JP2021073406A - Diagnostic method of wind power generation facility and automatic diagnostic device of wind power generation facility - Google Patents

Abstract

To quantitatively diagnose soundness and symptom of abnormality of a pitch mechanism of a windmill blade.SOLUTION: A diagnostic method of wind power generation facility 1 includes: a step for rotating and fixing a wind turbine rotor 4 including at least one windmill blade 2; a step for giving a pitch control command value to a pitch mechanism 20 to change a pitch angle of the windmill blade 2 in a state of fixing the wind turbine rotor 4 so that the pitch angle is increased or decreased aiming at a pitch angle target value from a reference angle; a step for acquiring an actual pitch angular velocity or an actual pitch angle of the windmill blade 2 according to the pitch control command value; and a step for diagnosing soundness of the pitch mechanism 20 on the basis of correlation of the acquired actual pitch angular velocity or actual pitch angle, and the pitch control command value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present disclosure relates to a method for diagnosing wind power generation equipment and an automatic diagnostic device for wind power generation equipment.

Conventionally, various methods for diagnosing wind power generation equipment are known.

For example, in Patent Document 1, regarding the pitch mechanism of a wind turbine blade, by switching the electric power supplied to the same pitch drive actuator between the operation mode and the test mode, high stress can be achieved without additionally providing a test actuator. The technique for performing the test is disclosed.

International Publication No. 2009/146848

By the way, in the pitch mechanism of the wind turbine blade, an abnormality such as the pitch behavior not being able to follow the command value may occur due to deterioration over time due to operation or the like. Therefore, it is desired to quantitatively detect an abnormality in the pitch mechanism or a sign thereof for each wind turbine blade.
However, Patent Document 1 does not disclose any specific configuration for solving the above problems.

In view of the above problems, at least one embodiment of the present disclosure aims to quantitatively diagnose the soundness and signs of abnormality of the pitch mechanism of the wind turbine blade.

(1) The method for diagnosing the wind power generation facility according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure is
With the step of rotating and fixing the wind turbine rotor including at least one wind turbine wing,
With the wind turbine rotor fixed, the pitch angle target value and the actual pitch angle are adjusted so that the pitch angle is increased or decreased from the reference angle toward the pitch angle target value by the pitch mechanism that fluctuates the pitch angle of the wind turbine blade. And the step of giving the pitch control command value based on the deviation of
A step of acquiring the actual pitch angular velocity of the wind turbine blade or the actual pitch angle according to the pitch control command value, and
A step of diagnosing the soundness of the pitch mechanism based on the acquired actual pitch angular velocity or the correlation between the actual pitch angle and the pitch control command value.
It has.

According to the method (1) above, a pitch control command value is given to the pitch mechanism so as to increase or decrease the pitch angle of the wind turbine blade from the reference angle toward the pitch angle target value in a state where the wind turbine rotor is fixed after rotation. , The actual pitch angular velocity or the actual pitch angle of the wind turbine blade, which is changed according to the pitch control command value, is acquired. Then, the soundness of the pitch mechanism is diagnosed based on the acquired actual pitch angular velocity or the correlation between the actual pitch angle and the pitch control command value. That is, in both the increasing direction and the decreasing direction of the pitch angle, the soundness of the pitch mechanism and signs of abnormality are quantitatively diagnosed from the correlation between the pitch control command value and the actual pitch angular velocity or the actual pitch angle based on the above reference angle. can do. The pitch control command value is adjusted with respect to the pitch angle target value so as to be corrected when the acquired actual pitch angular velocity or actual pitch angle does not reach or deviate from the pitch angle target value. Can be diagnosed for soundness.

(2) In some embodiments, in the method described in (1) above,
In the step of fixing the wind turbine rotor, the wind turbine blade to be diagnosed may be fixed along the vertical direction including the center of the wind turbine rotor.

According to the method (2) above, the soundness of the pitch mechanism can be diagnosed with the wind turbine blades to be diagnosed fixed along the vertical direction including the center of the wind turbine rotor. In other words, since the soundness of the pitch mechanism can be diagnosed with the rotation axis of the wind turbine blade related to the pitch angle change along the vertical direction, the influence of gravity components such as the weight of the wind turbine blade on the pitch angle change can be eliminated. , The soundness of the pitch mechanism can be diagnosed with higher accuracy.

(3) In some embodiments, in the method described in (1) or (2) above,
The pitch angle target value or the pitch control command value may be given as a sine wave.

According to the method (3) above, since the pitch angle target value or the pitch control command value is given to the pitch mechanism by a sine wave, the soundness in both the increasing direction and the decreasing direction of the pitch angle based on the reference angle. The soundness of the pitch mechanism, that is, the presence or absence of abnormality or the degree of abnormality can be diagnosed by using the basic waveform that can be easily compared. As a result, the pitch control command value may not be shaped as a sine wave.

(4) In some embodiments, in the method according to any one of (1) to (3) above,
A step of setting a first threshold value regarding the correlation between the actual pitch angular velocity and the pitch control command value is provided.
In the step of diagnosing, an abnormality may be diagnosed when the correlation between the actual pitch angular velocity and the pitch control command value deviates from the first threshold value.

According to the method (4) above, the soundness of the pitch mechanism related to the pitch angular velocity is more quantitatively diagnosed based on whether or not the correlation between the actual pitch angular velocity and the pitch control command value deviates from the first threshold value. be able to. For example, by setting the permissible value of the actual pitch angular velocity that is permissible for the pitch control command value as the first threshold value, it is easy to diagnose whether or not it is within the permissible normal range including tolerances and assembly errors. be able to.

(5) In some embodiments, in the method according to any one of (1) to (4) above,
A step of setting a second threshold value regarding the correlation between the actual pitch angle and the pitch control command value is provided.
In the step of diagnosing, an abnormality may be diagnosed when the correlation between the actual pitch angle and the pitch control command value deviates from the second threshold value.

