JP6407592B2 - Wind turbine generator abnormality diagnosis device and abnormality diagnosis method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an abnormality diagnosis device and an abnormality diagnosis method for a wind turbine generator.

  A wind power generator is known as a power generator that generates electricity using a clean energy source.

  In the wind turbine generator, the operation state of the windmill is remotely monitored by an operation monitoring device (Supervision Control Data Acquisition: SCADA) or a state monitoring device (Condition Monitoring System: CMS). In SCADA, operation information such as the power generation amount and wind speed of a windmill is collected, and in CMS, damage or deterioration state of equipment is monitored.

  Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2002-349415 (Patent Document 1) discloses a monitoring system for a wind turbine generator that monitors the operating state of the wind turbine generator from a remote location.

  SCADA collects data such as temperature along with operation information, and is also used to monitor equipment abnormalities. On the other hand, CMS is a system for monitoring an abnormality of equipment, and a wind power generator may be equipped with only SCADA or SCADA and CMS.

  Since SCADA and CMS monitor the abnormality of each device of the wind turbine generator, both will be referred to as an abnormality diagnosis device of the wind turbine generator.

JP 2002-349415 A

  As described above, the abnormality diagnosis apparatus is used for the wind power generation apparatus. The abnormality diagnosis device performs abnormality diagnosis of bearings and gears used in wind turbine generators based on vibration and AE (Acoustic Emission).

  On the other hand, in a wind power generator, in order to make a windmill blade face the wind direction, a yaw motion is performed to rotate the nacelle based on the wind direction. However, there is a problem that during the yaw movement, an excessive diagnosis is applied to the measurement target and an accurate diagnosis cannot be made.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an abnormality diagnosis device and abnormality diagnosis method for a wind turbine generator in which the accuracy of detecting an abnormality of a bearing or the like is improved by detecting the yaw motion of the wind turbine generator.

  In summary, the present invention is an abnormality diagnosis device for a wind turbine generator, in which an output of a rotation detector that detects the rotation speed of the wind turbine generator and an output of a generator for detecting the amount of power generation are added to the nacelle. A diagnosis unit that diagnoses an abnormality of the wind turbine generator based on an output of the yaw motion detection unit that detects the yaw motion.

  The rotation detection unit, the power generation amount detection unit, and the yaw motion detection unit determine whether data such as measured vibration is to be adopted as abnormality diagnosis data. That is, data such as vibration when the rotational speed is within the specified range, the power generation amount is within the specified range, and no yaw motion is performed is adopted as data for abnormality diagnosis.

Preferably, the yaw motion detection unit includes a gyro sensor.
Preferably, the rotation detection unit includes a sensor that detects a rotation speed of the main shaft of the wind power generator, the high speed shaft of the speed increaser, or the generator shaft. Further, it is possible to obtain the rotational speed by inputting an analog signal in proportion to the rotational speed from the control panel in the nacelle. The power generation amount detection unit detects the power generation amount of the wind turbine generator by obtaining an analog signal proportional to the power generation amount from the nacelle control panel or by detecting a current value flowing through the output cable of the generator.

  In the step for diagnosis, after data measurement for measuring vibration and AE (step S1), it is determined in step S2, S3, and S4 whether or not to adopt as data for abnormality diagnosis. That is, if the rotation speed is within the specified range (YES in S2), the power generation amount is within the specified range (YES in S3), and the yaw movement is not in progress (NO in S4), the data is for abnormality diagnosis. (S5) and execute diagnosis. If any of the conditions is not satisfied, the data is not adopted as abnormality diagnosis data (S6).

  According to the present invention, the influence of the yaw motion can be eliminated in the abnormality diagnosis, and the abnormality diagnosis of the wind power generator can be performed with high accuracy.

It is a figure for demonstrating the wind power generator which is an example in which the abnormality diagnosis apparatus of this Embodiment is used. It is the figure which showed the structure inside a nacelle in detail. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process of the data acquisition and abnormality diagnosis which the abnormality diagnosis apparatus 80 performs. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration for detecting yaw movement in the second embodiment. It is sectional drawing of the VV part of FIG. It is the figure which showed the gear position in which a proximity sensor will be in an ON state. It is the figure which showed the gear position in which a proximity sensor will be in an OFF state. It is the figure which showed the modification of the attachment position of a proximity sensor.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will not be repeated.

[Embodiment 1]
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a wind turbine generator that is an example in which the abnormality diagnosis device of the present embodiment is used.

  With reference to FIG. 1, a nacelle 90 is provided at the upper end of the tower 100. The rotor head 20 is connected to the tip portion of the main shaft 22. The main shaft is supported inside the nacelle 90 and connected to the generator 50. A plurality of blades 30 are attached to the rotor head 20.

