JP2006144701A - Wind power generator - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a wind power generator having a new constitution by which power-generation efficiency is stably improved, while avoiding its upsizing. <P>SOLUTION: The wind power generator comprises a wind-tunnel body 12 having an inner peripheral surface 46 expanding from the windward to the leeward. In the wind-tunnel body 12, a windmill 14 is installed rotatably nearly coaxially on a horizontal shaft, and a baffle 44 is coaxially mounted. The outer peripheral surface of the baffle 44 constitutes a surface 42 expanding from the windward to the leeward in a shape nearly corresponding to the inner peripheral surface 46 of the wind-tunnel body 12. The windward end of the surface 42 of the baffle 44 is protruded axially outside from the opening of the wind-tunnel body 12. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a wind turbine generator that generates power by driving a generator by rotating a wind turbine with wind power, and more particularly, a wind turbine generator that can efficiently rotate a wind turbine even at a small wind speed, such as a small wind turbine. It is related with the wind power generator which can be advantageously applied in and can improve a power generation efficiency.

  Conventionally, there has been known a wind power generation apparatus that uses a windmill to convert wind power into rotational force and drives the generator to obtain electric power. It has become like this. In such a wind power generator, it is required to improve power generation efficiency by efficiently converting wind power into rotational force. As one measure for that purpose, the use of a wind tunnel body has been studied.

  For example, what is described in patent document 1 (Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 2003-278635) is it. The wind tunnel body has a cylindrical shape that expands in the wind flow direction, and uses the internal pressure gradient to increase the speed of the wind entering from the small diameter inlet. And the wind turbine arranged in the wind tunnel body is efficiently rotated by this accelerated wind, and efficient power generation is performed.

  By the way, in the wind tunnel body of the conventional structure described in patent document 1, the inclination angle of the side wall part with respect to the axis | shaft of a wind tunnel body is set to 5-25 degrees comparatively small. In order to obtain a sufficient pressure gradient in the wind tunnel body having such an inclination angle, it is necessary to set the axial length of the wind tunnel body sufficiently large. Specifically, in Patent Document 1, as shown in the example, the value of the ratio of the length of the wind tunnel body: L and the inlet diameter: D is L / D = 1.25. In order to effectively obtain the effect of improving the power generation efficiency, L / D> 1.0 is generally set.

  However, when the length of the wind tunnel body is increased, not only the wind tunnel body itself is increased in size and weight, but also the wind force generated by the wind blowing from the side surface on the wind tunnel body is increased. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the strength of the casing of the wind power generator, and there is a problem that the overall size of the wind power generator cannot be avoided.

  In addition, when the wind direction changes, it is necessary to control the direction of the wind tunnel body in an oscillating manner integrally with the wind turbine. At that time, if the length of the wind tunnel body increases, the weight and wind pressure of the wind tunnel body increase. Because of adverse effects, it is difficult to quickly control the direction of the windmill following the change in wind direction. As a result, there is also a problem that the windmill is not able to catch the wind well, and there is a concern about a decrease in power generation efficiency.

JP 2003-278635 A

  Here, the present invention has been made in the background as described above, and the problem to be solved is that wind power is efficiently used for rotational force by using a small wind tunnel body having a short axial length. An object of the present invention is to provide a wind turbine generator having a novel structure that can be converted into a wind turbine and can improve power generation efficiency.

  Hereinafter, the aspect of this invention made | formed in order to solve such a subject is described. In addition, the component employ | adopted in each aspect as described below is employable by arbitrary combinations as much as possible. Further, aspects or technical features of the present invention are not limited to those described below, but are described in the entire specification, or an invention idea that can be grasped by those skilled in the art from those descriptions. It should be understood that it is recognized on the basis of.

  A first aspect of the present invention relating to a wind turbine generator is as follows: (a) a substantially tapered inner circumference that increases in diameter from one opening side in the axial direction directed toward the windward side toward the other opening side in the axial direction directed toward the leeward side. A wind tunnel body having a surface and a central axis extending substantially horizontally; and (b) a rotary shaft member disposed on the central axis of the wind tunnel body and substantially extending from the rotary shaft member. A wind turbine comprising a plurality of blades extending outward in a direction perpendicular to the axis and having the plurality of blades positioned in the vicinity of the one opening in the axial direction within the wind tunnel; and (c) A power generation device driven by rotating the rotary shaft member by wind force acting on the plurality of blades in the windmill; and (d) disposed on a central axis of the wind tunnel body, From one side of the axial direction to the other side, roughly corresponding to the circumferential surface And has a substantially tapered outer peripheral surface that gradually increases in diameter, and extends from the portion where the blades of the wind turbine are located to both sides in the central axis direction, and one end in the axial direction thereof And a rectifier that protrudes outward in the axial direction from the one axial opening in the wind tunnel body.

