JP6241581B1 - Wind power generator - Google Patents

Abstract

A tower provided with an internal space, a nacelle provided at an upper portion of the tower, rotated in a direction along the axial direction of the tower as a nacelle rotation axis, and provided with an opening communicating with the internal space, and supported by the nacelle A generator that generates electric power from the windmill, a first coil to which electric power is supplied from the generator, and a second coil in which electric power is transmitted in a non-contact manner from the first coil, the first coil and the second coil, Includes a power transmission unit that is disposed to face each other at a distance from each other and is relatively rotatable about a coil rotation axis provided at a position different from the nacelle rotation axis.

Description

  The present invention relates to a wind turbine generator.

  A power generation device that uses wind power includes a windmill that rotates by receiving wind and a generator that converts the rotational force of the windmill into electricity. A windmill is attached to the nacelle provided on the tower, and a generator is arrange | positioned in a nacelle. In order for the windmill to receive wind efficiently, the nacelle has a structure that can rotate in a horizontal plane according to the direction of the wind. The generator rotates together with the nacelle, and the electric power generated by the generator is transmitted to the outside via a cable in the tower that is fixed and does not move (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the wind power generator of Patent Document 1, in order to transmit electric power from the generator, a ring and a brush are slidably provided on the rotating shaft of the nacelle, and the electric power of the generator is brought into contact with the ring and the brush. Is transmitted to the outside.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2015-102029

  In the method of transmitting electric power by contact between the ring and the brush, there is a possibility that loss occurs because the electric power is changed into heat by the contact resistance. Further, since the brush is worn by friction with the ring, the contact resistance may increase. In the method of drawing the power cable from the nacelle into the tower without using the ring and the brush, the power cable is twisted as the nacelle rotates. The power cable may be disconnected by repeated twisting. Moreover, a mechanism for recognizing and controlling the total angle of rotation of the nacelle is necessary so that the power cable is not twisted beyond a certain level, and the device may be complicated.

  In addition, the worker may move between the tower and the nacelle to perform maintenance, inspection work, etc. of the wind power generator. For this reason, a passage communicating with the internal space of the tower and the internal space of the nacelle is provided. If a device for transmitting power is provided, it may be difficult to secure a passage.

  An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, and to provide a wind turbine generator capable of efficiently transmitting power and securing a passage for an operator to move.

  A wind turbine generator according to an aspect of the present invention includes a tower provided with an internal space, and is provided at an upper portion of the tower, and rotates in a direction along the axial direction of the tower as a nacelle rotation axis, and communicates with the internal space. A nacelle provided with an opening for generating power, a generator for generating electric power by a wind turbine supported by the nacelle, a first coil to which electric power is supplied from the generator, and the electric power transmitted from the first coil The first coil and the second coil are disposed to face each other at a distance from each other and are relatively centered on a coil rotation axis provided at a position different from the nacelle rotation axis. And a power transmission unit provided rotatably.

  According to this, the first coil and the second coil are arranged in a non-contact manner, and power is transmitted from the first coil to the second coil. Therefore, even when the first coil and the second coil rotate relatively with the rotation of the nacelle, it is possible to efficiently transmit electric power while suppressing wear due to friction between the first coil and the second coil. . Further, since the first coil and the second coil are provided so as to be rotatable around a coil rotation axis different from the nacelle rotation axis, the power transmission unit is disposed with a space from the inner wall of the nacelle opening. be able to. An operator can move between the tower and the nacelle through the inner wall of the opening of the nacelle and the power transmission unit. Therefore, it is possible to secure a passage for the worker to move.

  As a preferred aspect of the present invention, the second coil is fixed to the tower, and the first coil rotates about the coil rotation axis together with the rotation of the nacelle. According to this, since the second coil on the receiving side is fixed to the tower, even if the nacelle rotates, the position and rotation angle of the second coil with respect to the tower do not change. For this reason, it can suppress that a twist arises in a cable.

  The wind turbine generator includes a connection wiring that connects the first coil and the generator provided in the nacelle, and the connection wiring is directed to the generator with respect to the first coil. It is preferable to include an elastic portion that applies a pulling force. According to this, since the rotational force of the nacelle is transmitted to the first coil via the connection wiring, the first coil rotates around the coil rotation axis together with the rotation of the nacelle. The first coil and the second coil are relatively rotatable, and even when the first coil rotates about the coil rotation axis, the second coil is fixed without rotating about the coil rotation axis. . For this reason, it can suppress that a cable and a connection wiring produce a twist.

  The tower includes a hollow column portion and a support portion extending radially inward from an inner wall of the column portion, and the first coil is rotatable on a surface of the support portion facing the nacelle. Preferably, the second coil is fixed to a surface of the support portion on the side facing the internal space. According to this, the first coil and the second coil can be easily installed.

  As a preferred aspect of the present invention, the first coil is fixed to the nacelle and moves around the nacelle rotation axis along with the rotation of the nacelle, and the second coil moves around the nacelle rotation axis, It rotates around the coil rotation axis and keeps the first coil. According to this, although the 1st coil moves on the circumference centering on a nacelle rotation axis with rotation of a nacelle, relative positions, such as direction and distance to a dynamo, have not changed. Since the second coil rotates on the coil rotation axis while moving on the circumference around the nacelle rotation axis, the distance to the cable changes, but the direction to the cable does not change. For this reason, it can suppress that a twist arises in a cable.

  The wind turbine generator is provided inside the tower, and includes a cable for transmitting the electric power to the outside, and a connection wiring for electrically connecting the second coil and the cable. Preferably, the second coil includes an elastic portion that applies a pulling force in a direction toward the cable. According to this, even when the second coil rotates around the nacelle rotation axis, the second coil is pulled to the cable side by the connection wiring, so that the rotation around the coil rotation axis is suppressed. The Therefore, since the rotation angle of the second coil with respect to the tower does not change, it is possible to suppress the cable from being twisted.

  The nacelle includes a bottom portion provided with the opening and a support portion extending radially inward from an inner wall of the opening, and the first coil faces an internal space of the nacelle of the support portion. It is preferable that the second coil is fixed to a surface and rotatably provided on a surface of the support portion that faces the tower. According to this, the first coil and the second coil can be easily installed.

  The first coil and the second coil include a conductor wound around the coil rotation axis in a plane intersecting the coil rotation axis, and are opposed to each other in a direction along the coil rotation axis. Is preferred. According to this, since the first coil is provided so as to intersect with the coil rotation axis, even if the first coil rotates together with the rotation of the nacelle, the change in the relative position of the first coil with respect to the second coil is suppressed. Thus, a decrease in power transmission efficiency can be suppressed.

  Preferably, the power transmission unit transmits the power by a magnetic field resonance method using magnetic field resonance between the first coil and the second coil. According to this, the power transmission unit can efficiently transmit power while the first coil and the second coil are in a non-contact state.

  It is preferable that the power transmission unit transmits the power by an electromagnetic induction method using electromagnetic induction between the first coil and the second coil. According to this, the power transmission unit can efficiently transmit power while the first coil and the second coil are in a non-contact state.

  The first coil is provided on a first substrate, the second coil is provided on a second substrate, and the first coil and the second coil are interposed via at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate. It is preferable to face the direction along the coil rotation axis. According to this, since wear due to friction between the first coil and the second coil can be suppressed, power transmission efficiency can be increased.

  The wind turbine generator preferably includes a bearing that rotatably supports the first substrate or the second substrate. According to this, a 1st coil and a 2nd coil can be rotated relatively.

  It is preferable that the wind power generator has a rotation mechanism that rotationally drives the first substrate or the second substrate. According to this, according to rotation of a nacelle, a 1st coil and a 2nd coil can be rotated relatively.

  According to the wind power generator of the present invention, it is possible to efficiently transmit electric power and secure a passage for an operator to move.

