation which is of high efficiency and which is applicable both for the protection of the wind turbine from high speed wind and for the protection of the accumulator wind turbine. rechargeable batteries, where provided, supporting the proper and maximum absorption of wind energy to increase the efficiency of the wind turbine and to allow lower investment and operating costs.

The problem is solved with a system for protection of a wind turbine with a horizontal axis of rotation, which turbine has a rotor with propellers mounted on a shaft with a hub with a horizontal axis of rotation, fixed to a supporting platform. The bearing platform is mounted to a rotating shaft fixed on a tower covered with a protective housing. A means for orienting the propellers to the wind, mounted on a signal from a programmable controller connected to the power supply and to at least one sensor, is mounted to the supporting platform. The system also includes the necessary connections from the wind turbine to the programmable controller and to the consuming networks. According to the invention, the means for orienting the propellers against the wind is an electric motor fixed on the support platform, which electric motor has an output drive element engaged with a gear wheel fixed to the rotating shaft. A rotor speed sensor is located on the turbine rotor, and a second wind direction sensor is located on the protective housing. In addition, the programmable controller is basic, programmed to actuate the motor, based on data from both sensors. The main controller is connected to a voltage controller supplied to the consumer networks.

In one embodiment, the motor is rotary with a gearbox and the output drive element is a gear.

In another embodiment, the motor is linear and the output drive element is a rack.

In an embodiment in which immediately after the voltage controller are included batteries connected to the voltage controller, the latter being functionally connected to the main controller as a sensor for the degree of charge of the batteries.

It is appropriate for the voltage controller to be integrated in the main controller.

A second invention of a horizontal axis of rotation wind turbine protection system includes a rotor with propellers mounted on a shaft with a horizontal axis of rotation fixed to a support platform mounted on a rotating shaft fixed to a tower covered with a protective housing. A tail stabilizer is mounted to the supporting platform, including a longitudinal carrier and a vertical rotating shaft connected to it, as well as a movable tail part. In addition, a means for orienting the propellers to the wind is mounted on the support platform, actuated by a signal from a programmable controller connected to the power supply and to at least one sensor. The necessary connections from the wind turbine to the programmable controller and to the consuming networks are also included. According to the invention, the means for orienting the propellers to the wind is a linear electric motor fixed to the support platform and to the longitudinal support of the tail stabilizer. The linear electric motor has an output drive element - a gear rack engaged with a gear wheel fixed to the movable tail part of the tail stabilizer and to a rotating sleeve enclosing the vertical rotating shaft located at the end of the longitudinal carrier. A rotor speed sensor is located on the turbine rotor, and the programmable controller is a main one, programmed to start the motor, based on the data from the rotor speed sensor. The main controller is connected to a voltage controller supplied to the consumer networks.

The advantages of the present invention are that the protection system has increased efficiency and is universally applicable both for protection against high-speed wind and for protection of rechargeable batteries, where such are provided. The system supports the correct and maximum absorption of wind energy through the created possibility for smooth regulation of the change of the propeller position in relation to the wind direction and increases the efficiency of the wind turbine at low wind speeds. Increases productivity at all operating wind speeds without special additional rotary mechanical means and automatically and in real time provides protection of the equipment itself, as well as the power supply to consumers operating with different types of electrical voltages. The system works with independent consumers and / or with those connected to a conventional and / or intelligent public electricity network, as the investment costs for its construction and installation are lower than those known from the state of the art. Operating costs are also reduced.

BRIEF EXPLANATIONS OF THE FIGURES fig. 1 is a block diagram of a wind turbine protection system according to the invention;

FIG. 2 - block diagram of the protection system, in case of embodiment with accumulator batteries;

FIG. 3 is a general longitudinal sectional diagram of a wind turbine protection system according to the invention;

FIG. 4 is a view along AA of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a general longitudinal sectional diagram according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a BB view of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a general diagram of a wind turbine protection system according to the invention, preferably applicable for low power (less than 3 kW).