  In the wind power generator of this aspect, not only the guide action by the inner peripheral surface of the wind tunnel body but also the outer peripheral surface of the rectifier disposed on the central axis of the wind tunnel body with respect to the air (wind) circulated in the wind tunnel body The guiding action due to is simultaneously acted upon. As a result, even when the axial expansion angle of the inner peripheral surface of the wind tunnel body is increased, the separation of air from the peripheral surface of the wind tunnel body is suppressed, and the air pressure gradient in the wind tunnel body is effectively expressed. It is done.

  In particular, since the rectifying body is disposed so as to protrude from the opening on the inlet side of the wind tunnel body toward the front in the axial direction (windward side), the wind tunnel body is based on the guiding action by the outer peripheral surface of the rectifying body. The separation of the wind from the inner surface of the wind tunnel immediately after flowing into the wind tunnel is suppressed. At the same time, since the rectifying body is disposed so as to extend inward in the axial direction from the opening on the inlet side of the wind tunnel body, the guiding action by the outer peripheral surface of the rectifying body is excellent even inside the wind tunnel body. Can be maintained.

Therefore, due to the synergistic effect of the wind tunnel body and the rectifying body, a large pressure gradient can be generated in the axial direction while shortening the axial length by sufficiently widening the expansion angle of the circumferential surface of the wind tunnel body. Is possible. Moreover, the flow of air in the wind tunnel body, because it is defined by both the integer fluid outer peripheral surface and the air channel inside peripheral surface of the inner and outer circumference can be maintained in a stable state even during changes in the wind speed.

  As a result, a large pressure gradient in the axial direction is stably generated in the wind tunnel, and the wind turbine arranged in the wind tunnel is efficiently rotated by the wind accelerated by the pressure gradient. I can do it. As a result, an effective power generation operation can be performed even at a low wind speed, and a significant reduction in efficiency does not become a problem even at a high wind speed, and a wind power generator capable of stably exhibiting excellent power generation efficiency can be realized. is there.

  Further, since the axial length of the wind tunnel body can be reduced while sufficiently ensuring the effect of improving the sufficient power generation efficiency in this way, for example, the conventional structure as described in Patent Document 1 is used. Compared with the wind power generator, the overall size of the wind power generator can be reduced. At the same time, the overall size of the wind tunnel body that can be swung in response to changes in the wind direction is reduced, and adverse effects due to crosswinds are suppressed, improving the ability to follow changes in the wind direction and further improving power generation efficiency. Can be achieved.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention relating to wind power generation, in the wind power generator according to the first aspect, the other end in the axial direction of the rectifier is connected to the one opening in the axial direction in the wind tunnel body. It is characterized by extending to the leeward side from a position that is 50% of the axial length of the wind tunnel body.

  In the wind power generator of this aspect, the guide action by the outer peripheral surface of the rectifier can be more effectively exerted on the wind flow circulated in the wind tunnel body. As a result, it is possible to generate pressure gradients more effectively by using the entire axial length in the wind tunnel more effectively, and the effect of increasing the wind power in the wind tunnel and the accompanying improvement in power generation efficiency is further effective. Will be achieved.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention relating to a wind power generator, in the wind power generator according to the first or second aspect, the inner peripheral surface of the wind tunnel body and the outer peripheral surface of the rectifier body are substantially both. It has a substantially constant taper angle over its entire length.

  In the wind power generator of this aspect, the inner peripheral surface of the wind tunnel body and the outer peripheral surface of the rectifier body are made simple shapes while sufficiently ensuring the effect of increasing the wind speed and improving the power generation efficiency in the wind tunnel body as described above. I can do it. Therefore, it becomes easy to design and manufacture the wind tunnel body and the rectifying body.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention relating to a wind turbine generator, in the wind turbine generator according to any one of the first to third aspects, the taper angle of the inner peripheral surface of the wind tunnel body is set in the range of 40 to 70 degrees. It is a feature.

  In the wind power generator of this aspect, by providing an appropriate taper angle on the inner peripheral surface of the wind tunnel body, it is possible to more effectively obtain the effect of increasing the wind speed and the effect of improving the power generation efficiency in the wind tunnel body as described above. It becomes possible. If the taper angle of the inner peripheral surface of the wind tunnel body is smaller than 40 degrees, separation of the air flow (wind) from the inner peripheral surface of the wind tunnel body is difficult to occur, but the pressure due to the channel widening toward the leeward side On the other hand, when the taper angle of the inner peripheral surface of the wind tunnel body is larger than 70 degrees, the air flow is easily separated from the inner peripheral surface of the wind tunnel body, and the action of widening the channel is substantially achieved. It is thought that it becomes difficult to be demonstrated.

