JP7017486B2 - Hydropower and power generation systems - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a hydroelectric power generation device and a power generation system.

A hydroelectric power generation device is a device that uses the kinetic energy of running water for power generation. The main components of a hydroelectric power generator are a water turbine that rotates under the force of water flowing through a water channel, a generator that is connected to the water turbine to convert rotational energy into electrical energy, and the output (power generation amount) of the generator. Includes a control device to control.

When such a hydroelectric power generation device is used in an agricultural waterway or the like, foreign substances such as aquatic plants, branches, and string-shaped dust drifting from the upstream may become entangled in the water turbine and reduce the amount of power generation. For this reason, it is important to take measures against foreign matter in hydroelectric power generation equipment. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-189837 (Patent Document 1) discloses an example in which a dust removing device for removing foreign matter is installed in a water channel upstream of the installation location of a water turbine.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-189837

In a small hydroelectric power generation device that is small and can be easily installed in a waterway, using a large-scale dust removal facility as described in Patent Document 1 leads to an increase in cost. For this reason, it is conceivable to install a simple dust remover in the small hydroelectric power generation device.

However, if a simple dust remover (for example, a comb-shaped filter) is installed upstream of the turbine, it is considered that some foreign matter (aquatic plants, dust, etc.) will flow into the turbine. Some of the foreign substances that have flowed to the water turbine pass through as they are, while others are caught by the blades of the water turbine (water turbine blades). The foreign matter caught on the turbine wing is pressed against the turbine wing by the water pressure caused by the water flow or the like, and is difficult to be removed from the turbine wing. Since foreign matter is washed ashore on the turbine one after another from the upstream, the amount of foreign matter adhering to the turbine blades increases with the passage of time. When the amount of foreign matter adhering to the turbine blades increases, the rotation speed of the turbine blades decreases, which may reduce the power generation capacity (and thus the amount of power generation) of the hydroelectric power generation device. Therefore, a simple dust remover is not a complete countermeasure against foreign matter, and even if such a dust remover is installed upstream of the water turbine, it is considered that regular removal work of foreign matter adhering to the water turbine is required. Since the foreign matter pressed against the turbine blade as described above does not easily come off from the turbine blade, it is considered that the maintenance of the hydroelectric power generation device is not easy.

The present invention is for solving the above-mentioned problems, and an object thereof is hydroelectric power generation capable of easily performing a process for suppressing a decrease in power generation capacity due to foreign matter flowing in a water channel at low cost. It is to provide equipment and power generation systems.

The hydroelectric power generation device according to the present invention includes a hydroelectric power generation module, a drive unit, and a control device. The hydroelectric power generation module includes a turbine having a turbine wing that rotates by using the power of water flowing through a water channel, and a generator that generates electricity by using the rotational force of the turbine wing. The drive unit is configured to be able to move the hydroelectric power generation module into the first and second states as shown below.

The first state is a state in which at least a part of the turbine blades exists in the water of the water channel, the turbine wings rotate under the force of water flowing through the water channel, and power is generated by a generator. The second state is a state in which at least a part of the turbine blades is above the water surface of the water channel and the position of the water surface of the water channel with respect to the water wheel is lower than that of the first state.

The control device is configured to control the above-mentioned drive unit. Then, the control device is configured to put the hydroelectric power generation module in the second state when a predetermined pulling condition is satisfied when the hydroelectric power generation module is in the first state.

The waterway may be an irrigation canal (artificially created waterway), a river, or the sea.

The power generation system according to the present invention is configured to perform marine current power generation, tidal power generation, or wave power generation that converts the kinetic energy of running water into electric power by using the above-mentioned hydroelectric power generation device.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY According to the present invention, it becomes possible to provide a hydroelectric power generation device and a power generation system capable of easily performing a process for suppressing a decrease in power generation capacity due to foreign matter flowing in a water channel at low cost.

It is a perspective view which shows the hydroelectric power generation apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a side view which shows the structure in the vicinity of a water wheel of the hydroelectric power generation apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the state which the rotary beam is rotated so that the water wheel is pulled up with respect to the water surface in the hydroelectric power generation apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the position of the water surface of a water channel with respect to a water wheel. It is a figure which shows the state at the time of use of the hydroelectric power generation apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the state which made the water wheel angle 0 ° in the hydroelectric power generation apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the state which made the water wheel angle acute angle in the hydroelectric power generation apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the state which made the water wheel angle 90 ° in the hydroelectric power generation apparatus shown in FIG. It is a control block diagram which shows the structure for performing power generation control in the hydroelectric power generation apparatus shown in FIG. It is a perspective view of the hydroelectric power generation apparatus in the state shown in FIG. 7. It is a flowchart which shows the pull-up control by the hydroelectric power generation apparatus shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the pulling-down control by the hydroelectric power generation apparatus shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the 1st modification of the pull-down control by the hydroelectric power generation apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the 2nd modification of the pull-down control by the hydroelectric power generation apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the deformation example which vibrates a water turbine blade in a 2nd state. It is a figure for demonstrating the underwater floating type ocean current power generation system which concerns on the modification of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the modification of the hydroelectric power generation module which adopted the vertical axis type water turbine.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, the same or corresponding parts are given the same reference numbers, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

In each of the figures used below, of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis orthogonal to each other, the X-axis indicates the width direction of the water channel, the Y-axis indicates the water flow direction, and the Z-axis indicates the vertical direction. Hereinafter, the Z1 side may be referred to as "lower" and the Z2 side may be referred to as "upper".

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a hydroelectric power generation device 100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side view showing a structure in the vicinity of the water turbine 10 of the hydroelectric power generation device 100 according to the present embodiment.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the hydroelectric power generation device 100 is an axial flow type small hydroelectric power generation device, and is configured to generate hydroelectric power of 1000 kW or less. The hydroelectric power generation device 100 includes a hydroelectric power generation module M and a drive unit for operating the hydroelectric power generation module M. The posture of the hydroelectric power generation module M can be changed by the drive unit. The hydroelectric power generation module M includes a water turbine 10, a generator 20, a support column 21, a gearbox 22, and a brake device 30. Further, the drive unit includes a rotary beam 110, a motor 120 for driving the rotary beam 110, a pedestal 23, pedestals 24, 143, and support members 25, 141, 142. The motor 120 according to the present embodiment corresponds to an example of the "actuator" according to the present invention. Further, the pedestal 23, the pedestal 24, and the support member 25 according to the present embodiment correspond to an example of the "support pedestal" according to the present invention.

The turbine 10 includes a plurality of turbine blades 11 (for example, five turbine blades 11) and is installed in a water channel (for example, a water channel 200 shown in FIG. 5 described later). Each of the plurality of turbine blades 11 is a horizontal axis type propeller type rotary blade, and is rotated by the force of water flowing through the water channel. The generator 20 is configured to generate electricity by utilizing the rotational force of the water turbine blade 11. The generator 20 is, for example, a three-phase synchronous generator. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any generator can be selected and adopted from various known generators.