FIG. 1 is a side view showing the wind turbine generator according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the wind turbine generator according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a connecting portion between the nacelle and the tower according to the first embodiment. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV 'of FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the arrangement of the secondary coils. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the rotation of the primary coil when the nacelle rotates. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a first substrate and a primary coil of the non-contact power transmission unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a second substrate and a secondary coil of the non-contact power transmission unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IX-IX ′ of FIGS. 7 and 8. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining magnetic field resonance type power transmission of the non-contact power transmission unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram showing an equivalent circuit of the non-contact power transmission unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a non-contact power transmission unit according to a first modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a non-contact power transmission unit according to a second modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating a non-contact power transmission unit according to a third modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram for explaining electromagnetic transmission power transmission in the non-contact power transmission unit according to the third modification. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a wind turbine generator according to a fourth modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing a wind turbine generator according to a fifth modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing a connection portion between the nacelle and the tower according to the second embodiment. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a non-contact power transmission unit according to the second embodiment. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XX-XX ′ of FIG. 18 and viewed from the direction of the arrow. FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the rotation of the primary coil when the nacelle rotates. FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the arrangement of the secondary coils and cables according to the second embodiment. FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the rotation of the secondary coil when the nacelle rotates. FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view showing a non-contact power transmission unit according to a first modification of the second embodiment. FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view showing a wind turbine generator according to a second modification of the second embodiment. FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a wind turbine generator according to a third modification of the second embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of a wind turbine generator according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited by the following embodiment. In addition, the constituent elements of the embodiment include those that can be replaced while maintaining the identity of the invention and that are obvious for replacement. In addition, the methods, apparatuses, and modifications described in the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined within the scope obvious to those skilled in the art.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a side view showing a wind turbine generator according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the wind turbine generator according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the wind turbine generator 1 is a horizontal axis type propeller windmill, and includes a tower 2, a nacelle 4, a windmill 5, and a hub 6.

  The tower 2 is a pillar that rises upward from the ground. The tower 2 is a cylindrical column having a space inside, and is fixed to, for example, a foundation embedded in the ground. In the internal space of the tower 2, the cable 8, the power converter 18, the control unit 100, and the like are arranged.

  The nacelle 4 is a box-shaped housing having a space inside, and is provided on the top of the tower 2. The nacelle 4 is rotatably provided with a nacelle rotation axis AX (yaw axis) along the axial direction of the tower 2 as a central axis. As shown in FIG. 2, a yaw driving device 15, a measuring device 16, a speed increaser 19, and a generator 20 are arranged inside the nacelle 4. Further, a non-contact power transmission unit 10 is disposed at a connection portion between the nacelle 4 and the tower 2.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a windmill 5 is provided in front of the nacelle 4 via a hub 6. The wind turbine 5 includes a plurality of blades 7. In FIG. 1, two blades 7 are shown, but three or four or more blades 7 are provided radially around the rotation axis Z along the horizontal direction. When the wind turbine 5 receives wind in the direction along the rotation axis Z, the blade 7 rotates about the rotation axis Z by generating lift.

  The height of the tower 2 is higher than the radial dimension of the wind turbine 5, that is, the radial dimension of one blade 7, and is sufficiently high from the ground installation surface so that the wind turbine 5 can receive a stable wind. Is set to

  As shown in FIG. 2, when the windmill 5 rotates, the rotor 13 that is the rotation shaft of the windmill 5 rotates together with the windmill 5. The rotation of the windmill 5 is transmitted to the speed increaser 19 via the rotor 13. The speed increaser 19 is, for example, a gear box, and increases the rotation from the windmill 5 to a rotational speed necessary for the generator 20. The rotation of the speed increaser 19 is transmitted to the generator 20 via the main shaft 14. Note that the speed increaser 19 is not provided, and the rotor 13 may be directly connected to the generator 20.

  The generator 20 generates electric power by the rotational force input from the main shaft 14. The power output from the generator 20 is supplied to the contactless power transmission unit 10. As will be described later, the non-contact power transmission unit 10 transmits power between a pair of coils arranged in a non-contact manner by a magnetic field resonance method or an electromagnetic induction method. The non-contact power transmission unit 10 transmits the power from the generator 20 to the power conversion device 18 via the cable 8 disposed in the tower 2 (see FIG. 1). The power conversion device 18 is a device that converts supplied power into a frequency and voltage suitable for a power system such as an external substation and outputs the converted power to the external power system.

  The measuring device 16 includes, for example, an anemometer that measures the direction of the wind and an anemometer that measures the wind speed. The yaw driving device 15 rotates the nacelle 4 around the nacelle rotation axis AX (see FIG. 1) so that the windmill 5 can receive wind efficiently based on the information of the measuring device 16.

  The control unit 100 is a circuit that receives information on the rotational speed of the rotor 13, information on the wind direction of the measuring device 16, and information on the power of the generator 20, and outputs control signals to various devices inside the nacelle 4. is there. The control unit 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a storage unit such as a flash memory and a hard disk drive. Control of the generator 20 and the like by the control unit 100 is realized by the CPU reading the arithmetic program into the RAM or the like and arithmetically processing the information.

  With the configuration as described above, the wind turbine generator 1 can convert the rotational force of the windmill 5 that rotates by receiving wind into electric power. In addition, the wind power generator 1 shown in FIG.1 and FIG.2 is an example to the last, and can be changed suitably. For example, the nacelle 4 may be provided with a pitch driving device that changes the pitch angle of the windmill 5, a brake device that stops the rotation of the main shaft 14 when the wind power generator 1 is stopped, and the like.

  FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a connecting portion between the nacelle and the tower according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, a bearing 3 is provided between the nacelle 4 and the tower 2. The bearing 3 is a rolling bearing having an outer ring 3 a, a rolling element 3 b, and an inner ring 3 c, and supports the nacelle 4 to be rotatable with respect to the tower 2. Further, a non-contact power transmission unit 10 is disposed at a connection portion between the nacelle 4 and the tower 2.

  The tower 2 includes a column part 2a, a flange part 2b, a fixing part 2c, and an upper end part 2d. The column part 2a is a cylindrical member extending in a direction along the nacelle rotation axis AX. The flange portion 2b is a plate-like member that extends radially inward from the inner peripheral surface of the column portion 2a. The flange portion 2b is provided with an opening 2g that allows the nacelle 4 and the internal space 2f of the tower 2 to communicate with each other. The flange portion 2b is formed in an annular shape when viewed from a direction along the nacelle rotation axis AX. A support portion 2e that supports the non-contact power transmission unit 10 is provided on the radially inner side of the flange portion 2b. The support part 2e is disposed in a part of the space surrounded by the flange part 2b. In other words, the portion of the space surrounded by the flange portion 2b that does not overlap the support portion 2e is the opening 2g.

  The fixed portion 2c is an annular member provided on the upper portion of the flange portion 2b, and supports the outer ring 3a of the bearing 3 in the axial direction. The upper end 2d is an annular member that is provided on the fixed portion 2c and has a smaller radial thickness than the fixed portion 2c. The outer ring 3a of the bearing 3 is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the upper end 2d.

  The nacelle 4 includes a bottom portion 4a and a fixing portion 4b. The bottom 4 a is provided with an opening 4 d that communicates with the internal space 2 f of the tower 2. The fixed portion 4b protrudes toward the tower 2 on the inner side in the radial direction of the bottom portion 4a, and supports the inner ring 3c of the bearing 3 in the axial direction. The inner ring 3c of the bearing 3 is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the fixed portion 4b. The nacelle 4 is connected to the tower 2 via the bearing 3, and the radial position with respect to the tower 2 is fixed.

  With such a configuration, the bearing 3 supports the nacelle 4 so as to be rotatable about the nacelle rotation axis AX with respect to the tower 2. In addition, the connection structure of the nacelle 4 and the tower 2 shown in FIG. 3 is an example to the last, and can be changed suitably. For example, a plurality of bearings 3 may be provided adjacent to each other in the axial direction. The bearing 3 may be a thrust bearing.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the non-contact power transmission unit 10 includes a first substrate 31, a primary coil 35 provided on the upper surface of the first substrate 31, a second substrate 32, and a lower surface of the second substrate 32. And a secondary coil 36 provided in the.

  The terminal portion 35 a of the primary coil 35 is connected to the generator 20 via the connection wiring 45. The electric power of the generator 20 is supplied to the primary coil 35 via the connection wiring 45. The non-contact power transmission unit 10 transmits electric power by a magnetic field resonance method using magnetic field resonance between the primary coil 35 and the secondary coil 36 that are arranged apart from each other. The non-contact power transmission unit 10 transmits the power from the generator 20 supplied to the primary coil 35 to the secondary coil 36 in a non-contact manner.

