JP7208034B2 - Blade inspection system for wind power generators, wind power generation systems, remote integrated monitoring systems for wind farms - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a blade inspection system for a wind power generator, a wind power generation system using the same, and a remote integrated monitoring system for a wind farm.

As the size of wind turbine generators increases, damage from lightning strikes to the wind turbine generators is occurring frequently. In particular, there are many reports of lightning strikes on blades that pass through the highest point, and countermeasures are necessary. For example, technologies described in the following patent documents have been proposed as technologies related to lightning strike countermeasures for blades.

In Patent Document 1, a receptor (blade tip member) is installed at or near the tip of the blade body, and a down conductor (lightning conductor) connected to this receptor is wired inside the blade body, so that the blade body A technique has been disclosed that can effectively prevent lightning strike damage.

Further, Patent Document 2 discloses that a lightning sensor for detecting or predicting the occurrence of lightning is provided, and based on the output signal of the lightning sensor, the operation mode of the wind turbine generator is set to a lightning protection mode in which the rotor rotation speed is lower than the rated rotation speed. A technique is disclosed that can reduce damage to blades when lightning strikes by switching to .

In addition, in Patent Document 3, a video camera (imaging device) and a current sensor for acquiring lightning stroke parameters are provided, and when the output of the current sensor exceeds a preset threshold, images are taken in the period before and after that. A technique is disclosed that can estimate the damage state of a blade by transmitting imaging data to an external terminal.

JP 2005-113735 A JP 2018-127986 A WO2014/024303

Anna Candela Garolera, et.al., “Lightning Damage to Wind Turbine Blades From Wind Farms in the U.S.”, IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery, Vol.31, No.3, pp.1043-1049, June 2016.

The method described in Patent Document 1 can be expected to reduce the probability of a lightning strike to the blade body by inducing lightning to the receptor. , There have been a series of cases of blade damage. Therefore, the wind power generation operator installs a lightning strike detection device, stops the operation of the wind power generation device when a lightning strike to the wind power generation device is detected, and dispatches a person in charge to the site to visually inspect the blades. are taking steps. However, according to this method, the operation of the wind power generator must be stopped even though power can be generated, which deteriorates the facility utilization rate.

Further, the method described in Patent Document 2 is to stop the operation of the wind power generator or reduce the rotor rotation speed before a lightning strike to the blades occurs. A power generation opportunity is lost regardless of whether or not a lightning strike strikes the wind power generator, and lightning strikes to the blades cannot be completely avoided.

Further, in the method described in Patent Document 3, since it is difficult to predict in advance the lightning strike position on the blade, most of the blade must be photographed by the video camera. A lightning strike is as small as about 1 cm, and it is difficult to find a lightning strike of about 1 cm from an image or video taken of most of the blade and estimate whether it is damage that requires repair.

As described above, the techniques described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 have not yet realized effective countermeasures against lightning strikes to the blades of the wind turbine generator.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a blade inspection system for a wind turbine generator capable of shortening the shutdown time of the wind turbine generator due to blade abnormalities such as lightning strikes and accurately estimating the damage status of the blades, and The object of the present invention is to provide a remote integrated monitoring system for a wind power generation system and a wind farm using it.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides an abnormality detection means for outputting an abnormality detection signal when an abnormality of a blade is detected, a photographing means for photographing the blade, an information processing means for processing the abnormality detection signal, and the monitoring means for monitoring the blade based on output data of the information processing means, wherein the information processing means comprises a data transmitting/receiving section for transmitting/receiving data between the abnormality detecting means and the monitoring means; and the photographing means. and a photographing necessity judgment unit for judging whether or not photographing of the blade is necessary, the monitoring means has a display unit for displaying the photographing data, and the When the data transmitting/receiving unit receives an abnormality detection signal and the photographing necessity determination unit determines that the photographing is necessary, the photographing means starts photographing the blade .

Further, the present invention includes a rotor having a plurality of blades and rotating in response to the wind, a nacelle containing a generator for generating electricity using the rotational energy of the rotor, and an abnormality detection signal when an abnormality is detected in the blades. an abnormality detection means for outputting an image, an imaging means for imaging the blade, an information processing means for processing the abnormality detection signal, and a monitoring means for monitoring the blade based on the output data of the information processing means; The information processing means includes a data transmitting/receiving section for transmitting/receiving data between the abnormality detecting means and the monitoring means, a photographed data holding section for holding the photographed data of the photographing means, and a judgment as to whether or not photographing of the blade is necessary. a photographing necessity determination unit, wherein the monitoring unit has a display unit for displaying the photographing data, the data transmission/reception unit receives an abnormality detection signal, and the photographing necessity determination unit determines that photographing is necessary. When the determination is made, the photographing means is characterized in that it starts photographing the blade .

The present invention also provides a remote integrated monitoring system for a wind farm comprising a plurality of blade inspection systems and integrated monitoring means, wherein the blade inspection system includes an abnormality detection means for outputting an abnormality detection signal when an abnormality is detected in a blade. and a photographing means for photographing the blade;
information processing means for processing the abnormality detection signal, the information processing means comprising a data transmission/reception section for transmitting and receiving data between the abnormality detection means and the integrated monitoring means; and a photographing necessity determination unit for determining whether or not photographing of the blade is necessary. The integrated monitoring means displays the photographing data and position information at which the photographing data was photographed, respectively. When the data transmission/reception unit receives an abnormality detection signal and the photographing necessity judgment unit judges that photographing is necessary, the photographing means starts photographing the blade. .