The rotation of the turbine blade 11 causes the rotation shaft of the turbine 10 to rotate. The rotation axis of the water turbine 10 is arranged parallel to the Y axis (water flow direction), and includes a boss portion 12 and a rotation shaft 13. The boss portion 12 includes a portion to which the water turbine blade 11 is attached (propelleros) and a cap (spinner) attached to the surface of the propellers to regulate the water flow. The boss portion 12 and the rotating shaft 13 rotate integrally. The boss portion 12 is provided at one end (tip) of the rotating shaft 13. Further, the other end (base end) of the rotary shaft 13 is connected to the gearbox 22.

The rotating shaft (rotating shaft) of the generator 20 is arranged parallel to the Z axis (vertical direction), passes through the support column 21 (cylindrical cover), and is connected to the gearbox 22. One end of the strut 21 is fixed to the lower surface of the pedestal 24, and the other end of the strut 21 is connected to the gearbox 22. The rotary shaft 13 of the water turbine 10 and the rotary shaft of the generator 20 are connected to each other via a gearbox 22. When the turbine blade 11 rotates, the rotary shaft 13 of the turbine 10 rotates. The rotation of the rotary shaft 13 is rotation around the Y axis (hereinafter, also referred to as “Y axis rotation”). The rotational force of the rotary shaft 13 is turned by the gearbox 22 and transmitted to the rotary shaft of the generator 20. As a result, the rotating shaft of the generator 20 rotates. The rotation of the rotating shaft of the generator 20 is rotation around the Z-axis (hereinafter, also referred to as "Z-axis rotation"). As described above, the rotation axis of the generator 20 rotates on the Z axis due to the Y-axis rotation of the turbine blade 11.

The brake device 30 is fixed to the upper surface of the pedestal 24. The braking device 30 is provided with respect to the rotating shaft (rotating shaft) of the generator 20 and is configured to apply a braking force to the rotation of the generator 20 (and by extension, the rotation of the water turbine blade 11). The brake device 30 is, for example, an electromagnetic brake. The brake device 30 applies a force in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the generator 20 to the rotation shaft of the generator 20 due to friction or the like. However, the type of the brake device 30 is not limited to this, and the type of the brake device 30 is arbitrary. The braking device 30 may be any of a mechanical brake, a fluid brake, and a short-circuit brake. The brake device 30 according to the present embodiment corresponds to an example of the "braking device" according to the present invention.

The rotary beam 110 is arranged parallel to the X axis (in the width direction of the water channel), and is driven by the motor 120 to rotate around the X axis (hereinafter, also referred to as “X axis rotation”). A bearing 111 is attached to one end of the rotary beam 110 (hereinafter, also referred to as a "driven end"), and a bearing 112 is attached to the other end of the rotary beam 110 (hereinafter, also referred to as a "drive end"). Further, a coupling 130 is provided on the rotating shaft of the motor 120, and the drive end of the rotating beam 110 is connected to the rotating shaft of the motor 120 via the bearing 112 and the coupling 130. As the motor 120, an electronically controllable electric motor can be adopted.

The gantry 23 includes pedestal members 231 and 232. The gantry members 231 and 232 are a pair of L-shaped angles that are arranged parallel to the Y axis (water flow direction) and face each other at a predetermined distance. Each of the gantry members 231 and 232 is fixed (for example, welded) to the rotating beam 110.

The pedestal 24 is fixed to the upper surface of the pedestal 23 (frame members 231,232). Further, a support member 25 for supporting the hydroelectric power generation module M is fixed to the upper surface of the pedestal 24. Further, the support member 25 is also fixed to the rotary beam 110.

The hydroelectric power generation module M is fixed to the rotary beam 110 via a pedestal 23, a pedestal 24, and a support member 25. The gantry 23 is fixed to the rotary beam 110, supports the hydroelectric power generation module M, and rotates together with the hydroelectric power generation module M together with the rotary beam 110.

The motor 120 is fixed to the upper surface of the pedestal 143. Further, a support member 142 that supports the bearing 112 is also fixed to the pedestal 143. The bearing 112 is fixed to the pedestal 143 via the support member 142. The drive end of the rotary beam 110 is supported by a bearing 112 so as to be rotatable on the X axis.

The drive unit of the hydroelectric power generation device 100 is fixed to the edge of the water channel so that the rotary beam 110 straddles the water channel. To that end, the hydroelectric power generator 100 further comprises fixtures 151, 152 and fixed beams 153. One end of the fixing beam 153 is connected to the fixture 151, and the other end of the fixing beam 153 is connected to the fixing tool 152.

A support member 141 that supports the bearing 111 is fixed to the fixture 151. The bearing 111 is fixed to the fixture 151 via the support member 141 in a state where the driven end of the rotary beam 110 is rotatably supported by the X-axis. The support member 141 (and thus the driven end of the rotary beam 110) can be fixed to the first edge portion of the water channel (for example, the edge portion 201 shown in FIG. 5 described later) by the fixture 151. Further, a fixative 152 is attached to the lower surface of the pedestal 143. The pedestal 143 (and thus the drive end of the rotary beam 110) can be fixed to the second edge portion (for example, the edge portion 202 shown in FIG. 5 described later) facing the first edge portion of the water channel by the fixture 152.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state in which the rotary beam 110 is rotated so as to pull up the water turbine 10 with respect to the water surface. By rotating the rotary beam 110 as shown in FIG. 3, the gantry members 231,232 (and by extension, the rotation axis of the water turbine 10) can be made parallel to the Z axis (vertical direction).

Although the details will be described later, in the hydroelectric power generation device 100, the position of the water surface of the water channel with respect to the water turbine 10 (hereinafter, also simply referred to as “relative water surface position”) changes according to the rotation angle of the rotating beam 110. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the position of the water surface of the water channel with respect to the water turbine 10.

With reference to FIG. 4, the turbine 10 is a propeller turbine configured by mounting a plurality of turbine wings 11 around a rotation shaft (more specifically, a boss portion 12). In FIG. 4, the circular orbit Rc shows the trajectory drawn by the tip of the turbine blade 11 when the turbine 10 makes one rotation.

The range P1 is a range lower than the lower end of the circular orbit Rc. The fact that the relative water surface position is in the range P1 means that the entire water turbine 10 is above the water surface. Even when the water turbine 10 exists away from the water and is not in contact with the water, it is considered that the relative water surface position is in the range P1 (see FIG. 8 described later). The range P5 is a range higher than the upper end of the circular orbit Rc. The fact that the relative water surface position is in the range P5 means that the entire turbine 10 is present in the water.