  The wind power generator is configured to be able to perform a yaw motion that rotates the nacelle 90 in accordance with the wind direction with respect to the tower 100 fixed on the ground. Preferably, the nacelle 90 is rotated so that the blade 30 side is located on the windward side.

Further, the wind power generator 10 obtains an appropriate rotation by changing the angle of the blade 30 with respect to the wind direction (hereinafter referred to as pitch) according to the strength of the wind power. Similarly, when starting and stopping the windmill, the blade pitch is controlled. Further, each blade 30 is controlled to swing several degrees even during one rotation of the main shaft. In this way, the amount of energy that can be obtained from the wind can be adjusted.
In a strong wind or the like, the wind receiving surface (also referred to as a blade surface or a blade surface) of the blade is made parallel to the wind direction in order to suppress the rotation of the windmill.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the nacelle in more detail. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the wind power generator 10 includes a main shaft 22, a blade 30, a speed increaser 40, a generator 50, a main bearing 60, and an abnormality diagnosis device 80. The speed increaser 40, the generator 50, the main bearing 60, and the abnormality diagnosis device 80 are stored in the nacelle 90, and the nacelle 90 is supported by the tower 100.

  The main shaft 22 enters the nacelle 90 from the rotor head 20, is connected to the input shaft of the speed increaser 40, and is rotatably supported by the main bearing 60. The main shaft 22 transmits the rotational torque generated by the blade 30 receiving wind force to the input shaft of the speed increaser 40. The blade 30 is provided at the tip of the main shaft 22, converts wind force into rotational torque, and transmits it to the main shaft 22.

  The main bearing 60 is fixed in the nacelle 90 and rotatably supports the main shaft 22. The main bearing 60 is composed of a rolling bearing, and is composed of, for example, a self-aligning roller bearing, a tapered roller bearing, a cylindrical roller bearing, or a ball bearing. These bearings may be single row or double row.

  The speed increaser 40 is provided between the main shaft 22 and the generator 50, and increases the rotational speed of the main shaft 22 to output to the generator 50. As an example, the speed increaser 40 is configured by a gear speed increasing mechanism including a planetary gear, an intermediate shaft, a high speed shaft, and the like. Although not specifically illustrated, a plurality of bearings that rotatably support a plurality of shafts are also provided in the speed increaser 40. The generator 50 is connected to the output shaft of the speed increaser 40, and generates power by the rotational torque received from the speed increaser 40. The generator 50 is constituted by, for example, an induction generator. A bearing that rotatably supports the rotor is also provided in the generator 50.

  The nacelle rotation mechanism includes a nacelle direction changing drive device 124 attached to the nacelle 90 side, and a ring gear 126 rotated by a pinion gear fitted to the rotation shaft of the drive device 124. The ring gear 126 is attached to the tower 100 in a fixed state.

  The nacelle rotation mechanism changes (adjusts) the direction of the nacelle 90. Here, a bearing 122 for supporting the nacelle is provided at the boundary between the nacelle 90 and the tower 100. The nacelle 90 is supported by the bearing 122 and rotates about the rotation axis of the bearing 122. Such rotation of the nacelle 90 around the central axis of the tower is referred to as yaw movement or yawing. The yaw motion is detected by the yaw motion detector 82 installed in the nacelle 90. As the yaw motion detection unit 82, for example, a unit including a gyro sensor can be used. Gyro sensors have been widely used for camera shake prevention, game machine motion detection, automobile attitude measurement, and the like.

  The blade pitch varying mechanism includes a blade pitch changing drive device 24 attached to the rotor head side, and a ring gear 26 rotated by a pinion gear fitted to the rotation shaft of the drive device 24. The ring gear 26 is fixedly attached to the blade 30.

  The blade pitch variable mechanism swings the plurality of blades 30 to change (adjust) the pitch of the blades 30. Here, blade bearings 120 are provided at the base end portions of the plurality of blades 30, and the blades 30 are respectively supported by the blade bearings 120 and rotate around the rotation shaft of the blade bearings 120.

  When a load is applied to the generator 50, the pitch of the blade 30 is set so that the angle formed by the wind direction and the wind receiving surface of the blade 30 is an angle θ (≠ 0). Then, the wind receiving surface of the blade 30 receives energy from the wind. The plurality of blades 30 rotate about the main shaft 22 connected to the rotor head 20 with respect to the tower 100 together with the rotor head 20. The rotation of the rotating shaft is transmitted to the generator, and power generation is performed.