  In this aspect, the taper angle of the inner peripheral surface of the wind tunnel body refers to the angle of intersection (vertical angle) of the inner peripheral surfaces on both sides in the axial longitudinal section. For example, in the case of a conical inner peripheral surface, the generatrix with respect to the central axis The value becomes twice the inclination angle of. This taper angle does not necessarily have to be constant over the entire axial length. In this embodiment, more preferably, the taper angle of the inner peripheral surface of the wind tunnel body is 52 to 60 degrees. Such a taper angle is particularly suitable in a generally assumed wind speed region (wind speed of 25 m / s or less).

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention relating to a wind turbine generator, in the wind turbine generator according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the taper angle of the outer peripheral surface of the rectifier is set in the range of 20 to 70 degrees. This is a feature.

  In the wind power generator of this aspect, by providing an appropriate taper angle on the outer peripheral surface of the rectifier, it is possible to more effectively obtain the effect of increasing the wind speed and the effect of improving the power generation efficiency in the wind tunnel as described above. It becomes. When the taper angle of the outer peripheral surface of the rectifying body is smaller than 20 degrees, separation of the air flow (wind) from the inner peripheral surface of the wind tunnel body occurs and it is difficult to sufficiently obtain a pressure drop due to the widening of the air flow path. There is a risk. On the other hand, when the taper angle of the outer peripheral surface of the rectifying body is larger than 70 degrees, the negative air pressure generated near the inner peripheral surface of the wind tunnel body is not sufficiently lowered by the generation of an air flow toward the inner peripheral surface of the wind tunnel body. It is considered that the wind speed increasing action due to the widening of the air flow path is hardly exhibited.

  In this embodiment, the taper angle of the outer peripheral surface of the rectifier body is the intersection angle (vertical angle) of the outer peripheral surfaces on both sides in the axial longitudinal section, as in the case of the wind tunnel body, and this taper angle is the total length in the axial direction. It does not necessarily have to be constant over time. In this embodiment, more preferably, the taper angle of the outer peripheral surface of the rectifier is set to 34 to 60 degrees. Such a taper angle is particularly suitable in a generally assumed wind speed region (wind speed of 25 m / s or less).

  Further, according to the study of the present inventor, the taper angle of the outer peripheral surface of the rectifier: α is substantially the same (α≈β) or slightly smaller than the taper angle of the inner peripheral surface of the wind tunnel body: β. It is desirable that (α <β) is set, so that the wind speed increasing effect can be expressed more stably in the wind tunnel body.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention relating to a wind turbine generator, in the wind turbine generator according to any one of the first to fifth embodiments, the outer diameter of the circle drawn by rotation of the tip of the blade of the windmill is D: On the other hand, the axial dimension L of the wind tunnel body is set to 0.5D ≦ L ≦ 1.0D, and the projecting dimension H of the rectifying body from the wind tunnel body is set to 0.1D ≦ H ≦ 0. It is characterized by being 5D.

  In this aspect, the wind tunnel body and the rectifier body that can effectively obtain the effect of increasing the wind speed with a short axial length can be realized more effectively. In this embodiment, more preferably, 0.6D ≦ L ≦ 0.8D and 0.2D ≦ H ≦ 0.4D. Moreover, it is desirable that the axial length of the rectifier is 0.7D to 1.1D, of which 0.3D to 0.5D axial length is axially forward of the wind turbine blades. It is desirable to extend.

  As is apparent from the above description, in the wind turbine generator having the structure according to the present invention, the wind tunnel body that has been conventionally employed protrudes forward in the axial direction from the upstream opening of the wind tunnel body, and By combining a rectifier with a characteristic configuration that extends into the wind tunnel body, the axial length of the wind tunnel body is sufficiently small compared to the wind tunnel body of the conventional wind power generator, and the wind speed in the wind tunnel body is reduced. The increase effect could be expressed effectively.

  As a result, the present invention can provide a practical wind tunnel-equipped wind power generator capable of stably performing efficient wind power generation from a small wind speed range to a large wind speed range.

  Hereinafter, in order to clarify the present invention more specifically, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  1 and 2 show a wind power generator 10 as an embodiment of the present invention. This wind power generator 10 has a structure in which a windmill 14 is arranged in a wind tunnel body 12.

  More specifically, the windmill 14 is configured by a rotating body 18 as a rotating shaft member to which a plurality of blades (two in this embodiment) are attached, and is rotatably supported by a nacelle 20. . The rotating body 18 is made of a hard material such as a fiber reinforced plastic (FRP), an aluminum alloy, or a steel material, and has a substantially constant circular cross section with respect to one side in the axial direction of the rod portion 22 that extends straight in the axial direction. The cone portion 24 is provided. The rotating body 18 may have a solid structure or a hollow structure.