  The terminal portion 36 a of the secondary coil 36 is connected to the cable 8 fixed in the internal space of the tower 2 through the connection wiring 46. The power transmitted to the secondary coil 36 is output to the power conversion device 18 via the cable 8. The power transmission by the magnetic field resonance method of the non-contact power transmission unit 10 will be described later. Further, the non-contact power transmission unit 10 is not limited to the magnetic field resonance method, and may transmit power by an electromagnetic induction method.

  In FIG. 3, the non-contact power transmission unit 10 provided in the support unit 2 e is disposed at a position overlapping the opening 4 d of the nacelle 4 when viewed from the direction of the nacelle rotation axis AX. Further, the non-contact power transmission unit 10 is disposed in a part of the space surrounded by the flange portion 2b. As described above, the non-contact power transmission unit 10 is preferably disposed in the inner space of the tower 2 in the vicinity of the connection portion between the nacelle 4 and the tower 2, but is supported even in other locations. It suffices if the portion 2e and the connected conductor do not inhibit the rotation of the nacelle 4. For example, the non-contact power transmission unit 10 may be provided inside the tower 2 or may be provided inside the nacelle 4.

  The primary coil 35 is provided on the surface on the nacelle 4 side of the support portion 2 e via the first substrate 31. The first substrate 31 is rotatably supported by the support portion 2e via the bearing 50. Accordingly, the first substrate 31 and the primary coil 35 are provided so as to be rotatable about the coil rotation axis C. The secondary coil 36 is provided on the surface of the support portion 2e facing the internal space 2f via the second substrate 32. The second substrate 32 is fixed to the support portion 2e. That is, the second substrate 32 and the secondary coil 36 do not rotate around the coil rotation axis C. In addition, the fixing method of the 2nd board | substrate 32 and the support part 2e is not specifically limited, For example, the method of fixing mechanically, such as screwing, may be sufficient and the method of adhesively fixing through an adhesive layer may be sufficient. The support portion 2 e is made of a material that can transmit a magnetic field generated between the primary coil 35 and the secondary coil 36. The support part 2e is formed of a resin substrate, for example.

  Thus, the primary coil 35 and the secondary coil 36 are provided so as to be relatively rotatable about the coil rotation axis C. Further, the primary coil 35 and the secondary coil 36 are disposed to face each other in the direction along the coil rotation axis C. The primary coil 35 and the secondary coil 36 are spaced apart via the first substrate 31, the support 2 e, and the second substrate 32. Here, the coil rotation axis C is an axis parallel to the nacelle rotation axis AX, and is set at a position different from the nacelle rotation axis AX. That is, the primary coil 35 and the secondary coil 36 rotate on a different axis from the nacelle 4.

  Since various devices such as the generator 20 are arranged inside the nacelle 4, an operator can use the internal space 2 f of the tower 2 and the internal space of the nacelle 4 for maintenance and inspection work of the wind power generator 1. May move between. In the wind turbine generator 1 of the present embodiment, a primary coil 35 and a secondary coil 36 are provided so as to be relatively rotatable around a coil rotation axis C different from the nacelle rotation axis AX. The diameters of the primary coil 35 and the secondary coil 36 are smaller than the inner diameter of the opening 4 d of the nacelle 4. Accordingly, the opening 2g of the tower 2 and the opening 4d of the nacelle 4 are provided in communication along the nacelle rotation axis AX. Thereby, the operator can move between the internal space 2f of the tower 2 and the internal space of the nacelle 4 through the openings 4d and 2g. More specifically, the worker passes between the inner wall 4f of the opening 4d of the nacelle 4 and the support portion 2e, and between the flange portion 2b and the support portion 2e, and between the tower 2 and the nacelle 4. Can move. Therefore, according to the wind power generator 1, compared with the case where a coil rotating shaft and a nacelle rotating shaft are the same, it is possible to ensure a wide passage for an operator to move.

  In the example shown in FIG. 3, the primary coil 35 and the secondary coil 36 provided in the support part 2e are arrange | positioned in the position which does not cross | intersect the nacelle rotational axis AX. In other words, the radial length of the support portion 2e is short with respect to the distance between the nacelle rotation axis AX and the inner peripheral surface of the column portion 2a in the radial direction, and the diameter and secondary of the primary coil 35 are reduced. The diameter of the coil 36 is small. The example shown in FIG. 3 is merely an example, and the support portion 2e may be provided up to a position that intersects the nacelle rotation axis AX, and the primary coil 35 and the secondary coil 36 intersect the nacelle rotation axis AX. It may be provided.

  Next, operations of the primary coil 35 and the secondary coil 36 when the nacelle 4 rotates will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 to 6. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV 'of FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the arrangement of the secondary coils. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the rotation of the primary coil when the nacelle rotates. 5 omits the primary coil 35, the first substrate 31, and the generator 20, etc. in the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. Show.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the support portion 2 e is a plate-like member that extends radially inward from a part of the inner periphery of the flange portion 2 b toward the nacelle rotation axis AX. The support portion 2 e has an outer shape that curves along the outer periphery of the first substrate 31 when viewed from the direction along the nacelle rotation axis AX. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the support portion 2e is provided with a size that allows the opening 2g of the tower 2 and the opening 4d of the nacelle 4 to communicate with each other so that a passage for the operator to move can be secured. Good. For example, the support part 2e may have a rectangular shape or a bow shape.

  The support portion 2 e is fixed to the flange portion 2 b of the tower 2. For this reason, the position with respect to the tower 2 is fixed to the primary coil 35 and the secondary coil 36 provided in the support part 2e. That is, even when the nacelle 4 rotates about the nacelle rotation axis AX in the direction of the arrow D1 or the direction of the arrow D2, the primary coil 35 and the secondary coil 36 do not rotate about the nacelle rotation axis AX. .

  As described above, the primary coil 35 is connected to the generator 20 via the connection wiring 45. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the connection wiring 45 includes an elastic portion 45a, a first wiring 45b, and a second wiring 45c. Each of the elastic portion 45a, the first wiring 45b, and the second wiring 45c is made of a conductive metal material.

  One end of the first wiring 45b is connected to the terminal portion 35a of the primary coil 35, and the other end is connected to the elastic portion 45a. One end of the second wiring 45c is connected to the generator 20, and the other end is connected to the elastic portion 45a. The elastic portion 45a applies forces in a direction approaching each other to the first wiring 45b and the second wiring 45c. The elastic part 45a is, for example, a torsion coil spring, a leaf spring, a flexible conductor, or the like. The first wiring 45 b and the second wiring 45 c are rigid metal conductors, and can transmit the force of the elastic portion 45 a to the primary coil 35.

  The primary coil 35 is given a pulling force in a direction approaching the generator 20 by the connection wiring 45. As described above, since the first substrate 31 and the primary coil 35 are provided to be rotatable around the coil rotation axis C, the terminal portion 35a of the primary coil 35 is caused by the pulling force of the connection wiring 45. It is directed to a position facing the generator 20. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the terminal portion 35 a is disposed on the outer side in the radial direction with respect to the coil rotation axis C than the nacelle rotation axis AX.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the terminal portion 36 a of the secondary coil 36 is disposed on the outer side in the radial direction with respect to the coil rotation axis C than the nacelle rotation axis AX. The terminal portion 36 a is connected to the cable 8 disposed in the tower 2 through the connection wiring 46. Since the terminal portion 36a is provided at a position close to the cable 8 with respect to the coil rotation axis C, the connection wiring 46 can be shortened. The second substrate 32 and the secondary coil 36 are fixed to the support portion 2e and do not rotate around the coil rotation axis C. That is, even when the nacelle 4 rotates in the direction of the arrow D1 or the direction of the arrow D2, the secondary coil 36 does not rotate in the direction of the arrow D3 or the direction of the arrow D4 about the coil rotation axis C.

  As shown in FIG. 6, when the nacelle 4 rotates in the direction of the arrow D1, the generator 20 rotates around the nacelle rotation axis AX. In this case, the distance between the generator 20 and the nacelle rotation axis AX does not change, and the distance between the generator 20 and the coil rotation axis C changes. Since the first substrate 31 and the primary coil 35 are fixed to the support portion 2e, the first substrate 31 and the primary coil 35 do not rotate around the nacelle rotation axis AX. For this reason, the relative position of the primary coil 35 with respect to the generator 20 in the circumferential direction about the nacelle rotation axis AX changes, and the distance between the primary coil 35 and the generator 20 changes.