  When the wind is strong, the pitch of the blade 30 is changed so that the wind direction and the wind receiving surface of the blade 30 are parallel to each other. Thus, in a state where the direction of the wind and the pitch of the blade 30 are parallel (feathering), the wind receiving surface of the blade 30 receives almost no energy from the wind. By doing in this way, damage to the wind power generator 10 due to an abnormal increase in the rotational speed of the blade 30 and the rotor head 20 can be prevented.

  The abnormality diagnosis apparatus according to the present embodiment collects data from vibration sensors attached to the main bearing, the speed increaser, and the generator. As an example of the vibration sensor, FIGS. 1 and 2 show a sensor 81 attached to the generator 50.

  The abnormality diagnosis apparatus acquires an analog signal proportional to the rotational speed of the generator shaft, an analog signal proportional to the power generation amount, and a signal indicating the presence or absence of yaw motion from the nacelle control panel simultaneously with the collection of vibration data.

  The measured value of vibration varies depending on the rotation speed of the main shaft regardless of whether or not the device is damaged. For this reason, it is necessary to compare the vibration measurement values at a certain range of rotational speed for abnormality diagnosis. Further, the vibration measurement value changes depending on the magnitude of the transmission torque acting on the rotating shaft regardless of whether the device is damaged. Since it is possible to employ the power generation amount instead of the measurement of the transmission torque, it is necessary to compare the vibration measurement values when the power generation amount is within a certain range.

  During the yaw motion, vibration is generated in the vicinity of the drive device 124, the ring gear 126, and the bearing 122, and noise is applied to vibration sensors attached to the main bearing, the gearbox, and the generator. Therefore, it is impossible to accurately collect vibration measurement values of the main bearing and the like during the yaw motion. For example, there is a risk that a main bearing or the like is erroneously diagnosed as abnormal due to vibration generated during yaw motion.

  Therefore, in addition to the restriction that the rotational speed and the power generation amount are within a certain range, by adding the presence or absence of yaw motion, the vibration measurement value including noise is excluded from the data for diagnosis, thereby improving the accuracy of diagnosis. To do.

  In the abnormality diagnosis device of the present embodiment, the presence or absence of yaw motion is detected by attaching a yaw motion detector 82 (gyro sensor) to the nacelle and detecting the angular velocity generated by the rotational motion of the nacelle.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart for determining whether or not the data measured by the abnormality diagnosis device is to be diagnosed.

  For example, data measurement is performed in step S1 at regular intervals. The abnormality diagnosis device acquires data from vibration sensors attached to the main bearing, gearbox, and generator devices, and at the same time, signals from the nacelle control panel indicating the rotational speed, power generation amount, and the presence or absence of yaw motion. Take it.

  In step S2, it is determined whether or not the rotation speed is within a specified rotation speed range. If it is within the range, the process proceeds to step S3. If it is out of the range, the process proceeds to step S6, and the data is not adopted. Specifically, the rotational speed is measured at the start and end of the vibration measurement in step S1, and it is determined that the rotational speed is within the designated rotational speed range by both being within the designated rotational speed range.

  In step S3, it is determined whether or not the power generation amount is within a specified power generation amount range. If it is within the range, the process proceeds to step S4. If it is out of the range, the process proceeds to step S6, and the data is not adopted. Specifically, the amount of power generation is measured at the start and end of the vibration measurement in step S1, and it is determined that both are within the specified power generation amount range by being within the specified power generation amount range.

  In step S4, it is determined whether the yaw operation is being performed. If the yaw operation is not being performed, the process proceeds to step S5. If the yaw operation is being performed, the process proceeds to step S6, and the data is not adopted. Specifically, the output from the yaw motion detector 82 (gyro sensor) is measured at the start and end of the vibration measurement in step S1, and if both are above a certain value, it is determined that the yaw operation is in progress. If it is below a certain value, it is determined that the yaw operation is not in progress. Here, the certain value is a value determined by noise inherent in the gyro sensor to be used.

  In step S5, the measured data is adopted as a diagnosis target, and is sent from the abnormality diagnosis device to the data server together with the rotational speed, the power generation amount, and the presence / absence of the yaw motion. On the other hand, since step S6 is data not to be diagnosed, the measured data is not adopted and is not sent to the data server.

  In step S7, the data server compares the data sent from the abnormality diagnosis device with a threshold value for each sensor installation position and executes diagnosis.

  Note that the process of step S7 does not necessarily have to be diagnosed by the data server, and can be diagnosed by the abnormality diagnosing apparatus if the abnormality diagnosing apparatus holds a threshold value for each sensor installation position. In this case, the diagnostic result is sent to the data server together with the measurement data in the next step.