The range P3 is a range from the lower end to the upper end of the boss portion 12 of the rotating shaft of the water turbine 10. The fact that the relative water surface position is in the range P3 means that the water surface is located on the rotation axis of the turbine 10. Further, the range P2 is higher than the upper end of the range P1 and lower than the lower end of the range P3, and the range P4 is higher than the upper end of the range P3 and lower than the lower end of the range P5. be.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state (more specifically, a state shown in FIG. 6 to be described later) when the hydroelectric power generation device 100 is used. With reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 5, the hydroelectric power generation device 100 generates power in, for example, a water channel 200. The water channel 200 is, for example, an agricultural water channel, and water W flows through the water channel 200 in the water flow direction Dw. The water bottom Bw corresponds to the bottom surface of the water channel 200.

The hydroelectric power generation device 100 is installed so that the rotary beam 110 straddles the water channel 200. Fixture 151 is fixed to the edge 201 of the water channel 200, and fixative 152 is fixed to the edge 202 of the water channel 200. As a result, the rotary beam 110 is rotatably supported while straddling the water channel 200. The rotation axis of the rotary beam 110 and the water flow direction Dw of the water channel 200 are orthogonal to each other.

By rotating the rotary beam 110, the turbine 10 can be pulled up or down with respect to the water surface Uw. When the turbine blade 11 (FIG. 1) of the turbine 10 is located below the water surface Uw of the water W, the turbine blade 11 rotates under the force of the water W flowing through the water channel 200. In the present embodiment, the rotary beam 110 can be rotated within a range in which the angle between the rotation axis of the water turbine 10 and the water flow direction Dw (hereinafter, also referred to as “water turbine angle”) is 0 ° or more and 90 ° or less. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the movable range of the rotary beam 110 (and by extension, the hydroelectric power generation module M) can be arbitrarily set.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state in which the water turbine angle is set to 0 ° in the hydroelectric power generation device 100. With reference to FIG. 6, when the rotary beam 110 is rotated to set the turbine angle to 0 °, the rotation axis Ra of the turbine 10 becomes parallel to the water flow direction Dw. In this state, the water surface Uw is located above the water turbine 10 (that is, the range P5 shown in FIG. 4), and the entire water turbine 10 is present in the water.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state in which the water turbine angle is set to an acute angle (more than 0 ° and less than 90 °) in the hydroelectric power generation device 100. With reference to FIG. 7, the relative water surface position can be adjusted by rotating the rotating beam 110. The larger the turbine angle θ, the lower the relative water surface position. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the water surface Uw is located on the rotation axis of the turbine 10 (that is, the range P3 shown in FIG. 4).

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a state in which the water turbine angle is 90 ° in the hydroelectric power generation device 100. When the rotary beam 110 is rotated to set the water turbine angle to 90 ° with reference to FIG. 8, the rotation axis Ra of the water turbine 10 and the water flow direction Dw are orthogonal to each other. In this state, the water turbine 10 exists away from the water W and is not in contact with the water W. That is, the water surface Uw is located in the range P1 shown in FIG. 4, and the entire water turbine 10 is above the water surface Uw.

FIG. 9 is a control block diagram showing a configuration for performing power generation control in the hydroelectric power generation device 100. With reference to FIG. 9, the hydroelectric power generation device 100 further includes a rectifier circuit 41, a DC / DC converter 42, a DC / AC inverter 43, a control device 50, an input device 51, and a rotation speed detector 52. Each of the rectifier circuit 41, the DC / DC converter 42, and the DC / AC inverter 43 may include various sensors (not shown) for detecting the state of the circuit (temperature, current, voltage, etc.). Then, the detection signal of each sensor may be output to the control device 50.

The rotation speed detector 52 is configured to detect the rotation speed of the water turbine blade 11. More specifically, the rotation speed detector 52 outputs an electric signal (hereinafter, also referred to as “rotational speed signal”) corresponding to the rotation speed of the water wheel blade 11 to the control device 50. Various methods are known as a method for detecting the rotation speed, and any method can be adopted. For example, the rotation speed detector 52 may generate a rotation speed signal using an encoder (not shown) attached to the rotation shaft of the water turbine 10 or the generator 20. Further, the rotation speed detector 52 may generate a rotation speed signal based on the frequency and / or voltage value of the electric power generated by the generator 20.

The control device 50 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as an arithmetic unit, a storage device, and input / output ports for inputting / outputting various signals (none of which are shown). The storage device includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) as a working memory and a storage (ROM (Read Only Memory), a rewritable non-volatile memory, etc.) for storage. The control device 50 receives signals from various devices connected to the input port (for example, the rotation speed detector 52 and various sensors), and based on the received signals, the control device 50 is connected to various devices (brake device 30). , Motor 120, DC / DC converter 42, DC / AC inverter 43, etc.). Various controls are executed by the CPU executing the program stored in the storage device. However, various controls are not limited to software processing, but can also be processed by dedicated hardware (electronic circuits).

The input device 51 is a device that receives an instruction from the user. The input device 51 is operated by the user and outputs a signal corresponding to the user's operation to the control device 50. The input device 51 may be various switches (slide switch or the like) or a touch panel display. The communication method between the control device 50 and the input device 51 may be wired or wireless.

During the power generation operation by the hydroelectric power generation device 100, the generator 20 generates power as the water turbine 10 rotates. The AC power (3-phase AC) generated by the generator 20 is output to the rectifying circuit 41 and converted into DC power by the rectifying circuit 41.

The DC / DC converter 42 performs predetermined power conversion (transformation, etc.) on the input power (DC power) from the rectifying circuit 41 according to the control signal from the control device 50, and converts the DC power after the power conversion into a DC / AC inverter. Output to 43. The magnitude of the electric power output from the DC / DC converter 42 is also controlled by the control device 50. The control device 50 can control the DC / DC converter 42 to limit the power supplied to the DC / AC inverter 43. The control device 50 may also stop the output of the DC / DC converter 42 so that power is not supplied to the DC / AC inverter 43. The smaller the power output from the DC / DC converter 42, the smaller the power generation load of the generator 20, and when the output of the DC / DC converter 42 is stopped, the generator 20 does not generate power.

The DC / AC inverter 43 is configured to convert input power (DC power) from the DC / DC converter 42 into AC power of a predetermined magnitude and frequency according to a control signal from the control device 50 and output the DC / AC inverter 43. .. The AC power output from the DC / AC inverter 43 corresponds to the output of the hydroelectric power generation device 100, and is supplied to, for example, a power system. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the output of the hydroelectric power generation device 100 may be supplied to a retail electric power company or may be used for storage.

By the way, when the hydroelectric power generation device 100 is used in an agricultural waterway or the like, foreign substances such as aquatic plants, branches, and string-shaped dust drifting from the upstream may be entangled with the water turbine 10 and cause a decrease in power generation amount. The foreign matter caught on the water turbine blade 11 is in a state of being pressed against the water turbine blade 11 by water pressure or the like due to the water flow. Such foreign matter does not easily come off from the turbine blade 11.