  The rotational force of the nacelle 4 is transmitted to the primary coil 35 via the connection wiring 45. The primary coil 35 is rotated in the direction of the arrow D3 about the coil rotation axis C by the pulling force of the connection wiring 45, and the terminal portion 35a is directed to a position facing the generator 20. Further, as the generator 20 rotates, the first wiring 45b and the second wiring 45c are deformed so as to spread around the elastic portion 45a. Thereby, even if the distance between the primary coil 35 and the generator 20 changes, the primary coil 35 and the generator 20 are electrically connected.

  As described above, the connection wiring 45 connected to the generator 20 supplies electric power from the generator to the primary coil 35, and at the same time, applies the rotational force about the nacelle rotation axis AX of the nacelle 4 to the primary coil. 35. As a result, the rotational force about the nacelle rotation axis AX is converted into the rotation about the coil rotation axis C, and the primary coil 35 rotates.

  Although FIG. 6 shows the case where the nacelle 4 is rotated by 90 ° in the direction of the arrow D1 from the state shown in FIG. 4 around the nacelle rotation axis AX, it is not limited to this. For example, when the nacelle 4 rotates 180 ° from the state shown in FIG. 4, the generator 20 is arranged on the opposite side of the primary coil 35 with respect to the nacelle rotation axis AX. In this case, the primary coil 35 rotates around the coil rotation axis C by the pulling force of the connection wiring 45, and the terminal portion 35a is directed to a position facing the nacelle rotation axis AX.

  As described above, the second substrate 32 and the secondary coil 36 are fixed to the support portion 2e and do not rotate around the coil rotation axis C. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, even when the primary coil 35 rotates with the rotation of the nacelle 4, the secondary coil 36 maintains the state shown in FIG. 5. That is, the position and rotation angle of the second substrate 32 and the secondary coil 36 do not change with respect to the cable 8 fixed in the internal space 2 f of the tower 2. For this reason, the twist of the cable 8 and the connection wiring 46 is suppressed.

  As described above, in the wind turbine generator 1 of the present embodiment, the primary coil 35 is provided to be rotatable relative to the secondary coil 36 with the coil rotation axis C as the central axis. The secondary coil 36 can transmit power while being fixed to the tower 2. Therefore, since the positions of the second substrate 32 and the secondary coil 36 do not change with respect to the cable 8 fixed in the internal space 2f of the tower 2, even if the nacelle 4 rotates, the cable 8 and the connection wiring 46 torsion is suppressed. Therefore, the non-contact power transmission unit 10 can efficiently transmit power while suppressing an increase in resistance or disconnection in the cable 8 or the connection wiring 46. Further, since the twist of the cable 8 is suppressed, the rotational driving of the nacelle 4 is not restricted by the twist of the cable 8. Therefore, the nacelle 4 can be rotated without restriction in an appropriate direction corresponding to the wind direction and the wind speed, power can be generated efficiently, and damage to the blade 7 can be suppressed.

  Moreover, since the primary coil 35 and the secondary coil 36 are non-contact, even if the 1st board | substrate 31 and the primary coil 35 rotate with rotation of the nacelle 4, the primary coil 35 and the secondary coil It is possible to efficiently transmit power while suppressing wear caused by the friction of 36. Since the primary coil 35 and the secondary coil 36 are prevented from being worn due to friction, for example, the life can be extended as compared with a configuration in which a ring and a brush are slid and contacted.

  As described above, since the nacelle 4 is provided on the upper portion of the tower 2 so as to be able to receive wind efficiently, the burden on the operator in exchanging the equipment included in the nacelle 4 increases. In the present embodiment, it is possible to extend the life of the primary coil 35 and the secondary coil 36 compared to a configuration in which the ring and the brush are in contact with each other, and the frequency of replacement and inspection are reduced. This can reduce the burden on the operator.

  Next, a detailed configuration of the non-contact power transmission unit 10 will be described. FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating a first substrate and a primary coil of the non-contact power transmission unit according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a second substrate and a secondary coil of the non-contact power transmission unit according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IX-IX ′ of FIGS. 7 and 8. 7 is a plan view when the first substrate 31 is viewed from the upper surface 31a side, and FIG. 8 is a plan view when the second substrate 32 is viewed from the lower surface 32b side.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the first substrate 31 has a circular shape in plan view. A primary coil 35 is provided on the upper surface 31 a of the first substrate 31. The primary coil 35 is a planar coil composed of a metal wiring 55 wound around the coil rotation axis C. The metal wiring 55 is provided by being wound around the coil rotation axis C in the upper surface 31 a of the first substrate 31, that is, in a plane intersecting with the coil rotation axis C. A terminal portion 35 a of the primary coil 35 is connected to the generator 20. As described above, the first substrate 31 and the primary coil 35 are rotatable in the direction indicated by the arrow D3 or the arrow D4 about the coil rotation axis C as the nacelle 4 rotates.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the second substrate 32 has a circular shape in plan view. A secondary coil 36 is provided on the lower surface 32 b of the second substrate 32. The secondary coil 36 is a planar coil composed of a metal wiring 56 wound around the coil rotation axis C. The metal wiring 56 is provided by being wound around the coil rotation axis C in the lower surface 32 b of the second substrate 32, that is, in a plane intersecting with the coil rotation axis C. The terminal part 36a of the secondary coil 36 is connected to the power converter 18 via the cable 8 (see FIG. 3). As described above, the second substrate 32 and the secondary coil 36 are fixed to the tower 2.

  In the present embodiment, the primary coil 35 and the secondary coil 36 are provided around the coil rotation axis C, have substantially the same diameter, and have the same number of turns. 7 and 8, the primary coil 35 and the secondary coil 36 have three windings, but the present invention is not limited to this and can be changed as appropriate. Moreover, the primary coil 35 and the secondary coil 36 are not limited to circular shape, For example, other shapes, such as square shape, polygonal shape, and ellipse shape, may be sufficient.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the lower surface 31b of the first substrate 31 and the upper surface 32a of the second substrate 32 are arranged to face each other via the support portion 2e. A step portion 31 c is provided on the outer periphery of the lower surface 31 b of the first substrate 31. By fixing the step portion 31 c to the bearing 50, the first substrate 31 is rotatably supported by the bearing 50. As the bearing 50, for example, a rolling bearing having the same configuration as that of the bearing 3 (see FIG. 3) can be used. Since the first substrate 31 is disposed at a distance from the support portion 2e, friction between the first substrate 31 and the support portion 2e is reduced, and wear of the first substrate 31 is suppressed.

  The primary coil 35 and the secondary coil 36 are disposed to face each other in the direction along the coil rotation axis C with the first substrate 31 and the second substrate 32 interposed therebetween. As shown in FIG. 9, a protective layer 37 that covers the primary coil 35 is provided. A protective layer 38 that covers the secondary coil 36 is provided. Note that the protective layer 37 and the protective layer 38 are omitted in FIGS. 4 to 8. Since the protective layer 37 and the protective layer 38 are provided, corrosion of the primary coil 35 and the secondary coil 36 and damage when contacting with other members are suppressed.

  In the non-contact power transmission unit 10 of the present embodiment, power is transmitted using magnetic field resonance between the primary coil 35 and the secondary coil 36 that are spaced apart from each other. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining magnetic field resonance type power transmission of the contactless power transmission unit according to the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram illustrating an equivalent circuit of the contactless power transmission unit according to the embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 11, in the present embodiment, the primary coil 35 equivalently forms a transmission-side resonance circuit Tx by a resonance coil L1, a capacitor C1, and a resistor R1. The secondary coil 36 equivalently forms a reception-side resonance circuit Rx with the resonance coil L2, the capacitor C2, and the resistor R2. The capacitor C1 and the resistor R1 may each be configured by the capacitance and resistance of the primary coil 35, or other elements may be used. Further, the capacitor C2 and the resistor R2 may each be configured by the capacitance and resistance of the secondary coil 36, or other elements may be used.

In the present embodiment, the resonance frequency f1 of the primary coil 35 is determined by f1 = 1 / (2 × π × (L1 × C1) ^1/2 ). The resonance frequency f2 of the secondary coil 36 is determined by f2 = 1 / (2 × π × (L2 × C2) ^1/2 ).

