JP2015036535A - Wave overtopping type wave power generation device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a wave overtopping type wave power generation device capable of improving power generation efficiency by effectively utilizing energy of seawater in a water tank.SOLUTION: A wave overtopping type wave power generation device includes a water tank having an aperture through which seawater is introduced and a discharge port through which the seawater is discharged, a turbine installed in the discharge port, a power generator connected to the turbine, a power control section for controlling power generated by the power generator, a water level meter for directly or indirectly measuring a water level in the water tank, a turbine operation state measurement device for measuring an operation state of the turbine, and a power generation control section for utilizing energy of seawater in the water tank to the maximum within a range in which the water level in the water tank does not exceed a maximum value of the water tank by controlling a turbine pitch angle of the turbine based on a measurement signal from the water level meter and a measurement signal from the turbine operation state measurement device and controlling a discharge amount of seawater in the water tank.

Description

  The present invention relates to an overtopping wave power generation device, and in particular, in an environment where the amount of seawater flowing into the aquarium changes, efficiently uses the energy of seawater in the aquarium to improve power generation efficiency. It relates to things devised so that

  For example, Patent Literature 1, Patent Literature 2, and Patent Literature 3 disclose the configuration of the overtopping wave power generation device.

JP 2011-153567 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-19362 JP 57-49075 A

The conventional configuration has the following problems.
In the case of the overtopping wave power generation devices disclosed in Patent Literature 1, Patent Literature 2, and Patent Literature 3, in all cases, seawater is stored in the water tank, and the energy of the stored seawater is used to generate turbines and power generation. Although the machine is configured to generate electricity by rotating the machine, it cannot be said that the energy of the seawater stored in the water tank is necessarily used efficiently, and its improvement has been demanded.

  The present invention has been made on the basis of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide an overtopping wave power generator capable of improving the power generation efficiency by efficiently using the energy of seawater in the aquarium. Is to provide.

In order to achieve the above object, an overtopping wave power generation device according to claim 1 of the present invention includes a water tank having an opening through which seawater is introduced and a discharge port from which seawater is discharged, and a turbine installed at the discharge port. A generator connected to the turbine, a power control unit that controls the power generated by the generator, a water level measuring device that directly or indirectly measures the water level in the water tank, and the operation of the turbine A turbine operating state measuring device for measuring the state, and a measurement signal from the water level measuring device and a measurement signal from the turbine operating state measuring device to control the turbine pitch angle of the turbine to release seawater in the tank. A power generation control unit that makes it possible to effectively use the energy of the seawater in the water tank within a range in which the water level in the water tank does not exceed the maximum value of the water tank by controlling the amount. It is a feature.
Further, the overtopping wave power generation device according to claim 2 is the overtopping wave power generation device according to claim 1, wherein the power generation control unit sets the turbine pitch angle so as to constantly control the turbine rotational speed of the turbine. It is what is controlled.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the overtopping wave power generation device according to the second aspect, wherein the power generation control unit controls the water level in the water tank to be within a preset range. It is what is characterized by.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the overtopped wave power generation device according to the first aspect, the power generation control unit controls the turbine pitch angle so as to constantly control the water level in the water tank. It is characterized by being.