  The cone portion 24 has an outer shape in which the outer diameter dimension increases at a substantially constant rate from one side in the axial direction to the other side. In this embodiment, the outer shape of the cone portion 24 is a conical shape, whereby the surface of the cone portion 24 is a conical surface 26.

  The cone portion 24 and the rod portion 22 are integrally formed so that one end surface in the axial direction of the rod portion 22 is overlapped with the bottom surface of the cone portion 24 on the same central axis. .

  Further, the conical surface 26 near the bottom surface at the right end of the cone portion 24 extends outward substantially in the direction perpendicular to the axis while being positioned on both sides in the direction perpendicular to the axis across the central axis of the rotating body 18. The two blades 16 and 16 are integrally or fixedly provided. Each of these two blades 16, 16 is formed of a hard material such as aluminum alloy, fiber reinforced plastic (FRP), glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP), or wood. As the shape of the blade 16, any conventionally known horizontal axis type windmill can be adopted. Specifically, for example, a symmetric wing without a taper and a twist, an asymmetric torsion wing without a taper, or an asymmetric taper torsion wing may be appropriately employed. It is also possible to employ blades capable of controlling the pitch angle. Furthermore, the fixing of the blades 16 to the cone portion 24 is advantageously realized by, for example, bolt fixing.

  The wind turbine 14 having such a structure is supported by the nacelle 20 so as to be rotatable about the central axis, and the central axis of the rotating body 18 rotatably supported by the nacelle 20 is substantially horizontal. It is designed to extend. The nacelle 20 has a hollow structure having an accommodation space 28 therein, and is formed of a hard material such as steel, an aluminum alloy, or FRP. In addition, a communication hole 30 is formed in one of the walls defining the accommodation space 28 in the nacelle 20 to allow the accommodation space 28 and the outside to communicate with each other. Although not clearly shown in the drawings, a bearing is disposed in the communication hole 30.

  The rod portion 22 is inserted and supported by a bearing disposed in the communication hole 30, so that the wind turbine 14 is supported by the nacelle 20 so as to be rotatable around the central axis. Further, the rod portion 22 is rotatably supported by the bearing in this manner, so that the other end portion in the axial direction of the rod portion 22 (the right end portion in FIG. 2 on the leeward side) is positioned in the accommodation space 28. I'm hurt.

  Here, although not clearly shown in the drawing, a transmission gear is attached to the other end portion in the axial direction of the rod portion 22, and the speed increasing gear train (in which the transmission gear is arranged in the gear box 32 ( It is meshed with the first gear (not shown). A drive gear (not shown) provided on a drive shaft 36 of a generator 34 as a power generator is meshed with the final gear of the speed increasing gear train arranged in the gear box 32. In addition, as the generator 34, any conventionally known various structures can be employed.

  As a result, the rotation of the rotating body 18 is transmitted to the drive shaft 36 of the generator 34 via the speed increasing gear train arranged in the gear box 32. As a result, the generator 34 is It can be driven.

  In the present embodiment, a disc brake 38 is provided for the drive shaft 36 of the generator 34, thereby preventing the rotation of the drive shaft 36 from being excessively rotated.

  In the present embodiment, one end surface in the axial direction of the nacelle 20, that is, the axial end surface (left end surface in FIG. 2) positioned opposite to the bottom surface of the cone portion 24 in the nacelle 20 extends from the axial intermediate portion. Thus, a tapered cylindrical inclined surface 40 whose diameter is increased at a substantially constant rate from one side in the axial direction to the other side. In particular, in this embodiment, the inclination angle of the bus bar with respect to the central axis of the nacelle 20 on the tapered cylindrical inclined surface 40 is substantially the same as the inclination angle of the bus line with respect to the central axis of the cone part 24 on the conical surface 26 of the cone part 24. The size is set. Further, by forming such a tapered cylindrical inclined surface 40, the axial end surface of the nacelle 20 that is positioned opposite to the bottom surface of the cone portion 24 has a circular shape that is substantially the same size as the bottom surface of the cone portion 24. A communication hole 30 in which a bearing is disposed is formed in the central portion of the axial end surface.

  As a result, the rotating body 18 is supported by the nacelle 20 so as to be rotatable about the central axis, and the cone portion 24 is positioned so as to face each other so that the bottom surface of the cone portion 24 and the axial left end surface of the nacelle 20 are overlapped. The 24 conical surfaces 26 and the tapered cylindrical inclined surface 40 of the nacelle 20 are substantially continuous outer peripheral surfaces. As a result, the conical surface 42 exists on the outer peripheral surface from the tip of the cone portion 24 to the intermediate portion in the axial direction of the nacelle 20. As is clear from this, in the present embodiment, the portion where the conical surface 42 exists, that is, the cone portion 24 in the rotating body 18 and the axially intermediate portion from the left end in the axial direction of the nacelle 20 serves as a rectifying body. The rectifying unit 44 is configured.

