JP5059666B2 - Flying object detection device, flying object detection method, and computer program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for avoiding a situation in which a flying object collides with a blade when there is a flying object (mainly birds) approaching the wind power generator, and a technique related thereto.

In recent years, wind power generators have become larger in order to improve the output per unit. A typical large wind power generator is installed in a tower about 30 to 80 meters in height, and the blade of such a wind power generator is 20 to 50 meters, so the highest level reaches 130 meters from the ground. .
Such a height may reach the flying height of birds (such as raptors) that inhabit the vicinity of the place where the wind power generator is installed, or the height of cruise flight of migratory birds. And, it is difficult for the flying birds to see the blade that rotates at high speed, or an accident (bird strike) may occur that hits the blade and ends its life.

  As a technique for preventing a bird strike or a collision accident of a flying object, there is a technique disclosed in Patent Document 1.

JP 2006-125266 A

  The wind power generator disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes an obstacle search device that can detect a flying object in front of the windward and a blade angle control unit that controls a change in the angle of the blade including the rotation stop position. When it is determined that the flying object is approaching, the blade angle control means changes the blade to the rotation stop position.

  When adopting a device that confirms the presence of flying objects based on imaging and image analysis in the obstacle search device of the wind turbine generator disclosed in Patent Document 1, it relies on image capture by natural light. Birds have a high flight speed (about 20 meters / second), so it may not be possible to search for obstacles at dusk or cloudy weather. If an irradiation apparatus that irradiates laser light is employed, the equipment cost and the operation cost will increase enormously.

Moreover, although the said obstacle search apparatus is supposed to catch the flying object in the windward front, there may be a case where only forward is not enough. A large number of camera modules (C-MOS sensors, etc.) are required to cover a wide area as a region for catching flying objects. In this case, the control-related system becomes large and maintenance becomes complicated.
Further, when a large number of wind power generators are installed like a wind farm, an area to be explored is widened, and more and more camera modules are required.

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a technology capable of efficiently covering a wide area while improving exploration performance for a wind turbine generator capable of reducing blade damage and bird strike caused by flying objects. That is.
An object of the present invention described in claims 1 to 2 is to provide a flying object detection device capable of reducing blade breakage and bird strike caused by flying objects.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a flying object detection method or a computer program therefor capable of reducing blade damage and bird strike caused by flying objects.

Hereinafter, it will be described together with the drawings and the corresponding symbols.
(Claim 1)
According to the first aspect of the present invention, a light receiver (40, 50) that receives natural light at a place away from the wind turbine generator (10), and a state received by the light receiver (40, 50) are detected and fly. Detection means (60) for detecting the presence of an object, and output means for outputting the detection result of the detection means (60) to the wind power generator (10).
The light receiver (40, 50) includes a plurality of rows of light receiving elements, and the detection means (60) receives light received by the plurality of rows of light receiving elements in the light receiver (40, 50). This is a flying object detection device that detects the approach of a flying object by detecting that it is continuously blocked from the far side (40) to the near side (50) from the wind power generator.

(Glossary)
A so-called line sensor is generally used as the photoreceptor in the above invention. At least two line sensors are used to detect flying objects that cross both of them.
The “flying object” includes an object flying in the wind in addition to a creature such as a bird.
The “output means” includes not only a case where a control signal is transmitted to the wind turbine generator but also a device for issuing a warning by light or sound.

(Function)
The photoreceptor (40, 50) receives natural light. When light reception is blocked, it can be assumed that flying objects are present in front of the light receivers (40, 50).
In the invention according to this claim, when the received light is continuously blocked by the light receiving body (50) on the side farther from the light receiving body (40) on the side farther from the wind power generation apparatus (10), the flying object becomes a wind power generation apparatus. Assuming that it is flying towards (10), it detects that a flying object has approached. By outputting the detection result to the wind power generator (10) by the output means, the probability of preventing blade breakage and bird strike due to flying objects is increased.
Unlike the technique of acquiring video using a camera or the like, the equipment necessary for processing video data is not necessary, and the equipment can be simplified.