According to the method (5) above, the soundness of the pitch mechanism with respect to the pitch angle is more quantitatively diagnosed based on whether or not the correlation between the actual pitch angle and the pitch control command value deviates from the second threshold value. be able to. For example, by setting the permissible value of the actual pitch angle that is permissible for the pitch control command value as the second threshold value, it is easy to diagnose whether or not it is within the permissible normal range including tolerances and assembly errors. be able to.

(6) In some embodiments, in the method according to any one of (1) to (5) above,
In the step of giving the pitch control command value, the pitch control command value may be given so that the pitch angle fluctuates toward an amplitude range of 10 to 50% of the entire pitch angle range between the feather and the fine. ..

According to the method (6) above, the pitch mechanism is given a pitch angle target value such that the pitch angle fluctuates toward an amplitude range of 10 to 50% of the entire pitch angle range between the feather and the fine. That is, the soundness of the pitch mechanism can be diagnosed easily and in a short time as compared with the case where the pitch angle is changed over the entire pitch angle range between the feather and the fine. Further, for example, the soundness of the pitch mechanism can be selectively or preferentially diagnosed in a region where the frequency of use during operation is relatively high, a pitch angle range including a pitch angle where abnormalities are relatively likely to occur, and the like. ..

(7) In some embodiments, in the method according to any one of (1) to (6) above,
In the step of giving the pitch control command value, the pitch control command value may be given so that the pitch angle fluctuates toward a frequency range of 0.04 to 0.2 Hz.

According to the method (7) above, the soundness of the pitch mechanism is diagnosed by varying the pitch angle aiming at the frequency range of 0.04 to 0.2 Hz. That is, since the soundness of the pitch mechanism can be diagnosed at any frequency from 0.04 to 0.2 Hz, for example, the behavior when the pitch angle is changed at different frequencies can be grasped, and the soundness can be determined. Sexual diagnosis can be performed with higher accuracy.

(8) In some embodiments, in the method according to any one of (1) to (7) above,
In the step of giving the pitch control command value, the pitch control command value may be given so that the pitch angle fluctuates toward a period range of 5 to 25 seconds.

According to the method (8) above, the soundness of the pitch mechanism is diagnosed by varying the pitch angle aiming at a period range of 5 to 25 seconds. That is, since the soundness of the pitch mechanism can be diagnosed in any cycle of 5 to 25 seconds, for example, the behavior when the pitch angle is changed in different cycles can be grasped, and the soundness diagnosis can be made. Can be executed with higher accuracy.

(9) The automatic diagnostic device for wind power generation equipment according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure is
With a wind turbine rotor containing at least one wind turbine wing,
A pitch mechanism that fluctuates the pitch angle of the wind turbine blades,
A sensor that acquires the actual pitch angular velocity or the actual pitch angle of the wind turbine blade,
At least the controller that controls the driving of the pitch mechanism and the wind turbine rotor,
With
The controller
A pitch control command value based on the deviation between the pitch angle target value and the actual pitch angle is set so that the pitch angle is increased or decreased from the reference angle toward the pitch angle target value while the wind turbine rotor is rotated and fixed. Give to the pitch mechanism
The actual pitch angular velocity or the actual pitch angle of the wind turbine blade according to the pitch control command value is acquired from the sensor.
It is configured to diagnose the soundness of the pitch mechanism based on the acquired actual pitch angular velocity or the correlation between the actual pitch angle and the pitch control command value.

According to the configuration of (9) above, as described in (1) above, the pitch angle of the wind turbine blades is increased or decreased from the reference angle toward the pitch angle target value in a state where the wind turbine rotor is fixed after rotation by the controller. A pitch control command value is given to the pitch mechanism so as to be caused, and the actual pitch angular velocity or the actual pitch angle of the wind turbine blade, which is changed according to the pitch control command value, is acquired via the sensor. Then, the soundness of the pitch mechanism is diagnosed by the controller based on the acquired actual pitch angular velocity or the correlation between the actual pitch angle and the pitch control command value. That is, in both the increasing and decreasing directions of the pitch angle, the soundness of the pitch mechanism and signs of abnormality are quantitatively diagnosed from the correlation between the pitch control command value and the actual pitch angular velocity or the actual pitch angle based on the above reference angle. can do. The pitch control command value can be adjusted to correct the acquired actual pitch angular velocity or the actual pitch angle when it does not reach or deviates from the pitch angle target value. Thereby, the soundness of the pitch mechanism can be diagnosed.

(10) In some embodiments, in the configuration described in any one of (9) above,
The controller may be configured to fix the wind turbine blade to be diagnosed along the vertical direction including the center of the wind turbine rotor.

According to the configuration of (10) above, as described in (2) above, the soundness of the pitch mechanism in a state where the wind turbine blade to be diagnosed is fixed by the controller along the vertical direction including the center of the wind turbine rotor. Can be diagnosed. In other words, since the soundness of the pitch mechanism can be diagnosed with the rotation axis of the wind turbine blade related to the pitch angle change along the vertical direction, the influence of gravity components such as the weight of the wind turbine blade on the pitch angle change can be eliminated. , The soundness of the pitch mechanism can be diagnosed with higher accuracy.

(11) In some embodiments, in the configuration described in (9) or (10) above,
The controller may be configured to give the pitch angle target value or the pitch control command value to the pitch mechanism in a sine wave.

According to the configuration of (11) above, as described in (3) above, the pitch angle target value or the pitch control command value is given to the pitch mechanism by a sine wave, so that the pitch angle with reference to the reference angle is used. Regarding the soundness in both the increasing direction and the decreasing direction, the soundness of the pitch mechanism, that is, the presence or absence of abnormality or the degree of abnormality can be diagnosed by using the basic waveform that can be easily compared. As a result, the pitch control command value may not be shaped as a sine wave.