EXAMPLES OF THE INVENTION

The protection system of a wind turbine with a horizontal axis of rotation includes a turbine 1 with a rotor 2 with propellers 3 mounted on a shaft with a hub 4 with a horizontal axis of rotation and fixed to a support platform 5. The support platform 5 is mounted to a shaft 6, fixed on a tower 7. The turbine 1 and its supporting platform 5 are covered with a protective housing 8. A means 9 for orientation of the propellers 3 to the wind is mounted to the supporting platform 5, activated by a signal from a programmable controller 10 connected to the power supply and to at least a sensor, including the necessary connections from the wind turbine to the controller 10 and to the consuming networks 17. According to the invention, the means 9 for orienting the propellers to the wind, as shown in FIG. 3 and 4, is an electric motor 14 fixed on the support platform 5. The electric motor 14 has an output drive element 15 engaged with a gear 16 fixed to the rotary shaft 6. In this case, a rotor 2 is located on the rotor 2 of the turbine 1. the rotor 11, and a second wind direction sensor 12 is located on the protective housing 8. The programmable controller 10 is main, programmed to actuate the motor 14, based on the data from the two sensors 11, 12. The main controller 10 is connected to a controller for voltage 13 supplied to the consuming networks 17. The main controller has a function for protection of turbine 1 from strong wind, as it compares the read parameters from the rotor speed sensor 11 and if they are not within the preset limits, sends a signal from it to the means 9 for orienting the propellers to the wind and more precisely, supplies power to drive the motor 14. The applied signal activates the motor 14 and it, through the output its drive actuator 15 and the gear 16 engaged thereby rotates the bearing platform 5 around the rotating shaft 6. Thus, when rotating the bearing platform 5, the position of the propellers 3 of the rotor 2 is changed. At the same time, the main controller 10 reads the direction of the wind, to determine the angle of rotation of the support platform 5 with respect to the wind direction.

The voltage controller 13 has a function to maintain a uniform and constant voltage to the inverter 18 by taking the variable voltage values from the turbine 1 at its input and reducing them to the same value at its output to ensure trouble-free operation of the inverter 18 thereafter. The inverter 18 is connected to the consumption networks 17, including power networks and other configurations depending on the purpose of operation of the wind generator and the reliability conditions of the system in which it is connected. It is possible, according to an embodiment, for the voltage controller 13 to be integrated in the main controller 10.

According to a preferred embodiment, the motor 14 is a rotor 141 with a reducer, and the output drive element 15 is a gear 151.

The construction of the electric rotor motor 141 and its reducer are constructed and positioned on the support platform 5, according to the usual knowledge of those skilled in the art. The main feature is that the gear 16 fixed to the shaft for rotation 6 is of a type corresponding to the gear 151 engaged with it, thus creating a possibility for rotation of the bearing platform 5 and, respectively, through it, of the propellers 3. of the wind turbine 1, at randomly determined from the measured characteristics and the parameters set on the main controller 10, around the axis of the rotary shaft 6 in the range from 0 ° to 360 °. Thus, a smooth adjustment of the change in the location of the propellers relative to the wind direction and an increase in the efficiency of the wind turbine at low wind speeds is achieved.

According to another embodiment, the motor 14 is linear 142 and the output drive element 15 is a toothed rack 152, as shown in FIG. 5 and 6.

An embodiment of the protection system is also provided in case there are also accumulators 19 included, usually located after the voltage controller 13 and before the inverter 18. In this embodiment, the main controller 10 is programmed to monitor the voltage controller as well. 13, which is at the same time a sensor for indicating the charged state of the accumulator batteries 19. Thus, according to the invention, a reaction is provided when reading charged batteries and not consuming them, namely to stop the turbine 1.

The protection system of the turbine 1 is built on the basis of two main sensors, a sensor for the speed of the rotor 11 of the turbine 1 and a sensor for the wind direction 12.

It is applicable for protection of wind turbines, regardless of their power, and is suitable for both design types - for wind turbines with power up to 3 kW and for wind turbines with power over 3 kW.

The operation of the protection system is presented in the attached figs. 1 and FIG. 2 by a block diagram of the wind turbine protection system with a horizontal axis of rotation according to the invention.

This action consists of the following:

The propellers 3 of the turbine 1 are rotated by the wind and transmit a rotational motion of the rotor 2 of the turbine 1 by means of the shaft with a hub 4, through which electricity is generated. From the speed sensor of the rotor 11 information is sent to the main controller 10. From the wind direction sensor 12 information is also sent to the main controller 10, where the information from the two sensors 11, 12 is compared with the preset speed parameters and read whether there is a change in wind direction. The main controller 10 determines whether the speed is in the intended optimal mode or outside it. In case the rotor speed is in the provided optimal mode and the wind direction has not changed, the main controller does not actuate the means 9 for orientation of the propellers to the wind and the operation of the turbine 1 continues in optimal mode. In the second case, when a change in wind direction registered by the wind direction sensor 12 is detected, the main controller 10 actuates the motor 14 of the propeller orientation means 9 against the wind, which motor 14 drives the output drive element 15 and it from its side rotates the bearing platform 5 to maintain the required rotor speed 2. In these embodiments, the drive element 15, if a rotary motor 141 is used, is the gear 151 or, when using a linear motor 142, through the rack 152. Then the main controller 10 issues a command to stop the electric motor 14 and the supporting platform 5 stands in the reached position. In the third case, when the rotor speed is too high, by means of a signal of the main controller 10, taking into account the wind direction determined by the wind direction sensor 12, the means 9 for orientation of the propellers to the wind is switched on. the bearing platform 5 in a direction in which the angle of attack of the wind to the propellers 3 is changed so as to reduce the speed of the rotor 2 within the prescribed limits and stops it on it. There is also a case in which in case of insufficient wind force or low speed of the rotor 2 of the turbine 1, which for a certain time are insufficient to generate an adequate amount of electricity, the protection system, by signal of the main controller 10, rotates the propellers 3. in a position in which the operation of turbine 1 is stopped and / or an electromechanical brake is applied. The wind turbine can start the production of electricity from the wind again under favorable conditions. For this purpose, the wind force is checked, at a certain interval of time, by actuating the means 9 for orienting the propellers to the wind, respectively to the readings of the wind direction sensor 12, and reading the rotor speed 2 at that moment by the speed sensor. of the rotor 11. To establish the presence of favorable operating conditions, a connection to a meteorological station may be used to signal this to the main controller 10.