(Claim 2)
The invention according to claim 2 limits the flying object detection device according to claim 1.
That is, it comprises an arrival time calculation means for calculating the expected arrival time of the flying object detected by the detection means (60), and the output is set so that the wind turbine generator is changed to the rotation stop position before the expected arrival time is reached. The means outputs a control signal.

(Glossary)
The “arrival time calculation means” is an object in which the obstacle detection device continuously searches for a flying object and predicts the time for the flying object to reach from the speed and distance of the flying object.
In other words, when the approach of a flying object is detected and it is determined that it is necessary to stop the rotation of the wind turbine generator, the flying is far enough to ensure the time required to stop the rotation (for example, around 3 seconds). There is a need to explore things.
The “rotation stop position” is a position that is changed to an angle that does not rotate if the wind turbine generator is, for example, a blade type, or a position where braking is applied to the rotation.

(Function)
The flying object detection device according to the present invention continuously searches for flying objects.
When the flying object is detected, the arrival time calculation means calculates the expected arrival time of the flying object, and the control for controlling the wind turbine generator to change to the rotation stop position before reaching the expected arrival time. The output means outputs the signal. In the case of a blade-type wind power generator, if the blade is stopped or sufficiently decelerated, the flying bird is easy to visually recognize, so that the possibility of avoiding it increases. Since many blades have a slender shape that is fixed about three radially from the hub, even if the flying object is a simple object other than a bird, the probability of colliding with the blade can be reduced.

(Claim 3)
The invention according to claim 3 senses the light receiver (40, 50) that receives natural light at a place away from the wind turbine generator (10) and the state received by the light receiver (40, 50). A flying means using a flying object detection device comprising detection means (60) for detecting the presence of a flying object and output means for outputting the detection result of the detection means (60) to the wind power generator (10). The present invention relates to a method for detecting an object.
The detection means (60) receives light received by a plurality of rows of light receiving elements in the light receiving body (40, 50) from a side (21) far from the wind power generation device (10) to a side (22) near. When a flying object detection procedure for detecting the approach of a flying object by detecting that it has been blocked continuously, and when a flying object is detected by the flying object detection procedure, the detection result is output by the output means. And an output procedure for outputting to the wind power generator.

(Claim 4)
The invention described in claim 4 is a photo detector (40, 50) that receives natural light at a location away from the wind turbine generator, and detects the presence of flying objects by detecting the light received by the photo detector (40, 50). A computer for detecting a flying object using a flying object detection device comprising: a detection means (60) for detecting; and an output means for outputting a detection result of the detection means (60) to the wind power generator (10). Related to the program.
That is, the detection means detects the incoming light received by the plurality of rows of light receiving elements in the light receiving body continuously from the side farther from the wind power generator to the side closer to the wind power generation device. The flying object detection procedure for detecting approach and the output procedure for outputting the detection result to the wind power generator by the output means when the flying object is detected by the flying object detection procedure. A computer program that is executed by a computer for controlling the apparatus.

The computer program according to claim 4 can be made into a chip and used as a control device for the flying object detection device.
It can also be stored in a recording medium and provided. Here, the “recording medium” is a medium that can carry a program that cannot occupy space by itself, such as a flexible disk, a hard disk, a CD-R, an MO (magneto-optical disk), a DVD- R and the like.

According to the first and second aspects of the invention, it is possible to provide a flying object detection device capable of reducing blade damage and bird strike caused by flying objects.
Further, according to the invention described in claim 3 or claim 4, it is possible to provide a flying object detection method or a computer program therefor that can reduce blade damage and bird strike caused by flying objects.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
The drawings used here are FIGS. 1 to 6. 1 and 2 are conceptual diagrams showing a first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a two-view drawing showing the second embodiment, and FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the third embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a control process, and FIG. 6 is a graph showing wind speed and power generation amount.

(Figure 1)
In the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the line sensor is installed so that the image area of the line sensor can be set at a position 60 meters or more away from the blade type wind power generator 10. The interval between the video areas is Δx. A cross section of the video area provided on the side far from the wind turbine generator 10 is referred to as a first imaging area cross section 21, and a cross section at a close position is referred to as a second imaging area cross section 22. The photoreceptor corresponding to the first imaging area section 21 is the first photoreceptor 40, and the photoreceptor corresponding to the second imaging area section 22 is the second photoreceptor 50. The photoreceptors 40 and 50 include lenses 41 and 51 and line sensors 42 and 52, respectively.