Therefore, in the hydroelectric power generation device 100 according to the present embodiment, the hydroelectric power generation module M is set to the first state during normal power generation, while the hydroelectric power generation module M is pulled up when foreign matter adheres to the turbine blade 11. The second state, in which the relative water surface position is lower than the first state, is set. In the second state, at least a part of the turbine blade 11 is above the water surface. When the turbine blade 11 is above the water surface, the turbine blade 11 does not receive water pressure from the water flow, so that foreign matter easily comes off from the turbine blade 11. Utilizing this fact, in the hydroelectric power generation device 100, the hydroelectric power generation module M is set to the second state and foreign matter adhering to the water turbine blade 11 is removed. Further, in the hydroelectric power generation device 100, after the foreign matter is removed in the second state, the hydroelectric power generation module M is pulled down to return to the first state. Hereinafter, the first state and the second state will be described in detail.

At the time of normal power generation, the control device 50 puts the hydroelectric power generation module M into the first state (hereinafter, also referred to as “normal power generation state”). In the normal power generation state, at least a part of the water turbine blade 11 exists in the water of the water channel 200, the water turbine blade 11 rotates under the force of water flowing through the water channel 200, and power is generated by the generator 20. More specifically, during normal power generation, the control device 50 controls the motor 120 and rotates so that the rotation axis Ra of the turbine 10 is parallel to the water flow direction Dw (that is, the turbine angle is set to 0 °). Adjust the rotation angle of the beam 110. As a result, the hydroelectric power generation module M is in the normal power generation state. The normal power generation state in the present embodiment is the state shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. That is, in the normal power generation state, the water surface Uw of the water channel 200 is located above the water wheel 10 (range P5 shown in FIG. 4), and the entire water wheel 10 exists in the water of the water wheel 200. In the normal power generation state, the DC / DC converter 42, the DC / AC inverter 43, and the like are controlled by the control device 50 so that the desired power is output from the hydroelectric power generation device 100. Further, in the normal power generation state, the brake device 30 does not brake so that the water turbine 10 rotates according to the flow velocity of the water channel 200. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the rotation speed of the generator 20 may be adjusted by the brake device 30 in order to increase the power generation efficiency.

When a predetermined pulling condition (for example, a condition satisfied when the amount of foreign matter adhering to the water turbine blade 11 exceeds the allowable range) is satisfied when the hydroelectric power generation module M is in the normal power generation state, the control device 50 controls the motor 120. Is controlled to bring the hydroelectric power generation module M into the second state (hereinafter, also referred to as “pulling state”). In the pulled-up state, at least a part of the turbine blade 11 is above the water surface Uw of the water channel 200, and the position of the water surface Uw of the water channel 200 with respect to the water turbine 10 is lower than the normal power generation state. The pulled-up state in the present embodiment is the state shown in FIG. 7. Further, FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the hydroelectric power generation device 100 in the state shown in FIG. 7. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 10, in the pulled-up state, the water surface Uw is located on the rotation axis of the turbine 10 (range P3 shown in FIG. 4).

The higher the position of the water surface Uw of the water channel 200 with respect to the water wheel 10, the larger the ratio (for example, volume ratio) of the water wheel blades 11 existing in the water. As the number of turbine blades 11 existing in the water increases, the force that the turbine 10 receives from the water flow increases, and the force that rotates the turbine 10 also increases. As the force for rotating the water turbine 10 increases, the amount of power generation increases. In the above-mentioned normal power generation state, the entire turbine blade 11 exists in the water of the water channel 200, and the water turbine blade 11 rotates under the force of the water flowing through the water channel 200. Therefore, it is possible to increase the amount of power generation in the normal power generation state.

On the other hand, the lower the position of the water surface Uw of the water channel 200 with respect to the water wheel 10, the larger the ratio (for example, volume ratio) of the water wheel blades 11 existing above the water surface Uw of the water channel 200. The turbine blade 11 existing above the water surface Uw is not subjected to water pressure from the water flow. Therefore, when the turbine blade 11 is above the water surface Uw, foreign matter is likely to come off from the turbine blade 11. In the hydroelectric power generation device 100 according to the present embodiment, when a predetermined pulling condition is satisfied when the hydroelectric power generation module M is in the normal power generation state, the hydroelectric power generation module M is brought into the pulling state. More specifically, the position of the water surface Uw of the water channel 200 with respect to the water turbine 10 is set to the position of the rotation axis of the water turbine 10 (range P3 shown in FIG. 4). In such a pulled-up state, each of the five turbine wings 11 included in the turbine 10 alternates between a state in which the entire wing is present in water and a state in which the entire wing is above the water surface Uw as the turbine 10 rotates. Repeat to. When the turbine blade 11 is present in water, the turbine blade 11 is supplied with a force for rotating the turbine 10 from the water stream. Further, when the turbine blade 11 is above the water surface Uw, foreign matter is removed from the turbine blade 11 by the force of rotation (centrifugal force or the like), gravity, or the like. According to the inventor's experiment, the foreign matter entangled in the turbine wing 11 is unwound by the rotation of the turbine 10, and when the turbine wing 11 is above the water surface Uw, it easily falls into the water from the root side of the turbine wing 11. .. At this time, by inclining the turbine 10 in the pulled-up state as shown in FIG. 7, foreign matter is easily removed from the turbine blade 11. The turbine angle θ in the pulled-up state is preferably 20 ° or more and 60 ° or less.

Hereinafter, the pull-up control and the pull-down control by the hydroelectric power generation device 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing pull-up control by the hydroelectric power generation device 100. The process shown in this flowchart is called from the main routine and repeatedly executed every predetermined time elapsed when the hydroelectric power generation module M is in the first state (see FIGS. 5 and 6). In FIG. 11, steps S11 to S13 (hereinafter, simply referred to as "S11" to "S13") are executed by the control device 50.

With reference to FIG. 11 together with FIG. 9, in S11, the control device 50 executes a predetermined control in the first state. The control in the first state can be arbitrarily set, but in the present embodiment, the control device 50 has the DC / DC converter 42 and DC so that the desired power is output from the hydroelectric power generation device 100 by the power generation by the generator 20. / Controls the AC inverter 43 and the like.

In S12, the control device 50 determines whether or not the predetermined pulling condition is satisfied. The pulling condition can be arbitrarily set, but in the present embodiment, when the amount of foreign matter adhering to the turbine blade 11 exceeds the allowable range when the hydroelectric power generation module M is in the first state, the pulling condition is satisfied. To do so. The amount of foreign matter allowed is arbitrary.

For example, when the hydraulic power generation module M is in the first state, the control device 50 monitors the rotational speed of the water turbine blade 11 by the rotation speed detector 52, and the amount of change in the rotation speed of the water turbine blade 11 per unit time ( Hereinafter, when the “speed fluctuation amount”) exceeds the threshold value, it is determined that the amount of foreign matter adhering to the turbine blade 11 exceeds the allowable range. When the amount of foreign matter adhering to the turbine wing 11 increases, the rotation speed of the turbine wing 11 decreases, so it can be determined whether or not the amount of foreign matter adhering to the turbine wing 11 exceeds the allowable range based on the above speed fluctuation amount. ..