(12) In some embodiments, in the configuration according to any one of (9) to (11) above, the automatic diagnostic apparatus for wind power generation equipment is
A storage unit that stores a first threshold value relating to the correlation between the actual pitch angular velocity and the pitch control command value or a second threshold value relating to the correlation between the actual pitch angle and the pitch control command value is provided.
In the controller, when the correlation between the actual pitch angular velocity and the pitch control command value deviates from the first threshold value, or when the correlation between the actual pitch angle and the pitch control command value deviates from the second threshold value. It may be configured to diagnose an abnormality in some cases.

According to the configuration of (12) above, as described in (4) or (5) above, the pitch is based on whether or not the correlation between the actual pitch angular velocity and the pitch control command value deviates from the first threshold value. The soundness of the pitch mechanism with respect to the angular velocity can be diagnosed more quantitatively. In addition, the soundness of the pitch mechanism with respect to the pitch angle can be more quantitatively diagnosed based on whether or not the correlation between the actual pitch angle and the pitch control command value deviates from the second threshold value. For example, by setting the permissible value of the actual pitch angular velocity that is permissible for the pitch control command value as the first threshold value, it is easy to diagnose whether or not it is within the permissible normal range including tolerances and assembly errors. be able to. Further, for example, by setting the permissible value of the actual pitch angle permissible for the pitch control command value as the second threshold value, it is easy to determine whether or not it is within the permissible normal range including tolerances and assembly errors. Can be diagnosed.

(13) In some embodiments, in the configuration described in any one of (9) to (12) above,
The controller may be configured to give the pitch control command value such that the pitch angle varies toward an amplitude range of 10 to 50% of the total pitch angle range between feather and fine.

According to the configuration of (13) above, as described in (6) above, the pitch angle varies depending on the controller aiming at an amplitude range of 10 to 50% of the entire pitch angle range between feather and fine. Such a pitch angle target value is given to the pitch mechanism. That is, the soundness of the pitch mechanism can be diagnosed easily and in a short time as compared with the case where the pitch angle is changed over the entire pitch angle range between the feather and the fine. Further, for example, the soundness of the pitch mechanism can be selectively or preferentially diagnosed in a region where the frequency of use during operation is relatively high, a pitch angle range including a pitch angle where abnormalities are relatively likely to occur, and the like. ..

(14) In some embodiments, in the configuration according to any one of (9) to (13) above,
The controller may be configured to give the pitch control command value so that the pitch angle fluctuates toward a frequency range of 0.04 to 0.2 Hz.

According to the configuration of (14) above, the controller diagnoses the soundness of the pitch mechanism by varying the pitch angle aiming at the frequency range of 0.04 to 0.2 Hz. That is, since the soundness of the pitch mechanism can be diagnosed at any frequency from 0.04 to 0.2 Hz, for example, the behavior when the pitch angle is changed at different frequencies can be grasped, and the soundness can be determined. Sexual diagnosis can be performed with higher accuracy.

(15) In some embodiments, in the configuration described in any one of (9) to (14) above,
A notification unit for notifying information on the soundness of the pitch mechanism is provided.
The controller may be configured to perform the diagnosis at regular cycle intervals and notify the notification to that effect when an abnormality is confirmed in the pitch mechanism of at least one of the wind turbine blades.

According to the configuration of (15) above, the controller diagnoses the soundness of the pitch mechanism at regular intervals, and when an abnormality is confirmed in the pitch mechanism of at least one wind turbine blade, the notification unit notifies that fact. Be notified.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to quantitatively diagnose the soundness and signs of abnormality of the pitch mechanism of the wind turbine blade.

It is the schematic which shows the structural example of the wind power generation facility in at least one Embodiment of this disclosure. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the control system concerning the pitch diagnosis process (the hydraulic pitch) in one Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the control system concerning the pitch diagnosis process (electric pitch) in another embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the control system in the automatic diagnostic apparatus of the wind power generation equipment which concerns on one Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the diagnosis method of the wind power generation facility which concerns on one Embodiment. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the pitch diagnosis processing in the diagnosis method of the wind power generation facility which concerns on one Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the input / output data example of the pitch diagnosis processing in the diagnosis method of the wind power generation facility which concerns on one Embodiment, (a) shows the data example at the time of sound, (b) shows the example of data at the time of abnormality.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc. of the components described in some of the embodiments shown below are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention unless otherwise specified. It is just an example of explanation.
For example, expressions that represent relative or absolute arrangements such as "in a certain direction", "along a certain direction", "parallel", "orthogonal", "center", "concentric" or "coaxial" are exact. Not only does it represent such an arrangement, but it also represents a state of relative displacement with tolerances or angles and distances to the extent that the same function can be obtained.
Further, for example, an expression representing a shape such as a quadrangular shape or a cylindrical shape not only represents a shape such as a quadrangular shape or a cylindrical shape in a geometrically strict sense, but also includes a concavo-convex portion or a concavo-convex portion within a range in which the same effect can be obtained. The shape including the chamfered portion and the like shall also be represented.
On the other hand, the expressions "equipped", "equipped", "equipped", "included", or "have" one component are not exclusive expressions that exclude the existence of other components.

First, an automatic diagnostic device for wind power generation equipment according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.
FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a configuration example of a wind power generation facility according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a control system related to the pitch diagnosis process (flood control pitch) in one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a control system related to pitch diagnosis processing (electric pitch) in another embodiment.