  As shown in FIG. 10, power from the generator 20 is supplied to the primary coil 35 to excite the transmission-side resonance circuit Tx. As a result, an induction magnetic field M1 formed by the coil is generated in the transmission-side resonance circuit Tx. Magnetic field resonance occurs when the resonance frequency f1 of the primary coil 35 matches the resonance frequency f2 of the secondary coil 36, or when the resonance frequency f2 is sufficiently close. In the reception-side resonance circuit Rx, when the secondary coil 36 resonates due to magnetic field resonance, magnetic field energy is transmitted via the induction magnetic field M1. As a result, the power from the generator 20 is supplied to the reception-side resonance circuit Rx in a non-contact manner by the resonance of the primary coil 35 and the secondary coil 36, and is transmitted to the power converter 18 that is the load of the reception-side resonance circuit Rx. Is done.

  Compared with the electromagnetic induction method, the magnetic field resonance method can perform long-distance transmission, and can suppress a decrease in transmission efficiency even when the primary coil 35 and the secondary coil 36 are misaligned. However, the closer the distance between the primary coil 35 and the secondary coil 36, the larger the energy that can be transmitted.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the primary coil 35 and the secondary coil 36 have the same diameter and are arranged substantially coaxially with the coil rotation axis C as the center. For this reason, even when the primary coil 35 rotates around the coil rotation axis C, a change in the relative position of the primary coil 35 with respect to the secondary coil 36 is suppressed in a plane intersecting the coil rotation axis C. Thus, a decrease in power transmission efficiency can be suppressed. In the present embodiment, the positions of the primary coil 35 and the secondary coil 36 in the direction along the coil rotation axis C are fixed to the support portion 2 e of the tower 2. For this reason, even if the nacelle 4 rotates, the change in the distance and direction between the primary coil 35 and the secondary coil 36 in the direction along the coil rotation axis C is suppressed. For this reason, it can suppress that a mutual inductance changes and a resonant frequency changes. Therefore, a reduction in power transmission efficiency can be suppressed.

  In addition, although the primary coil 35 and the secondary coil 36 have the same diameter, it is not restricted to this. If the transmission efficiency between the primary coil 35 and the secondary coil 36 can be ensured, the primary coil 35 and the secondary coil 36 may have different diameters or may have different shapes. Further, the center position of the primary coil 35 and the center position of the secondary coil 36 may be shifted. Even in such a configuration, the non-contact power transmission unit 10 transmits power by the magnetic field resonance method, so that relatively high transmission efficiency can be obtained.

(First modification of the first embodiment)
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a non-contact power transmission unit according to a first modification of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, in the non-contact power transmission unit 10A of the present modification, the primary coil 35 and the secondary coil 36 are provided on the surface of the support unit 2e on the nacelle 4 (not shown in FIG. 12) side. And are arranged.

  More specifically, the second substrate 32 is fixed to the surface of the support portion 2e on the nacelle 4 (not shown in FIG. 12) side via an adhesive layer 39. The secondary coil 36 is provided on the lower surface 32b of the second substrate 32 and faces the support portion 2e. The first substrate 31 is provided above the second substrate 32. The first substrate 31 is supported rotatably with respect to the second substrate 32 via the bearing 50. In this modification, the lower surface 31b of the first substrate 31 and the upper surface 32a of the second substrate 32 are provided to face each other. The primary coil 35 is provided on the upper surface 31 a of the first substrate 31.

  In this modification, a lubricating layer 41 is provided between the lower surface 31 b of the first substrate 31 and the upper surface 32 a of the second substrate 32. As the lubricating layer 41, for example, lubricating oil such as turbine oil, gear oil, and grease can be used. Alternatively, as the lubricating layer 41, a self-lubricating sheet such as a fluororesin sheet such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a nylon sheet such as polyamide (PA), or a polyacetal (POM) resin sheet is used. You can also.

  The first substrate 31 is rotatable relative to the second substrate 32 about the coil rotation axis C in a state of facing the second substrate 32 with the lubricant layer 41 interposed therebetween. Since the lubrication layer 41 is provided, friction between the first substrate 31 and the second substrate 32 is reduced, and wear due to friction between the first substrate 31 and the second substrate 32 can be suppressed. Further, the first substrate 31 and the second substrate 32 are, for example, polycarbonate (PC), ABS resin (acrylic (Acrylononitrile), butadiene (Butadiene), styrene (styrene) copolymer synthetic resin), a resin substrate such as phenol resin, May be used. The lubricating layer 41 may be provided between the first substrate 31 and the support portion 2e shown in FIG.

  In the non-contact power transmission unit 10A of this modification, the primary coil 35 and the secondary coil 36 are close to each other in the direction along the coil rotation axis C with the first substrate 31 and the second substrate 32 interposed therebetween. Be placed. That is, the distance between the primary coil 35 and the secondary coil 36 can be reduced as compared with the configuration in which the support portion 2 e is provided between the primary coil 35 and the secondary coil 36. As a result, the magnetic field coupling is favorably performed between the primary coil 35 and the secondary coil 36, and the transmission efficiency can be increased.

(Second modification of the first embodiment)
FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a non-contact power transmission unit according to a second modification of the first embodiment. In the example described above, the rotational force of the nacelle 4 is transmitted to the primary coil 35 via the connection wiring 45, but is not limited thereto. As shown in FIG. 13, in the non-contact power transmission unit 10 </ b> B of the present modification, a rotation mechanism 51 that rotates the first substrate 31 is provided between the support unit 2 e and the first substrate 31. As the rotation mechanism 51, for example, a combination of a servo motor and a gear, a linear motor, or the like is used.

  The control unit 100 acquires information related to the rotation of the nacelle 4 from the measurement device 16 (see FIG. 2). The control unit 100 outputs a control signal corresponding to the rotation angle and rotation speed of the nacelle 4 to the rotation drive circuit 102. The rotation drive circuit 102 supplies a drive signal Va to the rotation mechanism 51. The rotation mechanism 51 rotates and drives the first substrate 31 and the primary coil 35 in accordance with the drive signal Va.

  Thereby, the first substrate 31 and the primary coil 35 follow the rotation of the nacelle 4 and rotate around the coil rotation axis C. For example, when the nacelle 4 rotates in the direction of the arrow D1 (see FIG. 4), the rotation mechanism 51 moves the first substrate 31 and the primary coil 35 in the direction of the arrow D3 (see FIG. 4) according to the rotation angle of the nacelle 4. Rotate to Thus, since the primary coil 35 rotates corresponding to the movement of the generator 20 provided in the nacelle 4, the twist of the connection wiring 45 is suppressed. Since an increase in resistance or disconnection in the connection wiring 45 is suppressed, the power of the generator 20 can be efficiently supplied to the primary coil 35.

(Third Modification of First Embodiment)
FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating a non-contact power transmission unit according to a third modification of the first embodiment. The non-contact power transmission unit 10C according to this modification can transmit power by an electromagnetic induction method. As shown in FIG. 14, an opening 31 d is provided in the first substrate 31. In addition, an opening 32 d is provided in the second substrate 32. The opening 31d and the opening 32d communicate with each other and are provided at positions that intersect the coil rotation axis C.

  The core 53 is provided in the opening 31d and the opening 32d along the coil rotation axis C. That is, the core 53 is surrounded by the primary coil 35 and is surrounded by the secondary coil 36, and is provided so as to intersect with the primary coil 35 and the secondary coil 36. In other words, the core 53 intersects the plane formed by the primary coil 35 and intersects the plane formed by the secondary coil 36. The magnetic flux generated in the primary coil 35 crosses the secondary coil 36 through the core 53. The core 53 can be made of a soft magnetic material that can pass magnetic flux.

  FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram for explaining electromagnetic transmission power transmission in the non-contact power transmission unit according to the third modification. When electric power is supplied from the generator 20 to the primary coil 35, an alternating current flows through the primary coil 35, and an induced magnetic field M2 is generated. The magnetic flux of the induction magnetic field M2 crosses the secondary coil 36 through the core 53 (not shown in FIG. 15). An electromotive force is generated in the secondary coil 36 due to a change in the magnetic flux of the induced magnetic field M2. The power of the secondary coil 36 generated by such electromagnetic induction is supplied to the power converter 18. In this way, the non-contact power transmission unit 10C can transmit power by the electromagnetic induction method.

  In the present modification, the primary coil 35 and the secondary coil 36 are provided so as to face each other with the coil rotation axis C as the center, so that the positional deviation between the primary coil 35 and the secondary coil 36 is suppressed. For this reason, the non-contact power transmission unit 10C can efficiently transmit power by the electromagnetic induction method.