The detection interval of the rotation speed of the water wheel blade 11 and the unit time of the speed fluctuation amount can be arbitrarily set, but in the present embodiment, the rotation speed of the water wheel blade 11 is detected every second, and the unit time of the speed fluctuation amount is set. 5 seconds. That is, when the amount of change in the rotational speed of the turbine blade 11 per 5 seconds exceeds the threshold value, it is determined that the amount of foreign matter adhering to the turbine blade 11 exceeds the allowable range. However, not limited to this, a plurality of types of speed fluctuations having different unit times (for example, speed fluctuations in which the unit time is 1 second, 5 seconds, 1 minute) are calculated, and all speed fluctuations are threshold values. It may be determined that the amount of foreign matter adhering to the water wheel blade 11 exceeds the permissible range only when the amount exceeds the permissible range.

It is desirable that the threshold value used for the above determination is set in consideration of the fluctuation of the flow velocity of the water channel 200 (FIG. 5). For example, in the present embodiment, the waterway 200 in which the hydroelectric power generation device 100 is installed is an agricultural waterway. The flow velocity of such a channel 200 pulsates due to natural fluctuation. When the flow velocity of the water channel 200 changes, the rotational speed of the water turbine blade 11 also changes. It is desirable to set an appropriate threshold value so that the speed fluctuation amount does not exceed the threshold value due to the flow velocity fluctuation of the water channel 200 even though the amount of foreign matter adhering to the water turbine blade 11 does not exceed the allowable range. The flow velocity fluctuation range of the waterway is generally determined for each waterway and can be obtained in advance by experiments or the like. In an example of an agricultural waterway, the flow velocity fluctuation range was about ± 4% of the average flow velocity. From the flow velocity fluctuation range of the water channel 200 obtained in advance by experiments or the like, it is possible to grasp the fluctuation range of the rotational speed of the water turbine blade 11 that may occur due to the flow velocity fluctuation. For example, when the rotation speed of the turbine wing 11 changes by a predetermined ratio (for example, 5%) or more with respect to the average rotation speed, it may be determined that the amount of foreign matter adhering to the turbine wing 11 exceeds the allowable range. good. Further, the flow velocity of the water channel 200 may be detected and the threshold value may be changed according to the detected flow velocity.

The method for determining whether or not the amount of foreign matter adhering to the turbine blade 11 exceeds the allowable range is not limited to the method based on the speed fluctuation amount. For example, whether or not the amount of foreign matter adhering to the turbine blade 11 exceeds the allowable range based on at least one of the rotational torque of the turbine 10 or the generator 20 and the current value of the electric power output from the generator 20. You may judge. The rotational torque can be detected, for example, by a torque meter (not shown). Further, an optical sensor (not shown) that detects foreign matter adhering to the water turbine blade 11 may be used to determine whether or not the amount of foreign matter adhering to the water turbine blade 11 exceeds the allowable range.

If the pulling condition is not satisfied (NO in S12), the process returns to S11. While it is determined in S12 that the pulling condition is not satisfied, the power generation control of S11 is continuously performed. On the other hand, when the pulling condition is satisfied (YES in S12), in S13, the control device 50 controls the motor 120 to rotate the rotary beam 110, so that the hydroelectric power generation module M is in the second state (FIG. 7 and FIG. 10). The water turbine angle θ in the second state is adjusted so that the water surface Uw of the water channel 200 is located on the rotation axis of the water turbine 10, and is 45 ° in one example. As a result, the hydroelectric power generation module M is no longer in the first state, and the pull-up control in FIG. 11 ends.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a lowering control by the hydroelectric power generation device 100. The process shown in this flowchart is called from the main routine every predetermined time elapsed when the hydroelectric power generation module M is in the second state, and is repeatedly executed. In FIG. 12, steps S21 to S23 (hereinafter, simply referred to as "S21" to "S23") are executed by the control device 50.

With reference to FIG. 12 with FIG. 9, in S21, the control device 50 executes a predetermined control in the second state. The control in the second state can be arbitrarily set, but in the present embodiment, the control device 50 controls the DC / DC converter 42 to make the electric power taken out from the hydroelectric power generation device 100 smaller than that in the first state. do. As a result, the power generation load of the generator 20 becomes smaller than that in the first state.

As described above, in the second state (see FIGS. 7 and 10), foreign matter is easily separated from the turbine blade 11 (that is, the turbine blade 11 that does not receive water pressure from the water flow) existing above the water surface Uw. .. Further, when the power generation load of the generator 20 becomes small, the turbine 10 tends to rotate, so that the rotation of the turbine 10 makes it easier for foreign matter to separate from the turbine blade 11. Therefore, by making the power generation load of the generator 20 in the second state smaller than that in the first state, it becomes possible to remove foreign matter more reliably (or in a short time).

In the present embodiment, in the second state, power is generated by the generator 20 with a power generation load smaller than that in the first state. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and in the second state, the control device 50 stops the output of the DC / DC converter 42 (and thus the output of the hydroelectric power generation device 100) to put the generator 20 in a state where there is no power generation load. May be good. By putting the generator 20 in a state where there is no power generation load, the power generation by the generator 20 is stopped. As a result, the momentum of rotation of the turbine 10 is increased, and the rotation of the turbine 10 makes it easier for foreign matter to separate from the turbine blade 11, so that the foreign matter can be removed more reliably (or in a short time).

In S22, the control device 50 determines whether or not the predetermined reduction condition is satisfied. The reduction condition can be arbitrarily set, but in the present embodiment, the reduction condition is satisfied when a predetermined time (hereinafter, also referred to as “holding time”) elapses after the hydroelectric power generation module M is in the second state. To. The holding time is set long enough to remove foreign matter from the turbine blade 11 and short enough not to excessively reduce the amount of power generation. The holding time is preferably set in consideration of the amount of foreign matter flowing in the water channel 200 (FIG. 10). For example, the amount of foreign matter washed ashore on the water turbine 10 per unit time may be determined in advance by an experiment or the like, and an appropriate holding time may be set. The holding time is preferably, for example, 5 seconds or more and 30 seconds or less. In this embodiment, the holding time is 10 seconds.

If the reduction condition is not satisfied (NO in S22), the process returns to S21. While it is determined in S22 that the reduction condition is not satisfied, the power generation restriction of S21 is continuously performed while the hydroelectric power generation module M is maintained in the second state. On the other hand, when the lowering condition is satisfied (YES in S22), in S23, the control device 50 controls the motor 120 to rotate the rotary beam 110, so that the hydroelectric power generation module M is in the first state (FIG. 5 and FIG. 6). As a result, the hydroelectric power generation module M is no longer in the second state, and the lowering control of FIG. 12 ends. Then, the pulling control of FIG. 11 is started.