  Here, in order to obtain a wind speed increasing effect in the wind tunnel body 12 as described later more effectively while avoiding an increase in the size of the wind turbine generator, a conical surface (outer peripheral surface) 42 with respect to the central axis of the rectifying unit 44. The inclination angle of the generatrix: (α / 2), that is, the inclination angle of the generatrix of the conical surface 26 with respect to the central axis of the cone portion 24 and the inclination angle of the generatrix of the tapered cylindrical inclined surface 40 with respect to the central axis of the nacelle 20 are 10 The degree is set to 35 degrees, preferably 17 degrees to 30 degrees. And when the outer peripheral surface of the rectification | straightening part 44 is made into the conical surface 42 diameter-expanded in a substantially constant ratio over the full length like this embodiment, with respect to the central axis of the rectification | straightening part 44 The value of the taper angle: α of the outer peripheral surface of the rectifying unit 44 is determined by a value twice the inclination angle of the generating line of the conical surface 42: (α / 2). That is, the taper angle α of the outer peripheral surface (conical surface 42) of the rectifying unit 44 is set to 20 degrees to 70 degrees, preferably 34 degrees to 60 degrees. Incidentally, in this embodiment, the inclination angle (α / 2) of the generatrix of the conical surface 42 with respect to the central axis of the rectifying unit 44 is set to 17 degrees, whereby the outer peripheral surface of the rectifying unit 44 (conical surface 42). ) Taper angle: α is 34 degrees.

  Further, in order to more effectively obtain a wind speed increasing effect in the wind tunnel body 12 as will be described later while avoiding an increase in the size of the wind turbine generator, the axial length L1 of the rectifying unit 44 is It is desirable that the diameter is 0.7 to 1.1 times the rotational diameter D. The length of the portion of the rectifying unit 44 that is positioned axially forward of the blades 16 and 16 is 0.3 to 0.5 times the rotation diameter D of the blade 16. It is desirable. In addition, the rotation diameter of the blade | wing 16 means the diameter of the circle drawn when the blade | wing 16 rotates.

  Furthermore, in order to more effectively obtain a wind speed increasing effect in the wind tunnel body 12 as will be described later while avoiding an increase in the size of the wind turbine generator, the other end in the axial direction of the nacelle 20 from the rear end of the rectifying unit 44. It is desirable that the axial length L2 is 0.5 to 0.8 times the rotational diameter D of the blade 16.

  The windmill 14 having such a structure is disposed in the wind tunnel body 12. The wind tunnel body 12 is formed of a hard material such as fiber reinforced resin (FRP) or aluminum alloy, and as a whole, from one side (left side in FIG. 2) to the other side (right side in FIG. 2). ), The diameter gradually increases as it goes to the side. That is, the wind tunnel body 12 of the present embodiment includes the tapered cylindrical inner peripheral surface 46 that spreads from the one opening in the axial direction toward the other opening at a substantially constant rate. As is apparent from this, the tapered cylindrical inner peripheral surface 46 of the wind tunnel body 12 has a shape substantially corresponding to the conical surface 42 of the rectifying unit 44 and extends from one side in the axial direction toward the other side. Will be.

  Note that, in the wind tunnel body 12 of the present embodiment, in the portion where the tapered cylindrical inner peripheral surface 46 is formed, the rate of expansion of the inner diameter dimension is made larger than the rate of expansion of the outer diameter dimension. In the portion where the cylindrical inner peripheral surface 46 is formed, the thickness dimension of the wind tunnel body 12 is gradually reduced from one side in the axial direction to the other side.

  Further, the axial front end surface of the wind tunnel body 12 of the present embodiment is a nozzle surface that gradually decreases in diameter from the windward side toward the leeward side in a region having a slight axial length.

  Furthermore, in order to obtain a wind speed increasing effect in the wind tunnel body 12 as described later more effectively while avoiding an increase in the size of the wind power generator, the tapered cylindrical inner peripheral surface 46 with respect to the central axis of the wind tunnel body 12 is provided. The inclination angle of the busbar: (β / 2) is set to 20 to 35 degrees, preferably 26 to 30 degrees. Then, as in the present embodiment, when the inner peripheral surface of the wind tunnel body 12 is a tapered cylindrical inner peripheral surface 46 that expands at a substantially constant rate over the entire length, the wind tunnel body The value of the taper angle: β of the inner peripheral surface of the wind tunnel body 12 is determined by a value twice the inclination angle of the generatrix of the tapered cylindrical inner peripheral surface 46 with respect to the central axis of 12 (β / 2). That is, the taper angle β of the inner peripheral surface (tapered cylindrical inner peripheral surface 46) of the wind tunnel body 12 is set to 40 degrees to 70 degrees, preferably 52 degrees to 60 degrees. Incidentally, in this embodiment, the inclination angle (β / 2) of the generatrix of the tapered cylindrical inner peripheral surface 46 with respect to the central axis of the wind tunnel body 12 is set to 26 degrees, whereby the inner peripheral surface of the wind tunnel body 12 is set. The taper angle of the (tapered cylindrical inner peripheral surface 46): β is 52 degrees.