(Fourth modification of the first embodiment)
FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a wind turbine generator according to a fourth modification of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 16, in the wind turbine generator 1 </ b> A of this modification, the non-contact power transmission unit 10 is provided inside the nacelle 4. Specifically, the support portion 2e is fixed to the flange portion 2b of the tower 2, extends upward, and bends in the radial direction. The support part 2e is provided above the bottom part 4a. The first substrate 31 and the primary coil 35 are provided on one surface of the support portion 2e, and the second substrate 32 and the secondary coil 36 are provided on the other surface of the support portion 2e.

  In the wind turbine generator 1A of the present modification, the primary coil 35 is provided so as to be rotatable relative to the secondary coil 36 with the coil rotation axis C as the central axis. The coil rotation axis C is an axis different from the nacelle rotation axis AX. With such a configuration, the wind turbine generator 1 </ b> A ensures a wider passage for the operator to move than when the non-contact power transmission unit 10 is provided in the vicinity of the connection part between the nacelle 4 and the tower 2. It is possible.

  The secondary coil 36 can transmit power while being fixed to the tower 2. Therefore, since the positions of the second substrate 32 and the secondary coil 36 do not change with respect to the cable 8 fixed in the internal space 2f of the tower 2, even if the nacelle 4 rotates, the cable 8 and the connection wiring 46 torsion is suppressed. Therefore, the non-contact power transmission unit 10 can efficiently transmit power while suppressing an increase in resistance or disconnection in the cable 8 or the connection wiring 46. Further, since the twist of the cable 8 is suppressed, the rotational driving of the nacelle 4 is not restricted by the twist of the cable 8. Therefore, the nacelle 4 can be rotated without restriction in an appropriate direction corresponding to the wind direction and the wind speed, power can be generated efficiently, and damage to the blade 7 can be suppressed.

(Fifth modification of the first embodiment)
FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing a wind turbine generator according to a fifth modification of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 17, in the wind turbine generator 1 </ b> B of this modification, the non-contact power transmission unit 10 is provided inside the tower 2. Specifically, the support portion 2e is fixed to the flange portion 2b of the tower 2, extends downward, and bends in the radial direction. The support part 2e is provided below the flange part 2b.

  Also in the wind turbine generator 1 </ b> B of the present modification, the primary coil 35 is provided so as to be rotatable relative to the secondary coil 36 with the coil rotation axis C as the central axis. The coil rotation axis C is an axis different from the nacelle rotation axis AX. With such a configuration, the wind turbine generator 1 </ b> B ensures a wider passage for the operator to move than when the non-contact power transmission unit 10 is provided in the vicinity of the connection part between the nacelle 4 and the tower 2. It is possible.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing a connection portion between the nacelle and the tower according to the second embodiment. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a non-contact power transmission unit according to the second embodiment. About the member of the same structure as the wind power generator 1 mentioned above, the same code | symbol may be attached | subjected and description may be abbreviate | omitted. As shown in FIG. 18, in the wind turbine generator 1D, the tower 2D includes a column part 2a, a flange part 2b, a fixing part 2c, and an upper end part 2d. The flange portion 2b is not provided with the support portion 2e shown in FIG. A portion surrounded by the flange portion 2b is an opening 2g. The outer ring 3a of the bearing 3 is fixed to the inner peripheral surfaces of the fixed portion 2c and the upper end portion 2d.

  Nacelle 4D includes a bottom portion 4a and a fixing portion 4b. The bottom 4a is provided with an opening 4d communicating with the internal space 2f of the tower 2D. A support 4e extending radially inward is provided on the inner wall 4f of the opening 4d. The support portion 4e is disposed in a part of the space surrounded by the inner wall 4f. In other words, a portion of the space surrounded by the inner wall 4f that does not overlap with the support portion 4e is the opening 4d. The inner ring 3c of the bearing 3 is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the fixed portion 4b. The nacelle 4D is connected to the tower 2D through the bearing 3, and the radial direction and height positions with respect to the tower 2D are fixed. The nacelle 4D is supported by the bearing 3 so as to be rotatable about the nacelle rotation axis AX with respect to the tower 2D.

  As shown in FIG.18 and FIG.19, non-contact-type electric power transmission part 10D is arrange | positioned at the support part 4e. The non-contact power transmission unit 10 </ b> D includes a first substrate 31, a primary coil 35 provided on the upper surface of the first substrate 31, a second substrate 32, and a secondary coil provided on the lower surface of the second substrate 32. 36. The primary coil 35 is provided on the surface of the support portion 4e facing the internal space of the nacelle 4D via the first substrate 31. The secondary coil 36 is provided on the surface of the support portion 4e facing the tower 2D via the second substrate 32. The support portion 4e is made of a material that can transmit a magnetic field generated between the primary coil 35 and the secondary coil 36. The support part 4e is formed of, for example, a resin substrate.

  The terminal portion 35a of the primary coil 35 is connected to the generator 20 via the connection wiring 45A. In the present embodiment, the connection wiring 45A does not have an elastic part. The electric power of the generator 20 is supplied to the primary coil 35 via the connection wiring 45A. The non-contact power transmission unit 10D transmits the power from the generator 20 supplied to the primary coil 35 to the secondary coil 36 in a non-contact manner by the above-described magnetic field resonance method or electromagnetic induction method. The terminal portion 36a of the secondary coil 36 is connected to the cable 8 fixed in the internal space of the tower 2D via the connection wiring 46A. The connection wiring 46A includes an elastic portion 46Aa, a first wiring 46Ab, and a second wiring 46Ac. The power transmitted in a non-contact manner to the secondary coil 36 is output to the power converter 18 via the cable 8.

  In FIG. 18, the non-contact power transmission unit 10 </ b> D provided in the support unit 4 e is disposed in a part of the space surrounded by the inner wall 4 f of the nacelle 4 </ b> D when viewed from the direction of the nacelle rotation axis AX. Further, the non-contact power transmission unit 10D is disposed at a position overlapping the opening 2g surrounded by the flange portion 2b. As described above, the non-contact power transmission unit 10D is preferably arranged in the vicinity of the connection part between the nacelle 4D and the tower 2D, but the support part accompanying the rotation of the nacelle 4D even in other places. It is sufficient if the movement of 4e is not hindered. For example, the non-contact power transmission unit 10D may be provided inside the tower 2D or may be provided inside the nacelle 4D.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the 1st board | substrate 31 is fixed to the surface facing the internal space of the nacelle 4D of the support part 4e. The second substrate 32 is rotatably supported by the support portion 4e via the bearing 50. Accordingly, the second substrate 32 and the secondary coil 36 are provided so as to be rotatable about the coil rotation axis C. A step portion 32 c is provided on the outer periphery of the upper surface 32 a of the second substrate 32. The bearing 50 is fixed to the step portion 32c. Thereby, the positions of the second substrate 32 and the secondary coil 36 are determined.

  Thus, the primary coil 35 and the secondary coil 36 are provided so as to be relatively rotatable about the coil rotation axis C. Further, the primary coil 35 and the secondary coil 36 are disposed to face each other in the direction along the coil rotation axis C. The primary coil 35 and the secondary coil 36 are spaced apart via the first substrate 31, the support portion 4 e, and the second substrate 32.

  Also in the wind power generator 1D of the present embodiment, the primary coil 35 and the secondary coil 36 are rotatably provided around a coil rotation axis C different from the nacelle rotation axis AX. The diameters of the primary coil 35 and the secondary coil 36 are smaller than the inner diameters of the opening 4d of the nacelle 4D and the opening 2g of the tower 2D. Therefore, the opening 2g of the tower 2D and the opening 4d of the nacelle 4D communicate with each other along the nacelle rotation axis AX. Thereby, the operator can move between the internal space 2f of the tower 2D and the internal space of the nacelle 4D through the openings 4d and 2g. More specifically, the operator moves between the tower 2D and the nacelle 4D through between the inner wall 4f of the nacelle 4D and the support portion 4e and between the flange portion 2b and the support portion 4e. Can do. Thus, even if it is the structure by which the non-contact-type electric power transmission part 10D was provided in the nacelle 4D, the wind power generator 1D can ensure the channel | path for an operator to move.