As described above, in the hydroelectric power generation device 100 according to the present embodiment, when the predetermined pulling condition is satisfied when the hydroelectric power generation module M is in the first state (YES in S12 of FIG. 11), the hydraulic power After putting the power generation module M in the second state (S13 in FIG. 11) and removing the deposits (foreign matter) on the water turbine blade 11 in the pulled-up state (S21 and S22 in FIG. 12), the hydroelectric power generation module M is again. Is returned to the first state (S23 in FIG. 12). By appropriately removing the foreign matter in the second state (pulled up state), the decrease in the power generation capacity of the hydroelectric power generation device 100 due to the foreign matter is suppressed. Further, since the foreign matter is removed every time the pulling condition is satisfied, the hydroelectric power generation device 100 can maintain a high power generation capacity for a long period of time. As described above, in the hydroelectric power generation device 100, it is possible to easily perform a process for suppressing a decrease in power generation capacity due to a foreign substance flowing through the water channel 200. Further, since the above method does not require a large-scale dust removal equipment, foreign matter can be removed at low cost.

In the above embodiment, when a predetermined power generation stop condition is satisfied, the control device 50 stops the above-mentioned pull-up control and pull-down control (and by extension, power generation by the generator 20), and controls the motor 120 to control the rotary beam. The hydroelectric power generation module M may be configured to be in the state shown in FIG. 8 by pulling up the turbine 10 from the water channel 200 by rotating the 110. Then, the control device 50 may be configured to restart the above-mentioned pull-up control and pull-down control (and by extension, power generation by the generator 20) when a predetermined power generation restart condition is satisfied. For example, the power generation stop condition may be satisfied under predetermined weather conditions (for example, when at least one of precipitation, snow cover, and wind speed exceeds an allowable range). Further, the power generation restart condition may be satisfied when a predetermined time elapses after the power generation stop condition is no longer satisfied.

In the above embodiment, the pulling condition (S12 in FIG. 11) can be arbitrarily changed. For example, when a predetermined time (hereinafter, also referred to as “power generation time”) elapses after the hydroelectric power generation module M is in the first state, the pulling condition may be satisfied. By doing so, the foreign matter in the second state (pulled up state) will be removed periodically. The power generation time is preferably, for example, 30 minutes or more and 3 hours or less, and in one example, it is 1 hour.

In the above embodiment, the reduction condition (S22 in FIG. 12) can be arbitrarily changed. For example, when the amount of foreign matter adhering to the turbine blade 11 is within the permissible range, the lowering condition may be satisfied. Whether or not the amount of foreign matter adhering to the water turbine blade 11 is within the allowable range can be determined based on the rotational speed of the water turbine blade 11 and the like.

In the above embodiment, the predetermined control (S21 in FIG. 12) in the second state may be variable depending on the situation. For example, depending on the supply destination of the electric power generated by the hydroelectric power generation device 100, it may not be preferable to limit the power generation in the hydroelectric power generation device 100 (that is, reduce the power generation load). Therefore, the user may be able to set the permission or disapproval of the power generation restriction in the control device 50 through the input device 51 so that the user can select whether or not to restrict the power generation for each situation. Then, the control device 50 may perform the pull-down control of FIG. 13 described below.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a first modification of the pull-down control by the hydroelectric power generation device 100. The pull-down control of FIG. 13 is the same as the pull-down control of FIG. 12 except that steps S101 to S103 (hereinafter, simply referred to as “S101” to “S103”) are adopted instead of S21 of FIG. Therefore, only S101 to S103 will be described below.

With reference to FIG. 13 together with FIG. 9, in S101, the control device 50 determines whether or not power generation restriction is permitted. For example, a power generation limit permission flag may be prepared in the storage device of the control device 50, and it may be determined whether or not the power generation limit is permitted based on the value of the flag (0: prohibition, 1: permission). ..

When the power generation restriction is permitted (YES in S101), the control device 50 executes the power generation restriction in S102. The control device 50 makes the power generation load of the generator 20 smaller than that in the first state, for example, in the same manner as in S21 of FIG. 12 described above. The control device 50 may generate power in a state where the power generation load is small, or may stop power generation.

When the power generation restriction is not permitted (NO in S101), in S103, the control device 50 generates power under the same conditions as in the first state (see S11 in FIG. 11 described above).

As described above, in the lowering control of FIG. 13, it is determined whether or not the power generation restriction is permitted, and the power generation restriction is performed only when the power generation restriction is permitted. As a result, it is possible to secure the required amount of power generation for each situation and remove foreign substances at the same time.

In the above embodiment, the removal of foreign matter is promoted by limiting the power generation in the second state (S21 in FIG. 12). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other methods may be used to promote the removal of foreign matter in the second state. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a second modification of the pull-down control by the hydroelectric power generation device 100.

With reference to FIG. 9 and FIG. 14, in this lowering control, as a predetermined control in the second state, steps S111 to S115 (hereinafter, simply referred to as “S111” to “S115”) are referred to instead of S21 in FIG. ) Is executed. When the hydroelectric power generation module M is in the first state, a predetermined pulling condition is satisfied, and the process of S13 in FIG. 11 causes the hydroelectric power generation module M to be in the first state to the second state (see FIGS. 7 and 10). ), The processing of S111 is executed. The counter used below is stored in, for example, a storage device of the control device 50, and the initial value of the counter is 0.

In S111, the control device 50 controls the brake device 30 to apply a braking force to the rotation of the generator 20 (and by extension, the rotation of the turbine blade 11). As a result, a braking force is applied to the rotation of the turbine blade 11 (hereinafter, also referred to as a “brake-on state”). In the brake-on state, the turbine blade 11 rotates while the braking force is applied by the brake device 30. After that, the control device 50 waits for a predetermined time (hereinafter, also referred to as “braking time”) while the brake is on (S112). The braking time is preferably, for example, 1 second or more and 30 seconds or less, and in one example, it is 3 seconds.

When the braking time elapses after the brake is turned on, the control device 50 stops the braking operation by the brake device 30 in S113, and the rotation axis of the generator 20 (and by extension, the rotation axis of the water turbine blade 11) is released. (Hereinafter, also referred to as "brake-off state"). In the brake-off state, the turbine blade 11 rotates in a state where the braking force is not applied by the brake device 30. After that, the control device 50 waits for a predetermined time (hereinafter, also referred to as “release time”) while the brake is off (S114). The release time is preferably, for example, 1 second or more and 30 seconds or less, and in one example, 3 seconds.

When the release time elapses from the brake-off state, the control device 50 increments the counter in S115, and the counter value reaches a predetermined threshold value Th (hereinafter, also referred to as “braking count”) in step S120. Determine if you did. This judgment corresponds to a judgment as to whether or not the reduction condition is satisfied. The number of brakings can be set arbitrarily, but in one example, the number of brakings is set to three.

If the counter value does not reach the threshold value Th (NO in S120), it is determined that the reduction condition is not satisfied, and the process returns to S111. While it is determined in S120 that the counter value has not reached the threshold value Th, the processes of S111 to S115 are repeated. On the other hand, when the counter value reaches the threshold value Th (YES in S120), it is determined that the lowering condition is satisfied, and in S23, the control device 50 controls the motor 120 to rotate the rotary beam 110. This puts the hydroelectric power generation module M in the first state. As a result, the hydroelectric power generation module M is no longer in the second state, and the lowering control of FIG. 14 ends.