As illustrated non-limitingly in FIGS. 1 and 2, the wind power generation facility (hereinafter referred to as wind turbine 1) is composed of a plurality of (for example, three) wind turbine blades 2 and a hub 3 to which the wind turbine blades 2 are attached. The wind turbine rotor 4 and the nacelle 5 that rotatably supports the wind turbine rotor 4 via a drive train 6 including a main shaft 7, a main bearing 8, and a speed increaser 9 integrally rotatably connected to the wind turbine rotor 4. , A generator 11 that generates electric power by converting the rotational energy of the drive train 6 into electric energy, a tower 12 that supports the nacelle 5 so as to be able to turn horizontally, a platform on which the tower 12 is installed (not shown), and the like. It has. The spindle 7 is configured to be brakeable by the spindle brake 10, and the spindle brake 10 can rotatably open the wind turbine rotor 4 or stop and hold (fix) the wind turbine rotor 4 at an arbitrary azimuth angle. ing.

The automatic diagnostic device 40 for wind power generation equipment according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure includes the wind turbine rotor 4 including at least one wind turbine blade 2, a pitch mechanism 20 for varying the pitch angle of the wind turbine blade 2, and a wind turbine. It includes a sensor (for example, a pitch angle sensor) 25 for acquiring the actual pitch angle velocity or the actual pitch angle of the blade 2, and at least a controller 42 for controlling the drive of the pitch mechanism 20 and the wind turbine rotor 4 (see FIG. 1).

The pitch mechanism 20 can be rotated through a bearing in the hub 3 by, for example, a power transmission mechanism including a hydraulic or electric pitch actuator 23 (for example, a link mechanism (hydraulic) or a gear mechanism including a pinion (electric)). With respect to the root portion of the connected wind turbine blade 2, rotation about a rotation shaft 2A (see FIG. 1) along the blade length direction via a blade swivel wheel (also referred to as a top plate) 29 connected to the blade root portion. A force is applied to change the pitch angle of the wind turbine blade 2, and the pitch angle can be maintained.
The pitch mechanism 20 provides a hydraulic pipe for supplying hydraulic oil to the pitch cylinder 23A for transmitting the power transmitted via the power transmission mechanism to the blade root portion of the wind turbine blade 2, an accumulator for adjusting the hydraulic pressure, and the like. Can include.

The pitch actuator 23 in one embodiment has a hydraulic pitch in which the wind turbine blade 2 can be adjusted to an arbitrary pitch angle by a pitch control valve 22 including a proportional valve (proportional solenoid valve), as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, for example. Cylinder (hydraulic cylinder) 23A may be applied.
As the pitch actuator 23 in another embodiment, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, an electric pitch motor 23B capable of adjusting the wind turbine blade 2 to an arbitrary pitch angle by control via an inverter 24 can be applied.

The sensor 25 detects the pitch angle (actual pitch angle) of the wind turbine blade 2 in real time and transmits the detection signal to the controller 42.

Here, the controller 42 in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a control system in the automatic diagnostic apparatus of the wind power generation facility according to the embodiment.
As illustrated in FIG. 4 without limitation, the controller 42 is, for example, a computer, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) as a storage unit for storing data such as a CPU 43 and various programs and tables executed by the CPU 43. ) 44, In addition to a RAM (Random Access Memory) 45 that functions as an expansion area and a work area as a calculation area when executing each program, a hard disk drive (HDD) as a large-capacity storage device (not shown), and a communication network are connected. It may be provided with a communication interface for performing the above, an access unit to which an external storage device is mounted, and the like. In some embodiments, the controller 42 may include a database 46 that stores various parameters relating to wind turbine operation. All of these are connected via bus 47. Further, the controller 42 may be connected to, for example, an input unit (not shown) including a keyboard, a mouse, or the like, a display unit (for example, a notification unit 50 described later) or the like which is a liquid crystal display device for displaying data.

Detection signals relating to the wind direction, the wind speed, and the pitch angle may be transmitted to the controller 42 from each of the wind direction sensor 32, the wind speed sensor 33, and the pitch angle sensor 25 provided in each wind turbine 1. Further, the controller 42 may be electrically or electronically connected to the yaw motor 15, the yaw brake drive actuator 16, the pitch actuator 23 and the pitch brake drive actuator 28 via the bus 47.

In some embodiments, the ROM 45 stores a pitch automatic diagnosis program 48 for diagnosing the soundness of the pitch mechanism 20.
The CPU 43 reads the automatic pitch diagnosis program 48 from the ROM 45, expands it into the RAM 44, and executes the program. As a result, the controller 42 aims at the pitch angle target value from the reference angle while the wind turbine rotor 4 is rotated and fixed. A pitch control command value (see FIGS. 1, 2 and 3) is given to the pitch mechanism 20 so as to increase or decrease the pitch control command value, and the actual pitch angular velocity or the actual pitch angle of the wind turbine blade 2 according to the pitch control command value is determined from the sensor 25. It is configured to diagnose the soundness of the pitch mechanism 20 based on the acquired actual pitch angular velocity or the correlation between the acquired actual pitch angle and the pitch control command value.
In one embodiment, the controller 42 may be a pitch control device 42B (see, for example, FIGS. 1 to 3) arranged in the hub 3. However, as another embodiment, the controller 42 is, for example, a SCADA (Supervision Control And Data) arranged away from the nacelle control device 42A arranged in the nacelle 5, the operation terminal 42C arranged in the tower 12, or the wind turbine 1. It may be an Acquisition) system, and may be configured to be communicable with the pitch actuator 23 and the sensor 25 via these.