  Next, operations of the primary coil 35 and the secondary coil 36 when the nacelle 4D rotates will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 and 20 to 23. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XX-XX ′ of FIG. 18 and viewed from the direction of the arrow. FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the rotation of the primary coil when the nacelle rotates. FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the arrangement of the secondary coils and cables according to the second embodiment. FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the rotation of the secondary coil when the nacelle rotates. FIG. 21 shows a case where the nacelle 4D is rotated 90 ° in the direction of the arrow D1 from the state shown in FIG. FIG. 22 shows the arrangement relationship of the secondary coil 36, the second substrate 32, and the cable 8 with the primary coil 35, the first substrate 31 and the like omitted in FIG. FIG. 23 shows a case where the nacelle 4D is rotated 90 ° in the direction of arrow D1 from the state shown in FIG.

  18 and 20, the support portion 4e is a plate-like member that extends radially inward from a part of the inner wall 4f of the opening 4d toward the nacelle rotation axis AX. The support portion 4 e has an outer shape that curves along the outer periphery of the first substrate 31 when viewed from the direction along the nacelle rotation axis AX. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the support portion 4e may be provided in such a size that the opening 2g of the tower 2D and the opening 4d of the nacelle 4D communicate with each other so that a passage for the operator to move can be secured. Good. Moreover, the support part 4e does not need to be provided in the space enclosed by the inner wall 4f. For example, the support 4e may be provided inside the tower 2D or may be provided inside the nacelle 4D. Further, the support portion 4e may have a rectangular shape or a bow shape.

  The support 4e is fixed to the nacelle 4D. For this reason, the positions of the primary coil 35 and the secondary coil 36 provided in the support portion 4e are fixed with respect to the nacelle 4D. That is, when the nacelle 4D rotates about the nacelle rotation axis AX in the arrow D1 direction or the arrow D2 direction, the primary coil 35 and the secondary coil 36 rotate about the nacelle rotation axis AX. As shown in FIGS. 21 and 23, when the nacelle 4D rotates 90 ° in the direction of the arrow D1, the primary coil 35 and the secondary coil 36 rotate 90 ° in the direction of the arrow D1 about the nacelle rotation axis AX.

  Since the first substrate 31 and the primary coil 35 are fixed to the support portion 4e, the first substrate 31 and the primary coil 35 rotate about the nacelle rotation axis AX and rotate about the coil rotation axis C by 90 ° in the direction of arrow D3. That is, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the coil rotation axis C, the terminal portion 35 a of the primary coil 35, the connection wiring 45 </ b> A, and the generator 20 are in a state where the relative arrangement is fixed, and the nacelle rotation axis AX Rotate around. For this reason, even if the nacelle 4D rotates, the twist of the connection wiring 45A is suppressed. For example, when the nacelle 4D rotates 180 °, the primary coil 35 rotates 180 ° around the coil rotation axis C in the arrow D3 direction.

  The secondary coil 36 is connected to the cable 8 via the connection wiring 46A. The elastic portion 46Aa, the first wiring 46Ab, and the second wiring 46Ac of the connection wiring 46A are each made of a conductive metal material. The connection wiring 46 </ b> A is electrically connected to the secondary coil 36 and supplies power transmitted from the primary coil 35 in a contactless manner to the cable 8.

  As shown in FIG. 18, one end of the first wiring 46Ab is connected to the terminal portion 36a of the secondary coil 36, and the other end is connected to the elastic portion 46Aa. One end of the second wiring 46Ac is connected to the cable 8, and the other end is connected to the elastic portion 46Aa. The elastic portion 46Aa applies forces in a direction approaching each other to the first wiring 46Ab and the second wiring 46Ac. The elastic portion 46Aa is, for example, a torsion coil spring or a leaf spring. The first wiring 46Ab and the second wiring 46Ac are made of a rigid metal material, and can transmit the force of the elastic portion 46Aa to the secondary coil 36.

  The secondary coil 36 is given a pulling force toward the cable 8 by the connection wiring 46A. As described above, since the second substrate 32 and the secondary coil 36 are provided to be rotatable about the coil rotation axis C, the terminal portion 36a of the secondary coil 36 is caused by the pulling force of the connection wiring 46A. It is directed to a position facing the cable 8. In the example shown in FIG. 22, the terminal portion 36 a is disposed on the outer side in the radial direction with respect to the coil rotation axis C than the nacelle rotation axis AX. That is, the terminal portion 36a is disposed at a position that substantially overlaps the terminal portion 35a of the primary coil 35 shown in FIG. 20 when viewed from the direction along the coil rotation axis C.

  As shown in FIG. 23, when the nacelle 4D rotates 90 ° in the direction of the arrow D1, the generator 20 rotates around the nacelle rotation axis AX. On the other hand, the position of the cable 8 fixed on the tower 2D side does not change. Since the secondary coil 36 rotates around the nacelle rotation axis AX along with the rotation of the nacelle 4D, the distance between the secondary coil 36 and the cable 8 changes. In this case, the connection wiring 46A is deformed in a direction in which the angle between the first wiring 46Ab and the second wiring 46Ac is increased. Thereby, the electrical connection between the secondary coil 36 and the cable 8 can be ensured.

  As shown in FIG. 23, the terminal portion 36a of the secondary coil 36 is directed to a position facing the cable 8 by the pulling force of the connection wiring 46A. That is, the connection wiring 46 </ b> A transmits to the secondary coil 36 a reaction force with respect to the rotational force about the nacelle rotation axis AX of the nacelle 4 </ b> D. Accordingly, the secondary coil 36 rotates around the nacelle rotation axis AX with the terminal portion 36a facing the connection wiring 46A around the coil rotation axis C. As shown in FIGS. 21 and 23, when the nacelle 4D rotates, the terminal portion 36a of the secondary coil 36 is directed in a direction different from the terminal portion 35a of the primary coil 35 with respect to the coil rotation axis C. Thus, the primary coil 35 and the secondary coil 36 rotate relatively around the coil rotation axis C while maintaining a state in which they are opposed to each other.

  As described above, in the wind turbine generator 1D of the present embodiment, the second substrate 32 and the secondary coil 36 rotate around the nacelle rotation axis AX with the terminal portion 36a facing the connection wiring 46A. For this reason, even if it is a case where the nacelle 4D rotates, the twist of connection wiring 46A and the cable 8 is suppressed. Accordingly, the non-contact power transmission unit 10D can efficiently transmit power by suppressing an increase in resistance or disconnection in the cable 8 or the connection wiring 46A. Further, since the twist of the cable 8 is suppressed, the rotational driving of the nacelle 4D is not restricted by the twist of the cable 8. Therefore, the nacelle 4D can be rotated in an appropriate direction corresponding to the wind direction and the wind speed, power can be generated efficiently, and damage to the blade 7 can be suppressed.

(First Modification of Second Embodiment)
FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view showing a non-contact power transmission unit according to a first modification of the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 24, in the non-contact power transmission unit 10E of the present modification, a rotation mechanism 51 that rotates the second substrate 32 is provided between the support 4e and the second substrate 32.

  The control part 100 acquires the information regarding rotation of the nacelle 4D from the measuring device 16 (refer FIG. 2). The control unit 100 outputs a control signal corresponding to the rotation angle and rotation speed of the nacelle 4D to the rotation drive circuit 102. The rotation drive circuit 102 supplies a drive signal Va to the rotation mechanism 51. The rotation mechanism 51 rotates the second substrate 32 and the secondary coil 36 in accordance with the drive signal Va.

  As a result, the second substrate 32 and the secondary coil 36 rotate around the nacelle rotation axis AX along with the rotation of the nacelle 4D, and the terminal portion 36a around the coil rotation axis C is connected to the connection wiring 46A with respect to the cable 8. Driven to face each other. Thereby, the twist of the connection wiring 46A is suppressed. Since an increase in resistance or disconnection in the connection wiring 46A is suppressed, the power of the generator 20 can be efficiently supplied to the cable 8.

  In the contactless power transmission units 10 </ b> D and 10 </ b> E of the present embodiment, the lubricating layer 41 may be provided between the support unit 4 e and the upper surface 32 a of the second substrate 32. Further, the non-contact power transmission units 10D and 10E may realize power transmission by an electromagnetic induction method. In this case, a core 53 that penetrates the primary coil 35 and the secondary coil 36 along the coil rotation axis C may be provided.