As described above, in the pull-down control of FIG. 14, when the hydroelectric power generation module M is in the second state, the control device 50 controls the brake device 30, and the braking force is applied by the brake device 30. The braking rotation that rotates the turbine blade 11 and the non-braking rotation that rotates the turbine blade 11 in a state where the braking force is not applied by the braking device 30 are alternately repeated until the lowering condition is satisfied. In the second state, the rotation of the turbine blade 11 repeats deceleration and acceleration by intermittently applying a braking force (brake on) to the rotation of the turbine blade 11 and repeating the increase / decrease of the braking force. .. This makes it easier for foreign matter to separate from the turbine blade 11, and it becomes possible to remove the foreign matter more reliably (or in a short time). It is desirable that the braking time and the release time are set in consideration of the time required for acceleration / deceleration of the rotation of the turbine blade 11.

The processes of S111 to S115 in FIG. 14 may be performed in a state where power generation is restricted (that is, a state in which the power generation load of the generator 20 is smaller than the first state). When power generation is restricted in S111 to S115, the control device 50 may generate power in a state where the power generation load is small, or may stop power generation.

The first state (normal power generation state) and the second state (pulling state) are not limited to the states shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, respectively. For example, the first state may be the state shown in FIG. 6 or 7, and the second state may be the state shown in FIG. In the state shown in FIG. 8, since the water surface Uw is located in the range P1 shown in FIG. 4, the relative water surface position is lower than the state shown in each of FIGS. 6 and 7.

In the state shown in FIG. 8, all of the turbine blades 11 are above the water surface Uw of the water channel, and each turbine blade 11 is not affected by the force of water flowing through the water channel. However, when the state shown in FIG. 8 is adopted as the second state, in the state before pulling up (the state shown in FIG. 6 or FIG. 7), the turbine blade 11 is rotated by the force of the water flowing through the water channel. Therefore, even in the state after pulling up (the state shown in FIG. 8), the turbine blade 11 rotates due to inertia. Even in such a second state (state shown in FIG. 8), since the turbine blade 11 does not receive water pressure from the water flow, foreign matter is likely to come off from the turbine blade 11.

In the second state, the water turbine blade 11 may be vibrated to promote the removal of foreign matter. FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining such a modification.

With reference to FIG. 15, in this example, the state shown in FIG. 8 is adopted as the second state. Then, in S21 of FIG. 12, the control device 50 controls the motor 120 to vibrate the turbine blade 11 by alternately repeating forward rotation and reverse rotation of the rotary beam 110 at a predetermined rotation amount. By appropriately vibrating the water turbine blade 11, the removal of foreign matter can be promoted. Even when the state shown in FIG. 7 is adopted as the second state, the removal of foreign matter can be promoted by appropriately vibrating the water turbine blade 11 in the second state.

The actuator for rotating the rotary beam 110 is not limited to the motor 120, and may be any actuator, for example, an actuator using an air cylinder or the like. Further, the drive unit that moves the hydroelectric power generation module M so as to be in the first state and the second state is not limited to the drive unit (rotary beam 110, motor 120, etc.) that rotates the hydroelectric power generation module M, and is in the vertical direction. It may be a drive unit (for example, a hoisting crane device) that raises and lowers the hydroelectric power generation module M. By raising and lowering the hydroelectric power generation module M (water turbine 10 or the like), the relative water surface position (position of the water surface of the water channel with respect to the water turbine 10) can be changed.

The hydroelectric power generation device to which the above-mentioned control is applied is not limited to a small hydroelectric power generation device that generates hydroelectric power of 1000 kW or less, and may be a hydroelectric power generation device having a larger power generation output. Further, the above-mentioned control may be applied to a power generation system that performs marine current power generation, tidal power generation, or wave power generation that converts the kinetic energy of running water into electric power. FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining an underwater floating ocean current power generation system according to a modified example of the above embodiment.

With reference to FIG. 16, this power generation system includes an anchor 310 installed on the bottom Bw (seabed), a mooring line 320 attached to the anchor 310, and an underwater power generation device 300.

The underwater power generation device 300 includes a water turbine 10A and a power generation unit 301. The turbine 10A includes a turbine blade 11A, a boss portion 12A, and a rotary shaft 13A. The power generation unit 301 includes a generator 20A, buoyancy compensators 302 and 303, and a control device 50A. The power generation unit 301 is fixed (moored) to the seabed by being connected to the anchor 310 via a mooring line 320. The rotating shaft of the generator 20A is connected to the rotating shaft 13A of the water turbine 10A. The water turbine blade 11A rotates under the force of water (seawater) flowing in the water flow direction Dw, so that power is generated by the generator 20A. The electric power generated by the generator 20A may be supplied to an electric power system or a retail electric power company through an electric power line (submarine cable or the like) (not shown), or stored in a power storage device (not shown) in the power generation unit 301. May be good. Further, a power conversion device (rectifier circuit, DC / DC converter, DC / AC inverter, etc.) (not shown) may be provided in the power generation unit 301 to perform predetermined power conversion to the output of the generator 20A.

The control device 50A is configured to control the buoyancy compensators 302, 303 and the like. The buoyancy compensators 302 and 303 function as a drive unit for moving the hydroelectric power generation modules (water turbine 10A and generator 20A) so as to be in the first state and the second state. The buoyancy adjusting devices 302 and 303 are configured to adjust the buoyancy of the underwater power generation device 300 by injecting / discharging ballast water according to a control signal from the control device 50A.

The control device 50A controls the buoyancy compensators 302 and 303 and injects ballast water into the buoyancy compensators 302 and 303 to reduce the buoyancy of the underwater power generation device 300 and submerge the submersible power generation device 300. .. For example, the state in which the entire underwater power generation device 300 shown in FIG. 16 exists in water (underwater) can be set as the first state (normal power generation state).

When the predetermined pulling condition is satisfied when the underwater power generation device 300 (and by extension, the hydroelectric power generation module) is in the first state, the control device 50A controls the buoyancy adjusting devices 302 and 303 to control the buoyancy. By discharging the ballast water from the adjusting devices 302 and 303, the buoyancy of the underwater power generation device 300 can be increased and the underwater power generation device 300 can be levitated. By such control, the underwater power generation device 300 (and by extension, the hydroelectric power generation module) can be changed from the first state to the second state (pulled state). For example, the state shown by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 16 can be set as the second state. In the state shown by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 16, the water surface Uw with respect to the water turbine 10A is located on the rotation axis of the water turbine 10A.

As described above, even in the underwater floating ocean current power generation system, it is possible to put the hydroelectric power generation module into the first state and the second state, and by performing the above-mentioned pull-up control and pull-down control, the waterway (sea) It is possible to easily perform a process for suppressing a decrease in power generation capacity due to foreign matter flowing through the water at low cost. In the above-mentioned underwater floating ocean current power generation system, a sinker may be used instead of the anchor. Further, the number and arrangement of buoyancy compensators can be arbitrarily changed.