As described above, according to the overtopping wave power generation device according to claim 1 of the present invention, the water tank provided with the opening through which the seawater is introduced and the discharge port from which the seawater is discharged, and the turbine installed at the discharge port A generator connected to the turbine, a power control unit that controls the power generated by the generator, a water level measuring device that directly or indirectly measures the water level in the water tank, and the operation of the turbine A turbine operating state measuring device for measuring the state, and a measurement signal from the water level measuring device and a measurement signal from the turbine operating state measuring device to control the turbine pitch angle of the turbine to release seawater in the tank. A power generation control unit that makes it possible to use the energy of the seawater in the water tank to the maximum extent within the range in which the water level in the water tank does not exceed the maximum value of the water tank by controlling the amount. Therefore, in an environment where the amount of seawater flowing into the aquarium changes, the energy of the seawater in the aquarium can be efficiently used to improve power generation efficiency. Further, the configuration for performing the desired control is simple, and the configuration of the apparatus is not complicated.
Further, according to the overtopping wave power generation device according to claim 2, in the overtopping wave power generation device according to claim 1, the power generation control unit controls the turbine pitch angle so as to constantly control the turbine rotational speed of the turbine. Therefore, the above effect can be ensured.
Moreover, according to the wave overtopping wave power generation device according to claim 3, in the wave overtopping wave power generation device according to claim 2, the power generation control unit is configured so that the water level in the water tank falls within a preset setting range. Since it controls, the said effect can be made reliable.
According to a wave overtopping wave power generation apparatus according to claim 4, in the wave overtopping wave power generation apparatus according to claim 1, the power generation control unit controls the turbine pitch angle so as to constantly control the water level in the water tank. Therefore, the above effect can be ensured.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a figure which shows one embodiment of this invention, and is a figure which shows typically the whole structure of an overtopping wave power generator. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a figure which shows one embodiment of this invention, and is a figure which extracts and shows typically a part of structure of an overtopping wave power generator. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a figure which shows one embodiment of this invention, and is a block diagram which shows the structure of an overtopping wave power generator. It is a figure which shows one embodiment of this invention, and is a figure for demonstrating the change of a turbine pitch angle. It is a figure which shows one embodiment of this invention, and is a figure which shows the structure of the mechanism which changes a turbine pitch angle. It is a figure which shows one embodiment of this invention, and is a flowchart for demonstrating an effect | action. It is a figure which shows one embodiment of this invention, and is a flowchart for demonstrating an effect | action.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
First, the overall configuration of the overtopping wave power generation device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The overtopping wave power generation device 1 according to the present embodiment is installed, for example, in a relatively shallow place that is not so far from the coast. Hereinafter, when it demonstrates concretely, first, the structure which is not shown in figure is installed, and the water tank group 5 is installed in this structure. This water tank group 5 has a configuration in which a plurality of (four in the case of this embodiment) water tanks 7 are connected in a staircase pattern.

An inclined plate 9 is installed at the upper right in FIG. A small inclined plate 11 is also installed between the water tanks 7. Through these inclined plates 9 and 11, the waves 12 enter the respective water tanks 5, whereby the seawater 14 is supplied into the respective water tanks 5.

A turbine 13 is installed at the lower outlet 19 of each water tank 7, and a generator 17 is coaxially disposed on the turbine 13 via a rotating shaft 15. Further, a water discharge pipe 21 is connected to the water discharge port 19. These water discharge pipes 21 are gathered in a water discharge pipe 23, and this water discharge pipe 23 is opened in the sea. The seawater 14 in the water tank 7 is discharged through the water discharge port 19, thereby rotating the turbine 13. Due to the rotation of the turbine 13, the generator 17 is rotated to generate electric power.

Next, the configuration in the vicinity of the water tank 7 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of one water tank 7 and the vicinity thereof. In the water tank 7, a water level measuring device 31 for measuring the water level of the seawater 14 in the water tank 7 is installed. As this type of water level measuring device, for example, float type water level meter, displacer type water level meter, pressure type water level meter, roll pressure type water level meter, bubble type water level meter, ultrasonic water level meter, capacitance type water level meter, radiation There are various types of water level gauges known in the art such as a water level gauge, and any of them can be used.
A rotation speed / torque measuring device 33 is installed on the rotary shaft 15. As this type of rotational speed / torque measuring device, use of various known measuring devices such as an electromagnetic type is assumed.
Further, a flow rate / water pressure measuring device 35 is installed at the water discharge port 19. As this type of flow rate / water pressure measurement device, use of various known measurement devices such as an electromagnetic flow meter and an ultrasonic flow meter is assumed. Moreover, as a pressure measuring device, use of various well-known measuring devices, such as a type using a strain gauge, is assumed.
Further, a power generation control device 41 is installed, and measurement signals from the water level measuring device 31, the rotation speed / torque measuring device 33, and the flow rate / water pressure measuring device 35 are input to the power generation control device 41. ing. Further, a control signal is output from the power generation control device 41 to the turbine 13.
Although FIG. 2 shows only one water tank 7, all of the four water tanks 7 shown in FIG.