At the same time, the main controller 10 monitors the data from the switched-on controller for the voltage 13 supplied through the inverter 18 to the consuming networks 17, with feedback.

If there is a condition for storage of the energy produced by the wind and after the voltage controller 13 batteries are included 19, the data from the voltage controller 13 are used by the main controller 10 to activate the protection system. In this case, the voltage controller 13 is a sensor for the charged state of the batteries 19, and provided that the main controller 10 receives information about fully charged batteries 19 and no consumption of them, the turbine 1 is positioned so as not to absorbs more energy from the wind by starting the electric motor 14 and the bearing platform 5 rotates until the rotation of the propellers 3 stops. This helps to prolong the service life of the wind turbine. Also, a possible variant of operation of the protection system is, taking into account the filling of the batteries 19, the main controller 10 to issue a command to stop the operation of the wind turbine by applying the brake.

Although the horizontal wind turbine protection system described above with a horizontal axis of rotation can be applied to all types of turbines, regardless of their power, a protection system based on an identical inventive concept has been created, which is applicable to turbines with low power - up to 3 kW - and which requires even lower installation and operation costs.

The low power wind turbine protection system includes a turbine 1 with a rotor 2 with propellers 3 mounted on a shaft with a hub 4 with a horizontal axis of rotation, fixed to a support platform 5. The support platform 5 is mounted to a rotating shaft 6 fixed on tower 7. The turbine 1 and the support platform 5 are covered with a protective housing 8. A tail stabilizer 20 is mounted to the support platform 5, including a longitudinal carrier 21 and a vertical rotating shaft 22 connected to it, as well as a movable tail section 23. to the supporting platform 5 is mounted a means 9 for orientation of the propellers to the wind, actuated by a signal from a programmable controller 10 connected to a power source and to at least one sensor and the necessary connections from the wind turbine to the controller 10 and to consumer networks 17. According to the invention, the means 9 for orienting the propellers to the wind is a linear electric motor 142 fixed to the support platform 5 and to the longitudinal support 21 of the tail stabilizer 20, which electric motor 142 has an output drive element 15 - a rack 152 engaged with a gear 16 fixed to the movable tail part 23 of the tail stabilizer 20 by a rotating sleeve 24 enclosing the vertical rotating shaft 22 located at the end of the the longitudinal carrier 21. On the rotor 2 of the turbine 1 is located a speed sensor of the rotor 11. The programmable controller 10 is a main programmed to actuate the motor 142, based on the data from the speed sensor of the rotor 11, which in this invention is sufficient to carry out the operation of the protection system. Accordingly, the main controller 10 is connected to a voltage controller 13 supplied to the consuming networks 17. The voltage controller 13 is connected directly or through an inverter 18 to the consuming networks 17. Other configurations of the power system are possible depending on the purpose of operation of the network. the wind generator as part of it and the reliability conditions of the respective energy system in which it is connected.

The operation of the protection system in this invention consists in the following:

The propellers 3 of the turbine 1 are rotated by the wind and transmit rotational motion to the rotor 2 by means of the hub with a hub 4, through which electricity is generated. From the speed sensor of the rotor 11 information is received in the main controller 10, where a comparison of the information of the sensor 11 with the preset speed parameters is performed. The main controller 10 determines whether the speed is in the intended optimal mode or outside it. In case the speed of the rotor 2 is in the provided optimal mode, the main controller 10 does not actuate the means 9 for orientation of the propellers to the wind and the operation of the wind turbine 1 continues in optimal mode. At too high rotor speeds, by means of a signal of the main controller 10, the means 9 for orientation of the propellers to the wind is switched on by rotating the bearing platform 5 in a direction in which the angle of attack of the wind to the propellers 3 changes so to reduce the rotor speed within the specified limits. If the speed of the rotor 2 is low and, for a certain time, insufficient to generate an adequate amount of electricity, the protection system, by signal of the main controller 10, rotates the bearing platform 5 and, accordingly, the propellers 3 in a position where the operation of turbine 1 is stopped and / or an electromechanical brake is applied. The wind turbine can start the generation of electricity from the wind again by checking the wind power at a certain interval of time by actuating the means 9 for orientation of the propellers to the wind, reading the rotor speed 2 at this time through the rotor speed sensor 11 or by connecting to a metrological station to signal to the main controller 10 for conditions favorable to the operation of the wind turbine.