According to the above configuration, the pitch control command value for increasing or decreasing the pitch angle of the wind turbine blade 2 from the reference angle toward the pitch angle target value is the pitch mechanism in a state where the wind turbine rotor 4 is fixed after rotation by the controller 42. The actual pitch angular velocity or the actual pitch angle of the wind turbine blade 2 given to the 20 and varied according to the pitch control command value is acquired via the sensor 25. Then, the soundness of the pitch mechanism 20 is diagnosed by the controller 42 based on the acquired actual pitch angular velocity or the correlation between the actual pitch angle and the pitch control command value. That is, in both the increasing direction and the decreasing direction of the pitch angle, the soundness of the pitch mechanism and signs of abnormality are quantitatively diagnosed from the correlation between the pitch control command value and the actual pitch angular velocity or the actual pitch angle based on the above reference angle. can do. The pitch control command value is adjusted to correct the acquired actual pitch angular velocity or actual pitch angle if it does not reach or deviates from the pitch angle target value. Thereby, the soundness of the pitch mechanism 20 can be diagnosed.

In some embodiments, the controller 42 may be configured to fix the wind turbine blade 2 to be diagnosed along the vertical direction including the center of the wind turbine rotor 4 in front view of the wind turbine 1. That is, the wind turbine blade 2 to be diagnosed may be arranged so that its blade length direction is directly above or directly below the center of the wind turbine rotor 4 in front view. With this configuration, the controller 42 can diagnose the soundness of the pitch mechanism 20 in a state where the wind turbine blade 2 to be diagnosed is fixed along the vertical direction including the center of the wind turbine rotor 4. That is, since the soundness of the pitch mechanism 20 can be diagnosed in a state where the rotation shaft 2A of the wind turbine blade 2 regarding the pitch angle change is aligned in the vertical direction, for example, it is caused by a gravity component such as the own weight of the wind turbine blade 2 with respect to the pitch angle change. The influence can be eliminated, and the soundness of the pitch mechanism 20 can be diagnosed with higher accuracy.

In some embodiments, the controller 42 may be configured to give the pitch mechanism 20 a pitch angle target value or a pitch control command value in a sine wave (see, eg, FIG. 2, FIG. 3 or FIG. 5). ). With this configuration, the pitch angle target value or pitch control command value is given to the pitch mechanism 20 by a sine wave. Therefore, the soundness in both the increasing and decreasing directions of the pitch angle based on the reference angle is compared. It is possible to diagnose the soundness of the pitch mechanism 20, that is, the presence or absence of abnormality or the degree of abnormality by using the basic waveform which is easy to use. As a result, the pitch control command value may not be shaped as a sine wave.

In some embodiments, the automatic diagnostic apparatus 40 has a first threshold value Th1 or an actual pitch angle relating to the correlation between the actual pitch angular velocity and the pitch control command value, as illustrated in FIG. 4, for example, without limitation. A storage unit (for example, ROM 45) that stores a second threshold value Th2 relating to the correlation with the pitch control command value may be provided.
Then, the controller 42 causes when the correlation between the actual pitch angle velocity and the pitch control command value deviates from the first threshold value Th1, or when the correlation between the actual pitch angle and the pitch control command value deviates from the second threshold value Th2. It may be configured to diagnose an abnormality.
For example, based on the correlation between the actual pitch angular velocity and the pitch control command value when there is no abnormality in the pitch mechanism 20 (that is, when it is normal), the correlation between the acquired actual pitch angular velocity and the pitch control command value is the first threshold Th1 or more. If they are far apart, they can be diagnosed as abnormal. Similarly, the correlation between the acquired actual pitch angle and the pitch control command value is separated by the second threshold value Th2 or more based on the correlation between the actual pitch angle and the pitch control command value when there is no abnormality in the pitch mechanism 20. If so, it can be diagnosed as abnormal.

With this configuration, the soundness of the pitch mechanism 20 with respect to the pitch angular velocity can be more quantitatively diagnosed based on whether or not the correlation between the actual pitch angular velocity and the pitch control command value deviates from the first threshold Th1. Can be done. Further, the soundness of the pitch mechanism 20 with respect to the pitch angle can be more quantitatively diagnosed based on whether or not the correlation between the actual pitch angle and the pitch control command value deviates from the second threshold value Th2. For example, by setting the permissible value of the actual pitch angular velocity that is permissible for the pitch control command value to the first threshold value Th1, it is easy to diagnose whether or not it is within the permissible normal range including tolerances and assembly errors. can do. Further, for example, by setting the permissible value of the actual pitch angle permissible for the pitch control command value to the second threshold value Th2, it is easy to determine whether or not it is within the permissible normal range including tolerances and assembly errors. Can be diagnosed.

In some embodiments, the controller 42 is configured to give pitch control command values such that the pitch angle varies towards an amplitude range of 10-50% of the total pitch angle range between feather and fine. You may be.
For example, assuming that the total pitch angle range between the feather and the fine is 120 ° (for example, 0 to 120 °), the fluctuation of the pitch angle in the pitch diagnosis process can be performed with an amplitude of 12 to 60 °. In such a case, the above-mentioned reference angle can be set at an angle position of 60 °, which is between, for example, feather and fine. Then, for example, when the pitch fluctuates in an amplitude range of 50% of the entire pitch angle range with reference to 60 °, the soundness of the pitch mechanism 20 can be diagnosed in the range of 30 to 90 °.

With this configuration, the controller 42 gives the pitch mechanism 20 a pitch angle target value such that the pitch angle fluctuates toward an amplitude range of 10 to 50% of the entire pitch angle range between feather and fine. Therefore, the soundness of the pitch mechanism 20 can be diagnosed easily and in a short time as compared with the case where the pitch angle is changed over the entire pitch angle range between the feather and the fine. Further, for example, it is possible to selectively or preferentially diagnose the soundness of the pitch mechanism 20 in a region where the frequency of use during operation is relatively high, a pitch angle range including a pitch angle where abnormalities are relatively likely to occur, and the like. it can.