Next, the configuration of the power generation control device 41 will be described with reference to FIG. First, a power control unit 43 is installed in the power generation control device 41. The power control unit 43 controls the power generated by the generator 17. Also, a sensor information collecting unit 45 is installed, and measurement signals from the water level measuring device 31, the rotation speed / torque measuring device 33, and the flow rate / water pressure measuring device 35 described above are collected by the sensor information collecting unit 45. It will be. Further, a control amount calculation unit 47 and a data storage unit 49 are installed. The control amount calculation unit 47 includes a water level measuring device 31, a rotation speed / torque measurement device 33, a flow rate / A control amount of the turbine pitch angle of the turbine 13 is calculated based on each measurement signal from the water pressure measuring device 35 and various data stored in the data storage unit 49. In addition, a control unit 51 is installed, and a control signal is output from the control unit 51 to the turbine 13.
The sensor information collection unit 45, control amount calculation unit 47, data storage unit 49, and control unit 51 constitute a power generation control unit.
In the case of the present embodiment, the turbine pitch angle of the turbine 13 is controlled based on the measurement signals from the water level measuring device 31, the rotational speed / torque measuring device 33, and the flow rate / water pressure measuring device 35. By changing the rotational speed of the turbine 13 and controlling the discharge amount of the seawater 14 in the water tank 7, the water level in the water tank 7 is within the range where the maximum value of the water tank does not exceed the maximum value of the seawater 14 in the water tank 7. It is designed to make the best use of energy.

The data storage unit 49 stores in advance data such as a table showing the relationship between the water level, the flow rate, and the water pressure, the water level setting range (upper limit value / lower limit value), the target rotational speed of the turbine 13, and the target water level of the water tank 7. It is remembered.

The description of the control of the turbine pitch angle of the turbine 13 will be supplemented with reference to FIGS.
First, FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the relationship between the turbine pitch angle of the turbine 13, the turbine rotational speed of the turbine 13, and the discharge flow rate. First, a schematic configuration of the turbine 13 includes a main shaft 13a and a plurality of (three in the case of this embodiment) blades 13b provided on the outer periphery of the tip of the main shaft 13a. ing. The turbine pitch angle means an angle (α °) formed between each blade 13b and a horizontal line as shown in FIG.
The turbine rotation speed means the rotation speed of the turbine 13.

Further, when the relationship between the turbine pitch angle (α °), the turbine rotational speed of the turbine 13 and the discharge flow rate is seen, as shown in FIG. 4, the turbine rotational speed decreases as the turbine pitch angle (α °) increases. It is in. Further, there is a relationship in which the discharge flow rate decreases as the turbine pitch angle (α °) increases.
In addition, the said relationship is an example to the last, For example, another relationship may arise by the shape etc. of the blade | wing 13b of the turbine 13 changing.

The change of the turbine pitch angle (α °) is realized by a mechanism as shown in FIG. First, an actuator 61 is installed on the outer peripheral side of the main shaft 13a already described, and the blade 13b is rotatably attached to the tip of the actuator 61 via a rotating member 63. Then, by driving the actuator 61 by a servo motor (not shown) built in the actuator 61, the blade 13b is rotated by an appropriate amount in an appropriate direction, whereby the turbine pitch angle (α °). To make changes.
This is the same for all three blades 13b.

The operation will be described based on the above configuration.
First, control based on the premise that the turbine speed of the turbine 13 is maintained at an arbitrary value will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
In step S1, the measurement signal from the flow rate / water pressure measuring device 35 is read. Next, the process proceeds to step S <b> 2, and the read data is stored in the data storage unit 49. Next, it transfers to step S3 and the water level of the water tank 7 is estimated from the read data.
This estimation is performed by the following method. First, the data storage unit 49 stores a table showing the relationship between the water level, flow rate, and water pressure of the water tank 7. The water level is estimated by comparing the read flow rate / water pressure data with the table.
The read flow rate / water pressure data is subjected to an averaging process and a noise removal process, and is then checked against the table.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S4. In step S4, the estimated water level is compared with a preset setting range (upper limit value / lower limit value). That is, the data storage unit 49 stores in advance a setting range (upper limit value / lower limit value) relating to the water level. Specifically, an upper limit value for restricting overflow of the water tank 7 and a lower limit value for restricting the inside of the water tank 7 to be emptied are set, and the estimated water level is within these set ranges (upper limit value). / Lower limit value) is confirmed.