(Second modification of the second embodiment)
FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view showing a wind turbine generator according to a second modification of the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 25, in the wind turbine generator 1E of this modification, the non-contact power transmission unit 10D is provided inside the nacelle 4D. Specifically, the support portion 4e is fixed to the bottom portion 4a of the nacelle 4, extends upward, and bends in the radial direction. The support part 4e is provided above the bottom part 4a. The first substrate 31 and the primary coil 35 are provided on one surface of the support portion 4e, and the second substrate 32 and the secondary coil 36 are provided on the other surface of the support portion 4e.

  In the wind turbine generator 1E of the present modification, the secondary coil 36 is provided to be rotatable relative to the primary coil 35 with the coil rotation axis C as the central axis. The coil rotation axis C is an axis different from the nacelle rotation axis AX. With such a configuration, the wind turbine generator 1E ensures a wider passage for the operator to move than when the non-contact power transmission unit 10D is provided in the vicinity of the connection portion between the nacelle 4D and the tower 2D. It is possible.

  Also in this modification, the 1st board | substrate 31 and the primary coil 35 are being fixed to the support part 4e. When the nacelle 4D rotates, the secondary coil 36 rotates around the nacelle rotation axis AX with the terminal portion 36a facing the connection wiring 46A around the coil rotation axis C. With such a configuration, even if the nacelle 4D is rotated, the connection wiring 46A and the cable 8 are prevented from being twisted.

(Third Modification of Second Embodiment)
FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a wind turbine generator according to a third modification of the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 26, in the wind turbine generator 1F of the present modification, the non-contact power transmission unit 10D is provided inside the tower 2D. Specifically, the support portion 4e is fixed to the bottom portion 4a of the nacelle 4, extends downward, and bends in the radial direction. The support part 4e is provided below the flange part 2b. The first substrate 31 and the primary coil 35 are provided on one surface of the support portion 4e, and the second substrate 32 and the secondary coil 36 are provided on the other surface of the support portion 4e.

  In the wind power generator 1 </ b> F of the present modification, the secondary coil 36 is provided to be rotatable relative to the primary coil 35 with the coil rotation axis C as the central axis. The coil rotation axis C is an axis different from the nacelle rotation axis AX. With such a configuration, the wind turbine generator 1F ensures a wider passage for the operator to move than when the non-contact power transmission unit 10D is provided in the vicinity of the connection part between the nacelle 4D and the tower 2D. It is possible.

  As described above, the wind turbine generators 1 and 1D of the present embodiment can take the following aspects, for example. The wind turbine generator 1 is provided with a tower 2 provided with an internal space 2f, and an opening provided at an upper portion of the tower 2 and rotating in a direction along the axial direction of the tower 2 with a nacelle rotation axis AX and communicating with the internal space 2f. 4 d is provided, the generator 20 that generates power by the wind turbine 5 supported by the nacelle 4, the primary coil 35 that is supplied with power from the generator 20, and the power that is not supplied from the primary coil 35 The primary coil 35 and the secondary coil 36 are disposed to be opposed to each other and are opposed to each other, and are relatively centered on a coil rotation axis C different from the nacelle rotation axis AX. And a non-contact power transmission unit 10 that is rotatably provided.

  According to this, electric power is transmitted from the primary coil 35 to the secondary coil 36 in a state where the primary coil 35 and the secondary coil 36 are not in contact with each other. Therefore, even when the primary coil 35 and the secondary coil 36 rotate relatively with the rotation of the nacelle 4, the wear due to the friction of the primary coil 35 and the secondary coil 36 is suppressed, and the power is efficiently supplied. Can be transmitted. Further, since the primary coil 35 and the secondary coil 36 are provided so as to be rotatable around a coil rotation axis C different from the nacelle rotation axis AX, an interval is provided with respect to the inner wall 4f of the opening 4d of the nacelle 4. Thus, the non-contact power transmission unit 10 can be arranged. The operator can move between the tower 2 and the nacelle 4 through the space between the inner wall 4 f of the opening 4 d of the nacelle 4 and the non-contact power transmission unit 10. Therefore, it is possible to secure a passage for the worker to move.

  As a desirable aspect of the present embodiment, the secondary coil 36 is fixed to the tower 2, and the primary coil 35 rotates around the coil rotation axis C as the nacelle 4 rotates. According to this, since the secondary coil 36 on the receiving side is fixed to the tower 2, the position and rotation angle of the secondary coil 36 relative to the tower 2 do not change even when the nacelle 4 rotates. For this reason, it can suppress that the cable 8 twists.

  As a desirable aspect of the present embodiment, the primary coil 35 is fixed to the nacelle 4D and moves around the nacelle rotation axis AX along with the rotation of the nacelle 4D, and the secondary coil 36 supports the support portion 4e around the nacelle rotation axis AX. Together with the connection wiring 45 </ b> A connected to the generator 20. According to this, since the secondary coil 36 moves on the circumference centering on the nacelle rotation axis AX, the distance from the cable 8 changes, but the direction does not change. For this reason, it can suppress that the cable 8 twists.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited with the content of this embodiment, It can change suitably. For example, the structure for providing the first substrate 31 on the support part 2e or the support part 4e and the structure for providing the second substrate 32 on the support part 2e or the support part 4e can be appropriately changed. The shapes of the first substrate 31 and the second substrate 32 can also be appropriately changed to shapes suitable for fixing. Further, a simple type windmill that does not have the yaw driving device 15 and has a stabilizer tail at the rear end and changes the direction of the windmill 5 by wind force may be used.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1A, 1B, 1D, 1E, 1F Wind power generator 2, 2D tower 2a Column part 2e Support part 2f Inner space 2g Opening 3 Bearing 4, 4D Nacelle 4a Bottom part 4d Opening 4e Support part 4f Inner wall 5 Windmill 8 Cable 10, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E Non-contact power transmission unit 20 Generator 31 First substrate 32 Second substrate 35 Primary coil 35a, 36a Terminal portion 36 Secondary coil 41 Lubricating layer 45, 45A, 46, 46A Connection Wiring 45a, 46Aa Elastic part 51 Rotation mechanism AX Nacelle rotation axis C Coil rotation axis

Claims (11)

A tower with an internal space,
A nacelle provided at an upper portion of the tower, rotated around a direction along the axial direction of the tower as a nacelle rotation axis, and provided with an opening communicating with the internal space;
A generator for generating electric power by a windmill supported by the nacelle;
A first coil to which electric power is supplied from the generator; and a second coil to which the electric power is transmitted in a non-contact manner from the first coil. The first coil and the second coil are separated from each other. And a power transmission unit provided so as to be relatively rotatable about a coil rotation shaft provided at a position different from the nacelle rotation shaft.   2. The wind turbine generator according to claim 1, wherein the second coil is fixed to the tower, and the first coil rotates about the coil rotation axis as the nacelle rotates. A connection wiring for connecting the first coil and the generator provided in the nacelle;
The wind turbine generator according to claim 2, wherein the connection wiring includes an elastic portion that applies a pulling force to the first coil in a direction toward the generator. The first coil is fixed to the nacelle and moves around the nacelle rotation axis as the nacelle rotates,
2. The wind turbine generator according to claim 1, wherein the second coil rotates around the coil rotation axis while moving around the nacelle rotation axis, and keeps the first coil and the first coil. A cable provided inside the tower for transmitting the power to the outside;
Connection wiring for electrically connecting the second coil and the cable;
The wind turbine generator according to claim 4, wherein the connection wiring includes an elastic portion that applies a pulling force to the second coil in a direction toward the cable.   The first coil and the second coil include a conductor wound around the coil rotation axis in a plane intersecting the coil rotation axis, and are opposed to each other in a direction along the coil rotation axis. The wind turbine generator according to any one of claims 1 to 5.   The wind power generation according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the power transmission unit transmits the power by a magnetic field resonance method using magnetic field resonance between the first coil and the second coil. apparatus.   The wind power generation according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the power transmission unit transmits the power by an electromagnetic induction method using electromagnetic induction between the first coil and the second coil. apparatus. The first coil is provided on a first substrate, the second coil is provided on a second substrate,
9. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first coil and the second coil oppose each other in a direction along the coil rotation axis via at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate. Wind power generator described in the paragraph.   The wind turbine generator according to claim 9, further comprising a bearing that rotatably supports the first substrate or the second substrate.   The wind turbine generator according to claim 9, further comprising a rotation mechanism that rotationally drives the first substrate or the second substrate.

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