In some embodiments, the controller 42 may be configured to give the pitch control command value such that the pitch angle fluctuates towards a frequency range of 0.04 to 0.2 Hz. In this case, the controller 42 diagnoses the soundness of the pitch mechanism 20 by varying the pitch angle aiming at a frequency range of 0.04 to 0.2 Hz. That is, since the soundness of the pitch mechanism 20 can be diagnosed at any frequency from 0.04 to 0.2 Hz, for example, the behavior when the pitch angle is changed at different frequencies can be grasped. The soundness diagnosis can be performed with higher accuracy.

In some embodiments, the automatic diagnostic apparatus 40 may include a notification unit 50 that notifies information regarding the soundness of the pitch mechanism 20 (see, for example, FIG. 4), and the controller 42 diagnoses at regular intervals. When an abnormality is confirmed in the pitch mechanism 20 of at least one wind turbine blade 2, the notification unit 50 may notify the fact.
The notification by the notification unit 50 can be realized, for example, in the form of sound, light, an image displayed on the display unit, or the like. Further, the constant cycle can be set in advance to an arbitrary value in consideration of, for example, the elapsed time from the start of operation, the number of operations of the pitch mechanism 20, the cumulative load, and the like, and the setting is stored in, for example, a storage unit. You may let it. According to such a configuration, the controller 42 diagnoses the soundness of the pitch mechanism 20 at regular intervals, and notifies that fact when an abnormality is confirmed in the pitch mechanism 20 of at least one wind turbine blade 2. It can be notified via unit 50.

Subsequently, the method of diagnosing the wind power generation facility according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.
FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing a pitch diagnosis process in the method for diagnosing a wind power generation facility according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a method of diagnosing the wind power generation facility according to the embodiment.
As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 without limitation, the method for diagnosing the wind power generation equipment according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure performs pitch diagnosis processing on the wind turbine blade 2 (# 1) to be diagnosed (# 1). For step S10), a step (step S12) of rotating and fixing the wind turbine rotor 4 including at least one wind turbine blade 2 (step S11) and a pitch angle of the wind turbine blade 2 with the wind turbine rotor 4 fixed are set. A step (step S13) of giving a pitch control command value based on a pitch angle target value for increasing or decreasing the pitch angle from the reference angle to the fluctuating pitch mechanism 20, and an actual pitch angular velocity of the wind turbine blade 2 according to the pitch control command value. Alternatively, a step of acquiring the actual pitch angle (step S14), a step of diagnosing the soundness of the pitch mechanism 20 based on the acquired actual pitch angular velocity or the correlation between the actual pitch angle and the pitch control command value (step S50), and It has.
In step S11, for example, the spindle brake 10 that functions as a brake for the wind turbine rotor 4 may be released, and the wind turbine rotor 4 may be rotated by wind power.
In step S12, for example, when the wind turbine blade 2 (# 1) to be diagnosed is arranged directly under the hub 3, the spindle brake 10 is operated to fix the wind turbine rotor 4.
After moving the pitch angle of the wind turbine blade 2 (# 1) to the reference angle (step S13), in step S14, the wind turbine blade 2 is vibrated from the reference angle, and the actual pitch of the wind turbine blade 2 according to the pitch control command value. The angular velocity or the actual pitch angle is acquired via the sensor 25.
Then, in step S50, the soundness of the pitch mechanism 20 is diagnosed based on the acquired actual pitch angular velocity or the correlation between the actual pitch angle and the pitch control command value.

According to the above method, in a state where the wind turbine rotor 4 is fixed after rotation, a pitch control command value based on a pitch angle target value for increasing or decreasing the pitch angle of the wind turbine blade 2 from the reference angle is given to the pitch mechanism 20. The actual pitch angular velocity or the actual pitch angle of the wind turbine blade 2 changed according to the pitch control command value is acquired. Then, the soundness of the pitch mechanism 20 is diagnosed based on the acquired actual pitch angular velocity or the correlation between the actual pitch angle and the pitch control command value. That is, in both the increasing direction and the decreasing direction of the pitch angle, the soundness and abnormal signs of the pitch mechanism 20 are quantitatively detected from the correlation between the pitch control command value and the actual pitch angular velocity or the actual pitch angle with the above reference angle as a reference. Can be diagnosed. The pitch control command value can be adjusted to correct the acquired actual pitch angular velocity or the actual pitch angle when it does not reach or deviates from the pitch angle target value. In this way, the soundness of the pitch mechanism 20 can be diagnosed.
If the wind turbine blade 2 to be diagnosed is arranged at the diagnosis position in advance, the step of rotating the wind turbine rotor 4 after the start of the inspection may be omitted.
Further, the azimuth angle at the time of diagnosis of the wind turbine blade 2 to be diagnosed may be set to an arbitrary angle as long as it is arranged at the same azimuth angle at each diagnosis.

In some embodiments, in step S12 for fixing the wind turbine rotor 4, the wind turbine blade 2 to be diagnosed may be fixed along the vertical direction including the center of the wind turbine rotor 4 in front view of the wind turbine 1. That is, the wind turbine blade 2 (# 1) to be diagnosed may be arranged so that its blade length direction is directly above or directly below the center of the wind turbine rotor 4 (center of the hub 3) in the front view.

If the wind turbine blade 2 is fixed in this way, the soundness of the pitch mechanism 20 can be diagnosed with the wind turbine blade 2 to be diagnosed fixed along the vertical direction including the center of the wind turbine rotor 4. That is, since the soundness of the pitch mechanism 20 can be diagnosed in a state where the rotation shaft 2A of the wind turbine blade 2 regarding the pitch angle change is aligned in the vertical direction, for example, it is caused by a gravity component such as the own weight of the wind turbine blade 2 with respect to the pitch angle change. The influence can be eliminated, and the soundness of the pitch mechanism 20 can be diagnosed with higher accuracy.