  In the wind tunnel body 12 having such a structure, the center axis of the wind turbine 14 is fixed to the wind tunnel body 12 so that the center axis of the wind turbine 14 and the center axis of the wind tunnel body 12 substantially coincide with each other. Positioned and arranged. That is, in the state where the wind turbine 14 is arranged in the wind tunnel body 12 in this way, the wind tunnel body 12 is positioned over the entire circumference around the central axis outside the central axis of the wind turbine 14 in the direction perpendicular to the axis. It is. Further, in the state in which the windmill 14 is arranged in the wind tunnel body 12, the blades 16 in the windmill 14 are close to the opening in the wind tunnel body 12 in the axial direction one side (upstream side where the wind flows) of the wind tunnel body 12. It is positioned.

  Furthermore, in such a state where the windmill 14 is arranged in the wind tunnel body 12, the rectifying portion 44 provided in the windmill 14 has one end in the axial direction from one opening in the axial direction in the wind tunnel body 12. It protrudes outward in the axial direction.

  Here, in order to obtain a wind speed increasing effect in the wind tunnel body 12 as described later more effectively while avoiding an increase in the size of the wind turbine generator, the rectifying unit 44 from one axial opening in the wind tunnel body 12 is used. The protrusion amount L3 is set to a size of 0.1 to 0.5 times, preferably 0.2 to 0.4 times the rotation diameter D of the blade 16.

  For the same reason, the large diameter of the tapered cylindrical inclined surface 40 formed from the rear end of the rectifying unit 44 provided in the wind turbine 14, that is, from the one side in the axial direction of the nacelle 20 to the intermediate portion in the axial direction. The end is preferably located at a position where the distance L4 from one opening in the axial direction of the wind tunnel body 12 is 50% or more of the axial length L5 of the wind tunnel body 12.

  Furthermore, for the same reason, the axial length L5 of the wind tunnel body 12 is 0.5 to 1.0 times, preferably 0.6 times the rotational diameter D of the blades 16. It is set to a size of ~ 0.8 times.

  A rod-shaped rigid tower 48 that is erected substantially vertically on a predetermined base is fixed to the windmill 14 and the wind tunnel body 12 that are disposed and arranged in this manner. By fixing the lower end portion of the tower 48 to a foundation (not shown), the wind power generator 10 has the wind tunnel body 12 and the windmill 14 around the vertical central axis of the tower 48 with the rotation central axis thereof horizontally oriented. Are installed so as to be integrally rotatable. Although not clearly shown in the drawing, the tower 48 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and an electric wire or the like for sending the electricity obtained by driving the generator 34 to the outside is arranged therein. ing.

  Further, the tower 48 is provided with an azimuth control mechanism 50 for causing the windmill 14 to follow the wind direction outside the direction perpendicular to the axis of the wind tunnel body 12, thereby allowing the windmill 14 to follow the wind direction. It is like that. Any one of the conventionally known azimuth control mechanisms 50 can be employed. For example, the motor is forced to follow the wind direction by a motor based on a signal from a wind direction sensor (not shown). It is constituted advantageously by what does.

  In the wind turbine generator 10 having such a structure, the wind flowing into the wind tunnel body 12 from one opening in the axial direction hits the blades 16 in a state where the windmill 14 is directed upward by the azimuth control mechanism 50. As a result, the rotating body 18 is rotated, and the rotation of the rotating body 18 is transmitted to the drive shaft 36 of the generator 34 via the speed increasing gear train arranged in the gear box 32. Thus, the generator 34 can be driven.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the rectifying unit 44 including the conical surface 42 having a shape corresponding to the tapered cylindrical inner peripheral surface 46 of the wind tunnel body 12 protrudes forward in the axial direction from the upstream opening of the wind tunnel body 12, Further, the wind tunnel body 12 has been entered.

  As a result, the wind that flows into the wind tunnel body 12 from one opening in the axial direction is inclined in advance in the same direction as the tapered cylindrical inner peripheral surface 46 before flowing into the tapered cylindrical inner peripheral surface 46. It will be directed as a flow. Further, even after flowing into the wind tunnel body 12, the wind flows in the same direction as the expansion direction of the tapered cylindrical inner peripheral surface 46 of the wind tunnel body 12 by the conical surface 42 of the rectifying unit 44 existing there. The wind tunnel body 12 is circulated while being guided so as to be inclined.