  Light (for example, natural light) that enters the first imaging area section 21 is received by the line sensor 42 via the lens 41. If none of the light entering the first imaging area section 21 is blocked, the line sensor 42 can receive light from all imaging area sections. The light entering the second imaging area section 22 is received by the line sensor 52 via the lens 51. If none of the light entering the second imaging area section 22 is blocked, the line sensor 52 can receive light from all the imaging area sections. In FIG. 1, a range that can be sensed by each line sensor is indicated by α.

It is assumed that a certain bird crosses the light of the first imaging area section 21 and the second imaging area section 22. Both the line sensor 42 of the first light receiver 40 and the line sensor 52 of the second light receiver 50 transmit to the detection means 60 data indicating which part and at which time the light blocked by the bird is generated. The detection means 60 calculates the speed and direction of the flying object based on the data sent from the line sensors 42 and 52. As shown in FIG. 1, the data that can be calculated is Δt, which is the time from when the light of the first imaging area section 21 is blocked until the light of the second imaging area section 22 is blocked, It is Δz calculated by the height at which the light is blocked and the height at which the light of the second imaging area section 22 is blocked.
From the calculated data and Δx which can be grasped in advance, the flying speed and flying direction of the flying object can be calculated. And when the calculation result that there exists a possibility of a collision with respect to the wind power generator 10 is output, the detection result is output to the wind power generator (illustration is omitted about the output means).

(Figure 2)
FIG. 2 shows two sets of light receiving devices on both sides of the wind power generator 10 when the plurality of rows of imaging area cross sections and the respective photoreceptors in the plurality of rows of imaging area cross sections are used as one set of light receiving devices. The state with is shown. Both the first light receiver 40 and the second light receiver 50 are provided at a certain height by the support body 70. This makes it easy to receive light entering the first imaging area sections 21 and 23 and the second imaging area sections 22 and 24. According to this, the flying object from the both sides of the wind power generator 10 can be detected.
In addition, if the light receiving device is adjusted by calculating back the amount of light entering the first imaging area sections 21 and 23 and the second imaging area sections 22 and 24, the height of the support 70 can be reduced.

(Figure 3)
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, four sets of light receiving devices capable of receiving light in two rows of imaging areas are prepared and installed so as to surround the four sides of the wind power generator 10. For one wind turbine generator (10), at least three sets (four sets in the case of this embodiment) of light receivers capable of receiving light in two rows of imaging areas are provided, and the three sets are related to the wind generator. If the device 10 is positioned so as to surround it, it becomes possible to detect whether a flying object flies from any direction with respect to the wind power generator 10.

(Fig. 4)
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, five sets of light receiving devices are prepared and installed so as to surround the four sides of the wind power generator 10.
Such an embodiment is reasonable when there is a high probability that the wind blown to the place where the wind turbine generator is installed will blow from the direction of the imaging area cross sections 27 and 28 throughout the year. That is, in the direction of the imaging area cross sections 27 and 28, it is easier to detect a flying object by the light receiving device than in other directions.

Although illustration is omitted, the flying object detection device includes arrival time calculation means for calculating the expected arrival time of the detected flying object. Then, a control signal can be output so that the blade angle can be controlled to change to the rotation stop position before the expected arrival time is reached. In other words, the distance between the wind power generator and the light emitting / receiving device is set so that the time required for stopping the rotation of the blade by detecting the approach of the flying object can be secured (for example, around 3 seconds). Since the flight speed of the bird is about 20 meters / second, it is desirable to secure about 60 meters.
In addition, the arrangement | positioning method of the light-receiving device concerning this invention is not limited to embodiment shown by FIGS. 2-4, You may arrange | position according to the approach direction of a flying object.