In some embodiments, the pitch angle target value or the pitch control command value may be given as a sine wave.
For example, in step S4, when the wind turbine blade 2 (# 1) is vibrated, it is applied to the pitch control valve 22 or the inverter 24 as a pitch angle target value or a pitch control command value exhibiting a sinusoidal shape. In this way, since the pitch angle target value or the pitch control command value is given to the pitch mechanism 20 by a sine wave, the soundness in both the increasing direction and the decreasing direction of the pitch angle based on the reference angle is compared. It is possible to diagnose the soundness of the pitch mechanism 20, that is, the presence or absence of abnormality or the degree of abnormality by using the basic waveform which is easy to use. As a result, the pitch control command value may not be shaped as a sine wave.

The method for diagnosing the wind power generation facility in some embodiments may include a step of setting a first threshold value Th1 regarding the correlation between the actual pitch angular velocity and the pitch control command value, and in step S50 for diagnosing the actual pitch. When the correlation between the angular velocity and the pitch control command value deviates from the first threshold value Th1, it may be diagnosed as abnormal.
According to this method, the soundness of the pitch mechanism 20 regarding the pitch angular velocity can be more quantitatively diagnosed based on whether or not the correlation between the actual pitch angular velocity and the pitch control command value deviates from the first threshold Th1. it can. For example, by setting the permissible value (or permissible range) of the actual pitch angular velocity permissible for the pitch control command value to the first threshold value Th1, whether or not it is within the permissible normal range including tolerances and assembly errors. Can be easily diagnosed.

The method for diagnosing the wind power generation equipment in some embodiments may include a step of setting a second threshold value Th2 regarding the correlation between the actual pitch angle and the pitch control command value, and in step S50 for diagnosing the actual pitch. When the correlation between the angle and the pitch control command value deviates from the second threshold value Th2, it may be diagnosed as abnormal.
According to this method, the soundness of the pitch mechanism 20 with respect to the pitch angle can be more quantitatively diagnosed based on whether or not the correlation between the actual pitch angle and the pitch control command value deviates from the second threshold value Th2. it can. For example, by setting the permissible value (or permissible range) of the actual pitch angle allowed for the pitch control command value to the second threshold value Th2, whether or not it is within the permissible normal range including tolerances and assembly errors. Can be easily diagnosed.

In some embodiments, in step S14 of giving the pitch control command value, the pitch control command is such that the pitch angle fluctuates toward an amplitude range of 10 to 50% of the entire pitch angle range between the feather and the fine. You may give a value.
According to this method, the pitch mechanism 20 is provided with a pitch angle target value such that the pitch angle fluctuates toward an amplitude range of 10 to 50% of the entire pitch angle range between the feather and the fine. That is, the soundness of the pitch mechanism 20 can be diagnosed more easily and in a shorter time than when the pitch angle is changed over the entire pitch angle range between the feather and the fine. Further, for example, it is possible to selectively or preferentially diagnose the soundness of the pitch mechanism 20 in a region where the frequency of use during operation is relatively high, a pitch angle range including a pitch angle where abnormalities are relatively likely to occur, and the like. it can.

In some embodiments, in step S14 of giving the pitch control command value, the pitch control command value may be given so that the pitch angle fluctuates toward a frequency range of 0.04 to 0.2 Hz.
According to this method, the soundness of the pitch mechanism 20 is diagnosed by varying the pitch angle aiming at the frequency range of 0.04 to 0.2 Hz. That is, since the soundness of the pitch mechanism 20 can be diagnosed at any frequency from 0.04 to 0.2 Hz, for example, the behavior when the pitch angle is changed at different frequencies can be grasped. The soundness diagnosis can be performed with higher accuracy.

In some embodiments, in step S14 of giving the pitch control command value, the pitch control command value may be given so that the pitch angle fluctuates in a period range of 5 to 25 seconds.
According to this method, the soundness of the pitch mechanism 20 is diagnosed by varying the pitch angle aiming at a period range of 5 to 25 seconds. That is, since the soundness of the pitch mechanism 20 can be diagnosed aiming at an arbitrary period of 5 to 25 seconds, for example, it is possible to grasp the behavior when the pitch angle is changed in different cycles, and it is sound. Sexual diagnosis can be performed with higher accuracy.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, after step S14, the rotor brake (spindle brake 10) is released (step S15), and the wind turbine rotor 4 is rotated to rotate the wind turbine blade 2 which is the next diagnosis target. (# 2) may be arranged directly below the hub 3, and pitch diagnosis processing may be performed on the wind turbine blade 2 (# 2) (step S20). Further, after step S20, the wind turbine blade 2 (# 3) to be diagnosed next may be arranged directly under the hub 3, and the pitch diagnosis process may be performed on the wind turbine blade 2 (# 3) (step S30). .. Then, after finishing the pitch diagnosis processing for all the wind turbine blades 2 (# 1 to # 3), the data recording is finished (step S40), the recorded data is diagnosed and analyzed (step S50), and the processing is performed. May be terminated.

An example of the case where the pitch mechanism 20 is diagnosed as having an abnormality by the above-mentioned diagnosis is shown in FIG. 7 in comparison with the normal wind turbine blade 2 (when the pitch mechanism 20 is sound).
7A and 7B are schematic views showing an example of input / output data of pitch diagnosis processing in the method of diagnosing a wind power generation facility according to an embodiment, in which FIG. 7A shows an example of data in a healthy state and FIG. 7B shows an example of data in an abnormal state.
In FIG. 7 (b), in the wind turbine blade 2 diagnosed as abnormal, the relationship or correlation between the actual pitch angular velocity and the pitch control command value is wider in the lateral direction as compared with the normal state shown in FIG. 7 (a). You can see that.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure described above, it is possible to quantitatively diagnose the soundness and signs of abnormality of the pitch mechanism 20 of the wind turbine blade 2.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and includes a modified form of the above-described embodiment and a combination of these embodiments.