  Thereby, even if the expansion angle of the taper cylindrical inner peripheral surface 46 is sufficiently large, separation of air (wind) circulated through the inside can be suppressed. Further, even if the speed of the circulating air (wind) increases, the separation of the air (wind) that flows inside can be suppressed.

  As a result, the pressure gradient in the air circulated in the wind tunnel body 12 can be effectively expressed even in a region having a short axial length, and as a result, the wind speed at the installation position of the wind turbine 14 is efficiently increased. As a result, the power generation efficiency can be greatly improved.

  In addition, since the axial length can be suppressed by increasing the expansion angle of the tapered cylindrical inner peripheral surface 46, the wind tunnel body 12 can be reduced in size, and adverse effects and increased weight due to crosswinds can be achieved. By avoiding this, it is possible to improve the follow-up to changes in the wind direction.

  Subsequently, the results of several experiments performed using the wind turbine generator 10 having the above-described structure will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. In addition, in the several Example thru | or the comparative example performed in parallel, the same conditions were fundamentally employ | adopted about the experimental conditions which are not specified clearly.

  First, in FIG. 3, a wind tunnel experiment was performed using the wind power generator 10 in which the inclination angle (β / 2) of the tapered cylindrical inner peripheral surface 46 with respect to the central axis of the wind tunnel body 12 was set to 26 degrees. The results of measuring the speed ratio and the output coefficient are shown as Example 1. Further, the wind turbine generator 10 in which the inclination angle of the tapered cylindrical inner peripheral surface 46 with respect to the central axis of the wind tunnel body 12: (β / 2) is set to 30 degrees is also subjected to the same experiment, and the measurement result is Example 2 is shown in FIG. For comparison, in the wind turbine generator 10 of the present embodiment, the same experiment was performed on the wind turbine body 12 with the wind tunnel body 12 removed and the wind turbine body 12 without the rectifying unit 44, and the measurement results thereof. Are shown in FIG. 3 as Comparative Example 1 and Comparative Example 2.

  Note that the inclination angle of the generatrix of the conical surface 42 with respect to the central axis of the rectifying unit 44: (α / 2) is the tapered cylindrical inner peripheral surface with respect to the central axis of the wind tunnel body 12 in the first and second embodiments. The inclination angle of the 46 bus is set to the same angle as (β / 2). In the comparative example 1, the inclination angle (α / 2) of the generatrix of the conical surface 42 with respect to the central axis of the rectifying unit 44 is set to 17 degrees. Further, in Comparative Example 2, the inclination angle (β / 2) of the generatrix of the tapered cylindrical inner peripheral surface 46 with respect to the central axis of the wind tunnel body 12 is set to 26 degrees.

  As is clear from the measurement results shown in FIG. 3, the wind power generator 10 of the present embodiment (Example 1 and Example 2) is not equipped with the wind tunnel body 12 (Comparative Example 1) or rectified. Compared with the wind power generator (Comparative Example 2) that does not include the unit 44, it was confirmed that high power generation can be performed, and improvement in power generation efficiency was confirmed.

  Note that, in this experimental condition, the wind power generator 10 (Example 1) in which the inclination angle (β / 2) of the generatrix of the tapered cylindrical inner peripheral surface 46 with respect to the central axis of the wind tunnel body 12 is set to 26 degrees. This is higher in output than the wind power generator 10 (Example 2) in which the inclination angle (β / 2) of the generatrix of the tapered cylindrical inner peripheral surface 46 with respect to the central axis of the wind tunnel body 12 is set to 30 degrees. It is recognized that it can generate electricity.

  Next, the measurement results shown in FIG. 4 will be described. In FIG. 4, a wind tunnel experiment was performed using the wind power generator 10 in which the inclination angle (β / 2) of the tapered cylindrical inner peripheral surface 46 with respect to the central axis of the wind tunnel body 12 was set to 26 degrees, and the circumferential speed ratio was The result of measuring the output coefficient is shown as Example 3. For comparison, in the wind turbine generator 10 of the present embodiment, a state in which the rectifying unit 44 is not provided or a state in which a rectifying unit having a hemispherical surface is provided instead of the conical surface 42. The same experiment was conducted, and the measurement results are shown in FIG. 4 as Comparative Example 3 and Comparative Example 4.

  In the third embodiment, the inclination angle of the generatrix of the conical surface 42 with respect to the central axis of the rectifying unit 44: (α / 2) is the generatrix of the tapered cylindrical inner peripheral surface 46 with respect to the central axis of the wind tunnel body 12. The inclination angle is set to the same size as (β / 2). Further, in Comparative Example 3 and Comparative Example 4, the inclination angle (β / 2) of the generatrix of the tapered cylindrical inner peripheral surface 46 with respect to the central axis of the wind tunnel body 12 is set to 26 degrees.