  When the process of step S7 ends, the process proceeds to step S8, and control is returned to the main routine.

  The determination of the yaw motion in step S4 is based on whether or not the angular velocity detected by the gyro sensor indicates the yaw motion. For example, while the drive signal is transmitted to the drive device 124, the yaw motion is being performed. Therefore, the data may not be adopted.

  Finally, the present embodiment will be summarized with reference to the drawings again. The abnormality diagnosis device for a wind turbine generator according to the present embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes a sensor 81 that detects vibration for determining an abnormality of the wind turbine generator, and a yaw motion detector 82 that can detect the yaw motion of the nacelle. And an abnormality diagnosis device 80 for diagnosing an abnormality of the wind turbine generator based on the output of the sensor 81 and the output of the yaw motion detection unit 82.

  Preferably, as shown in the process of step S4 in FIG. 3, the abnormality diagnosis device 80 adopts the detection result of the sensor 81 during a period when the yaw movement of the nacelle 90 is not detected by the yaw movement detection unit 82, During the period in which the nacelle yaw motion is detected by the motion detection unit 82, the detection result of the sensor 81 is not adopted, and the abnormality of the wind turbine generator is diagnosed based on the detection result of the adopted sensor 81.

Preferably, yaw motion detection unit 82 includes a gyro sensor.
Preferably, the sensor 81 includes a sensor that detects at least one of the power generation amount of the wind turbine generator and the rotational speed of the windmill.

  In the above embodiment, the diagnostic accuracy is improved by not using the diagnostic data during the yaw motion. For example, since vibration that becomes noise occurs even when the blade pitch is changed, the diagnostic accuracy may be improved by not using the diagnostic data while the blade pitch is changed. Further, diagnosis accuracy may be improved by disabling diagnosis data during yaw movement and disabling diagnosis data even during blade pitch change.

[Embodiment 2]
In the first embodiment, the yaw movement is detected by the yaw movement detection unit 82, and it has been described that a gyro sensor can be used as the yaw movement detection unit 82. In Embodiment 2, an example in which yaw motion is detected by another method will be described. Except that the gyro sensor is not used, the configuration shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is adopted in the second embodiment as well as the first embodiment, and the control shown in FIG. 3 is performed.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration for detecting yaw motion in the second embodiment. FIG. 4 shows an enlarged connection portion between the nacelle 90 and the tower 100 of FIG.

  A hole is provided in the floor plate 144 of the nacelle 90, and a motor 124 for driving the turning wheel, which is the driving device 124 of FIG. 2, is attached to the hole portion by a mounting plate 146 and fastening members 148 and 150.

  A floor board 154 is attached to the upper end of the tower 100. An outer ring 132 of the bearing 122 for turning the nacelle 90 is fixed to the floor plate 144 by a fastening member 152, and an inner ring 134 of the bearing 122 is fixed to the floor plate 154 by a fastening member 156. The outer ring 132 is rotatably supported by the rolling elements 136 and 138 with respect to the inner ring 134.

  A ring gear 126 is formed inside the inner ring 134. A small gear 140 that fits within the inner diameter of the ring gear is attached to the rotating shaft 142 of the motor 124. The gear 140 and the ring gear 126 are engaged with each other. When a drive signal is given to the motor 124, the gear 140 rotates and pushes the ring gear 126 fixed to the tower 100, so that the outer ring 132 of the bearing 122 moves relative to the inner ring 134 and the nacelle 90 moves.

  Since the nacelle 90 changes its direction in accordance with the wind direction, the nacelle 90 performs a swinging motion mainly within a range of an angle.

  A proximity sensor 160 is attached to the lower surface of the floor plate 144 of the nacelle 90. A proximity sensor is a sensor that replaces movement information and presence information of a detection target with an electrical signal. The detection method used to replace the electrical signal includes a method that uses eddy currents generated in the metal object to be detected by electromagnetic induction, a method that captures the change in electrical capacitance due to the approach of the detection object, and an ultrasonic wave. And a method of detecting reflection of light and a method of using a magnet and a reed switch. A proximity sensor may also be referred to as a proximity switch.

  FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line VV in FIG. 4 and 5, the proximity sensor 160 is attached at a position where the movement of the tooth tip of the gear 140 can be detected.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a gear position at which the proximity sensor is turned on. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a gear position at which the proximity sensor is turned off. As shown in FIG. 6, when the tooth tip 170 of the gear 140 faces the proximity sensor 160, the proximity sensor 160 outputs an ON signal. As shown in FIG. 7, when the tooth root 172 of the gear 140 faces the proximity sensor 160, the proximity sensor 160 outputs an OFF signal.