1 Wind turbine (wind power generation equipment)
2 Windmill blade 2A Rotating shaft 3 Hub 4 Windmill rotor 5 Nacelle 6 Drivetrain 7 Main shaft 8 Main bearing 9 Speed increaser 10 Main shaft brake 11 Generator 12 Tower 15 Yaw motor 16 Yaw brake drive actuator 20 Pitch mechanism 22 Pitch control valve (proportional valve) )
23 Pitch actuator 23B Pitch motor 24 Inverter 25 Pitch angle sensor (sensor)
26 Pitch brake drive actuator 28 Rotor head 29 Wing swivel wheel (top plate)
40 Automatic diagnostic device 42 Controller 42A Nacelle control device 42B Pitch control device 42C Operation terminal 42D SCADA
43 CPU
44 RAM
45 ROM (storage unit)
46 Database 47 Bus 48 Pitch automatic diagnosis program 50 Notification unit (display unit)
Th1 1st threshold Th2 2nd threshold

Claims (15)

With the step of rotating and fixing the wind turbine rotor including at least one wind turbine wing,
With the wind turbine rotor fixed, the pitch angle target value and the actual pitch angle are adjusted so that the pitch angle is increased or decreased from the reference angle toward the pitch angle target value by the pitch mechanism that fluctuates the pitch angle of the wind turbine blade. And the step of giving the pitch control command value based on the deviation of
A step of acquiring the actual pitch angular velocity of the wind turbine blade or the actual pitch angle according to the pitch control command value, and
A method for diagnosing a wind power generation facility including a step of diagnosing the soundness of the pitch mechanism based on the acquired actual pitch angular velocity or the correlation between the actual pitch angle and the pitch control command value. The method for diagnosing a wind turbine generator according to claim 1, wherein in the step of fixing the wind turbine rotor, the wind turbine blade to be diagnosed is fixed along the vertical direction including the center of the wind turbine rotor. The method for diagnosing a wind power generation facility according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pitch angle target value or the pitch control command value is given by a sine wave. A step of setting a first threshold value regarding the correlation between the actual pitch angular velocity and the pitch control command value is provided.
The wind power generation facility according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which is diagnosed as abnormal when the correlation between the actual pitch angular velocity and the pitch control command value deviates from the first threshold value in the diagnosis step. Diagnostic method. A step of setting a second threshold value regarding the correlation between the actual pitch angle and the pitch control command value is provided.
The wind power generation facility according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which is diagnosed as abnormal when the correlation between the actual pitch angle and the pitch control command value deviates from the second threshold value in the diagnosis step. Diagnostic method. Claim 1 in which the pitch control command value is given so that the pitch angle fluctuates toward an amplitude range of 10 to 50% of the entire pitch angle range between feather and fine in the step of giving the pitch control command value. The method for diagnosing a wind power generation facility according to any one of 5 to 5. The step according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein in the step of giving the pitch control command value, the pitch control command value is given so that the pitch angle fluctuates toward a frequency range of 0.04 to 0.2 Hz. How to diagnose wind power generation equipment. The wind power generator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein in the step of giving the pitch control command value, the pitch control command value is given so that the pitch angle fluctuates toward a period range of 5 to 25 seconds. Equipment diagnostic method. With a wind turbine rotor containing at least one wind turbine wing,
A pitch mechanism that fluctuates the pitch angle of the wind turbine blades,
A sensor that acquires the actual pitch angular velocity or the actual pitch angle of the wind turbine blade,
At least the controller that controls the driving of the pitch mechanism and the wind turbine rotor,
With
The controller
The pitch control command value based on the deviation between the pitch angle target value and the actual pitch angle is set to the pitch so that the pitch angle is increased or decreased from the reference angle toward the pitch angle target value with the wind turbine rotor fixed. Give to the mechanism,
The actual pitch angular velocity or the actual pitch angle of the wind turbine blade according to the pitch control command value is acquired from the sensor.
An automatic diagnostic device for wind power generation equipment configured to diagnose the soundness of the pitch mechanism based on the acquired actual pitch angular velocity or the correlation between the actual pitch angle and the pitch control command value. The automatic diagnostic apparatus for wind power generation equipment according to claim 9, wherein the controller is configured to fix the wind turbine blade to be diagnosed along a vertical direction including the center of the wind turbine rotor. The automatic diagnostic apparatus for wind power generation equipment according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the controller is configured to give the pitch angle target value or the pitch control command value to the pitch mechanism in a sine wave. A storage unit that stores a first threshold value relating to the correlation between the actual pitch angular velocity and the pitch control command value or a second threshold value relating to the correlation between the actual pitch angle and the pitch control command value is provided.
In the controller, when the correlation between the actual pitch angle velocity and the pitch control command value deviates from the first threshold value, or when the correlation between the actual pitch angle and the pitch control command value deviates from the second threshold value. The automatic diagnostic apparatus for wind power generation equipment according to any one of claims 9 to 11, which is configured to diagnose an abnormality in some cases. 9. The controller is configured to give the pitch control command value such that the pitch angle varies toward an amplitude range of 10 to 50% of the total pitch angle range between feather and fine. The automatic diagnostic apparatus for wind power generation equipment according to any one of the items to 12. The controller according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the controller is configured to give the pitch control command value so that the pitch angle fluctuates toward a frequency range of 0.04 to 0.2 Hz. Automatic diagnostic equipment for wind power generation equipment. A notification unit for notifying information on the soundness of the pitch mechanism is provided.
9. to claim 9, wherein the controller performs the diagnosis at regular cycle intervals, and when an abnormality is confirmed in the pitch mechanism of at least one of the wind turbine blades, the notification unit notifies the fact. The automatic diagnostic apparatus for wind power generation equipment according to any one of 14.

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