USE IN INDUSTRY

The use of renewable energy sources (RES) is a general problem. It stems from the fact that they are most efficient when the electricity and / or other useful energy they generate is consumed directly. Usually, this is impossible because consumption does not coincide with the generation schedule, neither in time nor in quantity. The large energy systems, of which the state is a part, are united, which helps solve the general problem, but does not solve it completely. In other words, in order to be able to use the energy generated by renewable energy, it is necessary to accumulate and / or transform it. The efficient solution of energy accumulation and energy transformation is achieved by using the protection system according to the present invention.

The program of the main controller 10 consists in monitoring the incoming data and their use to control the means 9 for orientation of the propellers to the wind. The main controller 10 is programmed to activate the means 9 for orienting the propellers 3 to the wind after passing certain speeds or for maintaining them, which speeds are read by the speed monitoring sensor 11 of the rotor 2 of the turbine 1 and whose limit values are set in the logic of its processor. The wind direction is read by the wind direction sensor 12 and so the main controller 10 has information on what position the propellers 3 should be oriented by positioning the support platform 5 so that the turbine 1 can rotate with the maximum allowed and set in the main controller 10 revolutions. Thus, the protection system also helps to absorb the optimal amount of wind energy at all times and increases the efficiency of the wind turbine equipped with it.

Claims (6)

A wind turbine protection system with a horizontal axis of rotation, which wind turbine comprises a turbine with a rotor with propellers mounted on a shaft with a horizontal axis of rotation hub fixed to a support platform mounted on a rotating shaft fixed to a tower, covered with a protective housing, in which a means for orientation of the propellers to the wind is mounted to the supporting platform, activated by a signal from a programmable controller connected to the power supply and to at least one sensor, including the necessary connections from the wind turbine to the programmable controller and to consumer networks, characterized in that the means (9) for orienting the propellers to the wind is an electric motor (14) fixed on the support platform (5), which electric motor (14) has an output drive element (15) engaged with a gear wheel (16) fixed to the rotating shaft (6), the rotor (2) of the turbine having a sensor for the rotation of the rotor (11) and a second sensor for the direction of the wind (12) is located on the protective housing (8), wherein the programmable controller (10) is a main, programmed to actuate the motor (14), based on the data from the two sensors (11, 12), as the main controller 10) is connected to a voltage controller (13) supplied to the consuming networks (17). Wind turbine protection system according to claim 1, characterized in that the electric motor (14) is a rotor (141) with a reducer and the output drive element (15) is a gear (151). Wind turbine protection system according to claim 1, characterized in that the electric motor (14) is linear (142) and the output drive element (5) is a toothed rack (152). Wind turbine protection system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that immediately after the voltage controller (13), accumulator batteries (19) connected to the voltage controller (13) are included. , which is functionally connected to the main controller (10) as a sensor for the degree of charge of the batteries. Wind turbine protection system according to claim 4, characterized in that the voltage controller (13) is integrated in the main controller (10). 6. Horizontal axis of rotation wind turbine protection system, which wind turbine includes a rotor with propellers mounted on a shaft with a horizontal axis of rotation fixed to a support platform mounted on a rotating shaft fixed to a tower covered with a protective housing , in which a tail stabilizer is mounted to the supporting platform, including a longitudinal carrier and a vertical rotating shaft connected to it, as well as a movable tail part, in which a means for orientation of the propellers to the wind is mounted to the supporting platform. controller connected to the power supply and to at least one sensor, including the necessary connections from the wind turbine to the programmable controller and to the consumption networks, characterized in that the means (9) for orientation of the propellers to the wind is a linear motor (142 ) fixed to the support platform (5) and to the longitudinal support (21) of the tail stabilizer (20), which motor (142) and has an output drive element (15) - a rack (152) engaged with a gear wheel (16) fixed to the movable tail part (23) of the tail stabilizer (20) by a rotating sleeve (24) enclosing the vertical shaft for rotation ( 22), located at the end of the longitudinal carrier (21), as on the rotor (2) of the turbine (1) is located a sensor for rotor speed (11), where the programmable controller (10) is basic, programmed to actuate the the electric motor (142), based on the data from the rotor speed sensor (11), the main controller (10) being connected to a voltage controller (13) supplied to the consuming networks (17).