As is clear from the measurement results shown in FIG. 4 , the wind power generator 10 (Example 3) of the present embodiment includes a wind power generator (Comparative Example 3) that does not include the rectifying unit 44 and a hemispherical surface. It was confirmed that high-power generation can be performed as compared with the wind power generation apparatus (Comparative Example 4) including the rectifying unit.

  As mentioned above, although one embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail, this is merely an example, and the present invention is limited to any specific description or specific data in the embodiment. It is not interpreted.

  For example, in the embodiment, both the surface of the rectification unit 44 (conical surface 42) and the inner peripheral surface of the wind tunnel body 12 (tapered cylindrical inner peripheral surface 46) are linearly spread. The cross-sectional shape is arbitrary, and an appropriate multidimensional curve, various conical curves, or the like can be adopted. Specifically, for example, a shape that spreads from the windward side to the leeward side like a morning glory may be used.

  In the above-described embodiment, the azimuth control mechanism 50 is provided. However, the azimuth control mechanism 50 is provided as necessary, and is not necessarily required. For example, instead of control using the azimuth control mechanism 50, control by free yaw using a tail or the like may be used.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the overrotation of the rotating body 18 is prevented by the disc brake 38 provided on the drive shaft 36 of the generator 34. However, the overrotation of the rotating body 18 is performed by another mechanism. You may make it prevent.

  In addition, the wind tunnel body is provided with an appropriately sized nozzle at the inflow side on the leeward side, or an appropriately sized edge plate is formed so as to extend in the direction perpendicular to the axis from the opening peripheral edge of the leeward side outflow portion. It is also possible to do. When a conventionally known additional structure such as a nozzle or an edge plate is employed, the surface inclination angle of the wind tunnel body or the rectifying body is also adjusted appropriately.

  Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the power generator (generator 34) is driven via the speed increasing gear train accommodated in the gear box 32. However, as the power generating device, the speed increasing gear train is used. A device that is directly driven without using a gap may be adopted.

  Further, as the wind tunnel body, for example, a structure in which a cloth is stretched on the frame may be adopted.

  In addition, although not enumerated one by one, the present invention can be carried out in a mode to which various changes, modifications, improvements and the like are added based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art. It goes without saying that all are included in the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

It is a front view which shows the wind power generator as one Embodiment of this invention. 1 is a view for explaining the positional relationship between a windmill and a wind tunnel body in the wind turbine generator shown in FIG. 1, in which the wind tunnel body and the nacelle are shown in a cross-section corresponding to the II-II direction in FIG. 1. It is. It is an experimental data which shows the synergistic effect by the combination of a wind tunnel body and a rectification | straightening part. It is experimental data which shows the difference in the performance of the wind power generator by the difference in the surface of a rectification | straightening part.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Wind power generator 12 Wind tunnel body 14 Windmill 16 Blade 18 Rotating body 34 Generator 42 Conical surface 44 Rectification part 46 Tapered cylindrical inner peripheral surface

Claims (6)

It has a substantially tapered inner peripheral surface that increases in diameter from one opening side in the axial direction facing upwind toward the other opening side in the axial direction facing downwind, so that the central axis extends substantially horizontally. A wind tunnel body,
A rotating shaft member is disposed on the central axis of the wind tunnel body, and a plurality of blades extending outward in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis from the rotating shaft member are provided, and the wind tunnel body includes the blades. A windmill in which the plurality of blades are positioned near one opening in the axial direction;
A power generator that is driven by rotating the rotary shaft member by wind force acting on the plurality of blades in the windmill;
A substantially tapered outer peripheral surface disposed on a central axis of the wind tunnel body and gradually expanding from one side in the axial direction toward the other side substantially corresponding to the inner peripheral surface of the wind tunnel body; The wind turbine blades extend from both sides of the wind turbine in the central axial direction, and one axial end of the wind turbine body is more axially outer than the one axial opening of the wind tunnel body. The wind power generator characterized by having the rectifier | straightening body protruded in the direction.   2. The other end in the axial direction of the rectifying body extends from the one opening in the axial direction in the wind tunnel body to the leeward side at a position corresponding to 50% of the axial length of the wind tunnel body. The wind power generator described in 1.   3. The wind turbine generator according to claim 1, wherein an inner circumferential surface of the wind tunnel body and an outer circumferential surface of the rectifying body have substantially constant taper angles over substantially the entire length.   The wind power generator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a taper angle of an inner peripheral surface of the wind tunnel body is set in a range of 40 to 70 degrees.   The wind power generator in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 4 which set the taper angle of the outer peripheral surface of the said rectifier in the range of 20-70 degree | times. The axial dimension L of the wind tunnel body is 0.5D ≦ L ≦ 1.0D with respect to the outer diameter dimension D of the circle drawn by rotation of the tip of the blade of the windmill, and The wind power generator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a projecting dimension H from the wind tunnel body is 0.1D ≦ H ≦ 0.5D.

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