(Fig. 5)
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of control.
The wind power generator generates electricity by receiving wind and rotating the blades. Here, if the flying object detection device does not detect the flying object, the operation is continued.
Here, assuming that a flying object is detected, data relating to the flying object is stored for a predetermined time or compared with the immediately preceding data. When the flying object approaches, the predicted arrival time of the flying object is calculated from the flight speed V and the distance X, and the blade angle control means controls the blade to change to the rotation stop position (feathering). To do. Then, the rotation of the blade is stopped before the predicted arrival time of the flying object.
From the flying speed V of the flying object, its distance X, and the direction of flight, the collision probability of the flying object to the wind power generator is calculated, and it is determined whether or not the collision probability exceeds the threshold value. You may decide to control.
The control program as described above is incorporated in the blade control device.

  If the blade is stopped, it is easy to see the flying bird, so the possibility of avoiding it increases. Further, since many blades are formed in a thin shape fixed about three radially from the hub, even if the flying object is a simple object other than a bird, the probability of colliding with the blade can be reduced. Since the flying object collision avoidance system determines whether or not it has approached, once it has been detected that the flying object has not been approached, there is less possibility of a collision and it is not necessary to stop power generation wastefully.

(Fig. 6)
FIG. 6 shows the relationship between the wind speed and the amount of power generation. The blade is adjusted so that it can be operated at the rated wind speed. When the wind speed exceeds a predetermined level (cutout wind speed), power generation is stopped by feathering. In the present embodiment, the change to feathering is executed even when a flying object approaches.

  The present invention has applicability in the manufacturing industry of wind power generation devices and flying object detection devices, maintenance business of wind power generation devices or flying object detection devices, software development industry for flying object detection systems, and the like.

It is a conceptual diagram which shows 1st embodiment. It is a three-view figure which shows 1st embodiment, (A) is a front view, (B) is a top view, (C) is the figure which looked at a part from the side. It is a two-view figure which shows 2nd embodiment, (A) is a top view, (B) is the figure which looked at a part from the side. It is a top view which shows 3rd embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows a control process. It is a graph which shows a wind speed and electric power generation amount.

Explanation of symbols

Range 10 that can be sensed by α line sensor Wind power generator 21, 23, 25, 27, 29 First imaging area section 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 Second imaging area section 40 First photoreceptor 41 Lens 42 Line sensor 50 Second light-receiving body 51 Lens 52 Line sensor 60 Detection means 70 Support body

Claims (4)

A photoreceptor that receives natural light at a location away from the wind turbine generator;
Detection means for detecting the presence of flying objects by sensing the state of light received by the photoreceptor;
Output means for outputting the detection result of the detection means to the wind power generator,
The photoreceptor includes a plurality of rows of light receiving elements,
The detecting means detects the approach of the flying object by detecting that the light received by the plurality of rows of light receiving elements in the light receiving body is continuously blocked from the side far from the wind power generator. A flying object detection device to detect. An arrival time calculating means for calculating the expected arrival time of the flying object detected by the detecting means;
The flying object detection device according to claim 1, wherein the output means outputs a control signal so that the wind turbine generator is changed to a rotation stop position before the expected arrival time is reached. A photoreceptor that receives natural light at a location away from the wind turbine generator;
Detection means for detecting the presence of flying objects by sensing the state of light received by the photoreceptor;
An output means for outputting the detection result of the detection means to the wind power generator, and a method for detecting a flying object using a flying object detection apparatus comprising:
The detecting means detects the approach of the flying object by detecting that the light received by the plurality of rows of light receiving elements in the light receiving body is continuously blocked from the side far from the wind power generator. The flying object detection procedure to detect,
A projectile detection method comprising: an output procedure for outputting a detection result to the wind power generator by the output means when a projectile is detected by the projectile detection procedure. A photoreceptor that receives natural light at a location away from the wind turbine generator;
Detection means for detecting the presence of flying objects by sensing the state of light received by the photoreceptor;
An output means for outputting the detection result of the detection means to the wind power generator, and a computer program for detecting a flying object using a flying object detection apparatus comprising:
The detecting means detects the approach of the flying object by detecting that the light received by the plurality of rows of light receiving elements in the light receiving body is continuously blocked from the side far from the wind power generator. The flying object detection procedure to detect,
When a flying object is detected by the flying object detection procedure, an output procedure for outputting the detection result to the wind power generator by the output means, and causing the computer for controlling the flying object detection apparatus to execute A computer program characterized by that.

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