And it transfers to step S5 and it is discriminate | determined whether the said estimated water level is in the preset setting range (upper limit / lower limit). If it is determined that it is not within the set range (upper limit / lower limit), the process proceeds to step S6. In step S6, a turbine pitch angle control amount (step amount) for the turbine 13 is determined from the estimated water level. That is, the turbine pitch angle control amount (Step amount) for the turbine 13 is determined based on the difference between the estimated water level and the upper limit value or the lower limit value.
The larger the difference between the estimated water level and the upper limit value or the lower limit value, the greater the turbine pitch angle control amount (Step amount).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S5 that it is within the set range (upper limit / lower limit), the process proceeds to step S7. In step S7, the measurement signal from the rotational speed / torque measuring device 33 is taken. Next, the process proceeds to step S8, and the fetched data is stored in the data storage unit 49. Next, the process proceeds to step S9. In step S9, the current turbine speed is compared with the target speed stored in the data storage unit 49. Next, the process proceeds to step S10. In step S10, it is determined whether or not the current turbine speed has converged to the target speed.
Although it is the target rotation speed, for example, the turbine rotation speed at which the energy conversion efficiency of the turbine 13 is best can be set as the target rotation speed, or the turbine rotation speed at which the energy conversion amount is the best is set as the target rotation speed. It is also possible to set.
The read rotation speed / torque data is subjected to averaging processing and noise removal processing.

The determination is performed by comparison with a preset “coring value”. Here, the “coring value” indicates an allowable value of deviation between the current value (the number of revolutions and the water level) and the target value. For example, if the target rotational speed is 150 rpm and the coring value is 10 rpm, it is determined that the target rotational speed has converged if the current rotational speed is between 140 rpm and 160 rpm.
In the case of the present embodiment, determination is made as shown in the following formulas (I) and (II).
| Current turbine speed-Target speed | ≤ Coring value ⇒ Converged
――― (I)
| Current turbine speed-Target speed |> Coring value ⇒ Not converged
――― (II)

  As a result of the determination, if it is determined that “convergence has occurred”, the process returns to step S1, and thereafter the same processing is repeated. On the other hand, if it is determined that “no convergence”, the process proceeds to step S11. In step S11, the turbine pitch angle control amount (step amount) is determined from the current turbine speed. That is, the turbine pitch angle control amount (Step amount) is determined based on the difference between the current turbine speed and the target speed. And the turbine pitch angle control amount (Step amount) increases as the difference between the current turbine speed and the target speed increases.

  And in the case of step S6 already demonstrated, in the case of said step S11, in any case, it transfers to step S12. In step S12, the turbine pitch angle is calculated. In calculating the turbine pitch angle, various data stored in the data storage unit 49 are used.

The calculation of the turbine pitch angle is as shown in the following formula (III).
Turbine pitch angle = current turbine pitch angle ± Step amount --- (III)
Further, the control direction is determined based on a table stored in the data storage unit 49 and showing the relationship between the turbine pitch angle, the rotational speed, and the flow rate. Specifically, the following formulas (IV) and (V) are obtained.
Current turbine speed-target speed> 0⇒ Direction to reduce turbine speed
――― (IV)
Current turbine speed-target speed <0 => direction to increase turbine speed
――― (V)

Next, the process proceeds to step S13, where turbine pitch angle clip processing is performed. This means a process of setting the turbine pitch angle to the upper limit value or the lower limit value when the turbine pitch angle calculated in step S12 is larger than the preset upper limit value or smaller than the lower limit value.

Next, the process proceeds to step S14, and control of the turbine pitch angle is executed. That is, a control signal is output from the control unit 51 to the turbine 13. By such processing, the turbine pitch angle of the turbine 13 is controlled.

Next, control based on the premise that the water level in the water tank 7 is maintained at an arbitrary value will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
First, in step S21, a measurement signal from the flow rate / water pressure measuring device 35 is read. Next, the process proceeds to step S 22, and the read data is stored in the data storage unit 49. Next, it transfers to step S23 and the water level of the water tank 7 is estimated from the read data.
This estimation is the same as that described above. First, the data storage unit 49 stores a table showing the relationship between the water level, flow rate, and water pressure of the water tank 7. The water level is estimated by comparing the read flow rate / water pressure data with the table.
The read flow rate / water pressure data is subjected to an averaging process and a noise removal process, and is then checked against the table.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S24. In step S24, the estimated water level is compared with a preset target water level. That is, in the data storage unit 49, a target water level related to the water level is stored in advance, and a comparison with the target water level is performed.

And it transfers to step S25 and it is discriminate | determined whether the said estimated water level has converged to the preset target water level. This determination is as shown in the following formulas (VI) and (VII).
| Current estimated water level-Target water level | ≤ Coring value ⇒ Converged
――― (VI)
| Current estimated water level-Target water level |> Coring value ⇒ Not converged
――― (VII)
In addition, although it is the said target water level, the water level where the energy conversion efficiency of the turbine 13 becomes the best can also be set as a target water level, and the water level where the amount of energy conversion becomes the best can also be set as a target water level. It is.