The type of turbine is not limited to the horizontal axis type propeller turbine and can be changed arbitrarily. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a modified example of a hydroelectric power generation module using a vertical axis type water turbine. With reference to FIG. 17, this hydroelectric module comprises a vertical axis turbine 10B. The turbine 10B includes a turbine blade 11B and a rotary shaft 13B (rotary shaft of the turbine 10B) connected to the turbine blade 11B. The turbine blade 11B is a straight blade type and has a shape in which the upper and lower tips of the blade are bent toward the axis of rotation. Such a turbine blade 11B is rotated by a water flow in the Y-axis direction. When the turbine blade 11B rotates, the rotating shaft (located in the support column 21B) of the generator 20B connected to the rotating shaft 13B via the gearbox 22B rotates, and power is generated by the generator 20B.

By attaching the hydroelectric power generation module as described above to the above-mentioned drive unit (rotary beam 110, motor 120, pedestal 23, etc.), the hydroelectric power generation module is brought into the first state and the second state by the rotational operation of the rotary beam 110. Can be. Even in such a hydroelectric power generation device, by performing the above-mentioned pull-up control and pull-down control, it becomes possible to easily perform a process for suppressing a decrease in power generation capacity due to foreign matter flowing in a water channel at low cost.

The above-mentioned various modifications may be carried out in combination. Further, the configurations shown in the above-described embodiments and modifications can be changed as appropriate. For example, when the necessary settings for the control device 50 are completed, the input device 51 may be omitted. For example, when the brake device 30 is not used in the pull-up control and the pull-down control, the brake device 30 may be omitted.

The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered to be exemplary and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is shown by the scope of claims rather than the description of the embodiments described above, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims.

10,10A, 10B water turbine, 11,11A, 11B water turbine blade, 12,12A boss part, 13,13A, 13B rotary shaft, 20,20A, 20B generator, 21,21B prop, 22,22B gearbox, 23 mounts , 24,143 pedestal, 25,141,142 support member, 30 brake device, 41 rectifier circuit, 42 DC / DC converter, 43 DC / AC inverter, 50, 50A control device, 51 input device, 52 rotation speed detector, 100 hydraulic power generator, 110 rotary beam, 111,112 bearing, 120 motor, 130 coupling, 151,152 fixture, 153 fixed beam, 200 water channel, 201,202 edge, 231,232 pedestal member, 300 underwater power generator , 301 power generation unit, 302,303 buoyancy regulator, 310 anchor, 320 mooring line.

Claims (9)

A hydroelectric power generation module including a water turbine equipped with a water turbine wing that rotates by using the power of water flowing through a water channel, and a generator that generates power by using the rotational power of the water wheel wing.
A drive unit that moves the hydroelectric power generation module so as to be in the first state and the second state,
A control device for controlling the drive unit is provided.
The turbine is a propeller turbine configured by mounting a plurality of turbine blades around a rotating shaft.
The first state is a state in which at least a part of the water turbine blade is present in the water of the water channel, the water turbine blade is rotated by the force of water flowing through the water channel, and power is generated by the generator. can be,
The second state is a state in which at least a part of the water turbine blade is above the water surface of the water channel and the position of the water surface of the water channel with respect to the water turbine is lower than that of the first state.
The control device is configured to put the hydroelectric module into the second state when a predetermined pulling condition is satisfied when the hydroelectric module is in the first state.
If the amount of foreign matter adhering to the water turbine blade exceeds the permissible range while the hydroelectric power generation module is in the first state, the pulling condition is satisfied.
A hydroelectric power generation device in which the angle between the rotation axis of the water turbine and the water flow direction of the water channel in the second state is 20 ° or more and 60 ° or less . The control device monitors the rotation speed of the water turbine blade when the hydroelectric power generation module is in the first state, and when the amount of change in the rotation speed of the water turbine blade per unit time exceeds the threshold value. The hydroelectric power generation device according to claim 1 , wherein it is determined that the amount of foreign matter adhering to the water turbine blade exceeds the permissible range. Further equipped with a braking device that applies a braking force to the rotation of the turbine blades,
The control device is configured to control the braking device.
When the predetermined pulling condition is satisfied when the hydroelectric power generation module is in the first state, the control device puts the hydroelectric power generation module into the second state and the braking force is generated by the braking device. According to claim 1 or 2 , braking rotation for rotating the water turbine blade in a given state and non-braking rotation for rotating the water turbine blade in a state where the braking force is not applied by the braking device are alternately repeated. The described hydroelectric power generator. The hydroelectric power generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein when the hydroelectric power generation module is in the second state, the power generation load of the generator is made smaller than that of the first state. The first state is a state in which all of the turbine blades are present in the water of the water channel and the water turbine blades rotate under the force of water flowing through the water channel.
The angle between the rotation axis of the water turbine and the water flow direction of the water channel in the first state is 0 °.
The second state is a state in which a part of the water turbine blade exists in the water of the water channel and the water wheel blade rotates under the force of water flowing through the water channel.
The water surface of the water channel in the second state is located on the rotation axis of the propeller turbine.
3 . Hydroelectric power generation device described in. The drive unit
With a rotating beam,
The actuator that rotates the rotating beam and
The hydroelectric power generation module and the support base fixed to the rotary beam in a state of supporting the hydroelectric power generation module so as to rotate together with the rotary beam are included.
The hydroelectric power generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the control device controls the actuator. A power generation system that performs marine current power generation, tidal power generation, or wave power generation that converts the kinetic energy of running water into electric power by using the hydroelectric power generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 . A hydroelectric power generation module including a water turbine equipped with a water turbine wing that rotates by using the power of water flowing through a water channel, and a generator that generates power by using the rotational power of the water wheel wing.
A drive unit that moves the hydroelectric power generation module so as to be in the first state and the second state,
A control device for controlling the drive unit is provided.
The turbine is a propeller turbine configured by mounting a plurality of turbine blades around a rotating shaft.
The first state is a state in which at least a part of the water turbine blade is present in the water of the water channel, the water turbine blade is rotated by the force of water flowing through the water channel, and power is generated by the generator. can be,
The second state is a state in which the position of the water surface of the water channel with respect to the water turbine is lower than that of the first state.
The control device is configured to put the hydroelectric module into the second state when a predetermined pulling condition is satisfied when the hydroelectric module is in the first state.
If the amount of foreign matter adhering to the water turbine blade exceeds the permissible range while the hydroelectric power generation module is in the first state, the pulling condition is satisfied.
The angle between the rotation axis of the water turbine and the water flow direction of the water channel in the first state is 20 ° or more and 60 ° or less.
In the second state, the hydroelectric power generation device in which all of the turbine blades are above the water surface of the water channel . The hydroelectric power generation device according to claim 8, wherein the control device controls the drive unit so as to vibrate the water turbine blade in the second state.

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