  The output of the proximity sensor 160 is transmitted to the abnormality diagnosis device 80 as shown in FIG. The abnormality diagnosis device 80 measures the output of the proximity sensor 160 at the start and end of vibration measurement, and if there is a change in the output value, it is determined that the yaw motion is in progress and the data is not adopted (see FIG. 3 (see S3 and S6). If there is no change in the output value of the proximity sensor 160, the abnormality diagnosis device 80 determines that the yaw movement is not in progress and adopts the data (see S3 and S5 in FIG. 3).

  FIG. 8 is a view showing a modification of the attachment position of the proximity sensor. 4 to 7, the proximity sensor 160 is arranged to detect the rotation of the gear 140 attached to the rotating shaft 142 of the motor 124, but in FIG. 8, the proximity sensor 160 detects the rotation of the ring gear 126. Has been placed.

  As shown as the proximity sensor 160A, when facing the tooth tip 170A of the ring gear 126, the proximity sensor 160 outputs an ON signal. Further, as shown as the proximity sensor 160B, when facing the tooth root 172A of the ring gear 126, the proximity sensor 160 outputs an OFF signal.

  Also in this case, the proximity sensor 160 is attached to the lower surface of the floor plate 144 of the nacelle 90. However, since it cannot be attached to a portion where the gear 140 may be engaged, in the case shown in FIG. 8, it is necessary to attach it outside the swing range of the nacelle 90 determined from the wind direction.

  As described above in the second embodiment, the yaw motion detection unit includes a sensor that detects the movement of the gear. This gear may be any gear as long as it rotates in conjunction with the yaw motion of the nacelle 90 when the nacelle 90 performs the yaw motion. For example, a gear similar to the gear 140 may be provided in a portion different from the motor 124 so as to mesh with the ring gear 126, and the tooth tip position may be detected by a proximity sensor, or the rotation shaft may be detected by a rotation sensor. .

  Since various methods for detecting the yaw motion of the nacelle 90 are conceivable, other methods may be used. For example, a rotation sensor may be attached to the rotation shaft of the motor 124. Further, the presence / absence of the yaw motion may be detected by a command signal for driving the motor 124.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Wind power generator, 20 Rotor head, 22 Main shaft, 24,124 Drive device, 26,126 Ring gear, 30 Blade, 40 Speed up gear, 50 Generator, 60 Main bearing, 80 Abnormality diagnosis device, 81 Sensor, 82 Yaw motion Detection unit, 90 nacelle, 100 tower, 120 blade bearing, 122 bearing, 132 outer ring, 134 inner ring, 136,138 rolling element, 140 gear, 142 rotating shaft, 144,154 floor plate, 146 mounting plate, 148, 150, 152 , 156 Fastening member.

Claims (5)

An abnormality diagnosis device for a wind turbine generator,
Based on the output of the rotation detection unit that detects the rotation speed of the wind power generator, the output of the power generation amount detection unit that detects the amount of power generation, and the output of the yaw motion detection unit that detects the yaw motion of the nacelle, comprising a diagnosis unit for diagnosing an abnormality of the power generator,
The diagnostic unit
During the period when the nacelle yaw movement is not detected, vibration or AE data for determining the abnormality of the wind power generator is adopted, and during the period when the nacelle yaw movement is detected, the wind power generator abnormality is detected. An abnormality diagnosing device for diagnosing an abnormality of the wind turbine generator based on the vibration or AE data adopted, wherein the vibration or AE data for determining is not adopted . The abnormality diagnosis apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the yaw motion detection unit includes a gyro sensor. The abnormality diagnosis apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the yaw motion detection unit includes a sensor that detects a motion of a gear, and the gear rotates in conjunction with a yaw motion of the nacelle when the nacelle performs a yaw motion. The abnormality diagnosis apparatus according to claim 1 , comprising a sensor that detects at least one of vibration and AE as a parameter for determining abnormality of the wind power generator. An abnormality diagnosis method for a wind turbine generator,
Detecting the rotational speed and power generation amount of the wind turbine generator;
Detecting the nacelle yaw movement;
Diagnosing an abnormality of the wind power generator based on the detected rotational speed, the amount of power generation, and the result of the yaw motion ,
The diagnosing step comprises:
During the period when the yaw movement is not detected, the vibration data for determining the abnormality of the wind power generator is adopted, and during the period when the yaw movement is detected, the vibration data is not adopted, An abnormality diagnosis method for diagnosing abnormality of the wind turbine generator based on data .

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