  If it is determined in step S25 that “converged”, the process returns to step S21, and the same processing is repeated thereafter. On the other hand, if it is determined that “no convergence”, the process proceeds to step S26. In step S26, the turbine pitch angle control amount (step amount) is determined from the estimated water level. That is, the turbine pitch angle control amount (Step amount) is determined by the difference between the current water level and the target water level. The greater the difference between the current estimated water level and the target water level, the greater the turbine pitch angle control amount (Step amount).

  Next, the process proceeds to step S27. In step S27, the turbine pitch angle is calculated. In calculating the turbine pitch angle, various data stored in the data storage unit 49 are used.

The turbine pitch angle calculation is as shown in the following equation (VIII).
Turbine pitch angle = current turbine pitch angle ± Step amount --- (VIII)
The control direction is as shown in the following formulas (IX) and (X).
Current estimated water level-target water level> 0⇒ Direction to increase water discharge from the water outlet
――― (IX)
Current estimated water level-target water level <0⇒ Direction to reduce the amount of water discharged from the outlet
――― (X)

Next, the process proceeds to step S28, where turbine pitch angle clip processing is performed. This means a process of setting the turbine pitch angle to the upper limit value or the lower limit value when the turbine pitch angle calculated in step S27 is larger than the preset upper limit value or smaller than the lower limit value.

Next, the process proceeds to step S29, and the turbine pitch angle is controlled. That is, a control signal is output from the control unit 51 to the turbine 13. By such processing, the turbine pitch angle of the turbine 13 is controlled.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
First, in an environment where the amount of seawater 14 flowing into the aquarium 7 changes, the energy of the seawater 14 in the aquarium 7 can be efficiently used to improve power generation efficiency. This is based on the measured flow rate / water pressure data and torque / revolution data on the premise that the turbine revolution number of the turbine 13 is kept constant or the water level in the water tank 7 is kept constant. This is because the turbine pitch angle of the turbine 13 is controlled.
In addition, the configuration for performing the control as described above is simple and does not complicate the configuration of the apparatus.

The present invention is not limited to the one embodiment.
For example, in the case of the embodiment, the water level in the water tank 7 is estimated based on the measurement signal from the flow rate / water pressure measuring device 35, but based on the signal from the water level measuring device 31, The water level in the water tank 7 may be estimated.
The water level measuring device 31, the rotation speed / torque measuring device 33, and the flow rate / water pressure measuring device 35 are assumed to have various known configurations.
In the case of the above-described embodiment, the overtopping wave power generation apparatus having the configuration shown in FIG. 1 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this.
In addition, the illustrated configuration is merely an example.

The present invention relates to an overtopping wave power generation device, and in particular, in an environment where the amount of seawater flowing into the aquarium changes, efficiently uses the energy of seawater in the aquarium to improve power generation efficiency. For example, it is suitable for an overtopping wave power generator installed near the coast.

7 Water tank 13 Turbine 17 Generator 31 Water level measuring device 33 Speed / torque measuring device 35 Flow rate / water pressure measuring device 41 Power generation control device 43 Power control unit 45 Sensor information collecting unit 47 Control amount calculation unit 49 Data storage unit 51 Control unit

Claims (4)

  A tank equipped with an opening through which seawater is introduced and an outlet through which seawater is discharged; a turbine installed at the outlet; a generator connected to the turbine; and an electric power generated by the generator A power control unit that performs control, a water level measuring device that directly or indirectly measures the water level in the water tank, a turbine operating state measuring device that measures the operating state of the turbine, a measurement signal from the water level measuring device, and the above By controlling the turbine pitch angle of the turbine based on the measurement signal from the turbine operating state measuring instrument and controlling the discharge amount of seawater in the water tank, the water level in the water tank does not exceed the maximum value of the water tank. And a power generation control unit that makes it possible to use the energy of seawater in the aquarium as effectively as possible. In the overtopping wave power generation device according to claim 1,
The power generation control unit controls the turbine pitch angle so as to constantly control the turbine rotation speed of the turbine. In the overtopping wave power generation device according to claim 2,
The power generation control unit controls the water level in the water tank so as to be within a preset setting range. In the overtopping wave power generation device according to claim 1,
The power generation control unit controls the turbine pitch angle so as to constantly control the water level in the water tank.

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