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, a blade inspection system for a wind power generator capable of shortening the shutdown time of the wind power generator due to blade abnormalities such as lightning strikes and accurately estimating the damage status of the blades, and the same. It is possible to provide a wind power generation system and a remote integrated monitoring system for wind farms.

Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will be clarified by the following description of the embodiments.

1 is an overall schematic configuration diagram of a blade inspection system and a wind power generation system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing functions of a blade inspection system according to Example 1 of the present invention; FIG. It is a figure which shows the function of the monitoring means of the blade inspection system which concerns on Example 1 of this invention. FIG. 2 is an overall schematic configuration diagram of a blade inspection system and a wind power generation system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention; FIG. 5 is a diagram showing Modification 1 of the blade inspection system and the wind power generation system shown in FIG. 4 ; FIG. 5 is a diagram showing Modification 2 of the blade inspection system and the wind power generation system shown in FIG. 4 ; FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a modification 3 of the blade inspection system and the wind power generation system shown in FIG. 4; FIG. 5 is a diagram showing Modification 4 of the blade inspection system and the wind power generation system shown in FIG. 4 ; FIG. 5 is a diagram showing Modified Example 5 of the blade inspection system and the wind power generation system shown in FIG. 4 ; FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a modification 6 of the blade inspection system and the wind power generation system shown in FIG. 4; FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a modification 7 of the blade inspection system and the wind power generation system shown in FIG. 4; FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing functions of a blade inspection system according to Example 3 of the present invention; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the functions of the monitoring means of the blade inspection system according to Example 3 of the present invention; It is a flow chart which shows a blade inspection method concerning Example 4 of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a modification of the blade inspection method shown in FIG. 14; FIG. 11 is an overall schematic configuration diagram of a blade inspection system and a remote integrated monitoring system according to Example 5 of the present invention; It is a figure which shows the function of the integrated monitoring means of the remote integrated monitoring system based on Example 5 of this invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, in each drawing, the same configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions of overlapping portions are omitted.

≪Basic configuration≫
A blade inspection system and a blade inspection method according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. FIG. 1 is an overall schematic configuration diagram of a blade inspection system and a wind power generation system of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the wind power generation system 50 includes a foundation 5 installed on the ground or on the sea, a tower 4 installed on the foundation 5, a nacelle 3 attached to the top of the tower 4, and the nacelle 3. It has a rotatable rotor consisting of a hub 2 attached to an internal main shaft (not shown) and a plurality of blades 1 attached to the hub 2 .

A generator (not shown) is connected to the main shaft via a gearbox (not shown), and is configured so that the rotational force (rotation) of the rotor is transmitted to the generator via the gearbox. there is When the blades 1 receive the wind, the rotor rotates, and the rotational force of the rotor rotates the generator to generate electric power. The blade 1 includes a fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) skin (hereinafter sometimes referred to as an outer surface) and a main girder (not shown) arranged inside the skin.

Although not shown, a wind direction and wind sensor for measuring wind direction and wind speed is installed on the nacelle 3. In the generator (not shown), a rotation speed sensor for detecting rotation speed, a power generation A power sensor that measures the active power output by the machine is also installed.

The wind power generation system 50 includes a pitch angle adjusting device (not shown) for adjusting the angle (pitch angle) of each blade 1 with respect to the wind. The pitch angle adjusting device is configured to adjust the wind force (air volume) received by the blades 1 by changing the pitch angle of the blades 1, thereby changing the rotational energy of the rotor against the wind. As a result, it is possible to control the rotation speed and the generated power in a wide wind speed range.

The orientation of the nacelle 3 is called a yaw angle, and the wind power generation system 50 includes a yaw angle adjusting device (not shown) that controls the orientation of the nacelle 3, that is, the orientation of the plane of rotation of the rotor.

The wind power generation system 50 includes a blade inspection system 51 in addition to the configuration described above. The blade inspection system 51 includes at least lightning strike detection means 12 and photographing means 13 .

The lightning strike detection means 12 is installed near the base of the tower 4 . This makes it easier to approach and install the lightning strike detection means 12 . The photographing means 13 is installed on the foundation 5 . By doing so, it becomes easy to approach and install the photographing means 13 . The photographing means 13 may be installed on a support 10 installed on the foundation 5 . By using the support 10, the installation of the photographing means 13 is further facilitated, and the photographing means 13 can be installed at a position closer to the blade 1, so that clearer images or moving images can be photographed. The photographing means 13 is preferably housed in a metal housing (storage box). By doing so, it is possible to protect the photographing means 13 from electromagnetic pulses accompanying a lightning strike.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the functions of the blade inspection system 51. As shown in FIG. The blade inspection system 51 includes information processing means 14 and monitoring means 15 in addition to lightning strike detection means 12 and photographing means 13 . The information processing means 14 includes at least a data bus 20 , a data transmission/reception section 21 , a reference data holding section 22 , an imaging data holding section 23 , and an imaging necessity determination section 24 .

The information processing means 14 is composed of, for example, a computer or a microcomputer, and has a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, an interface, and the like. A software program is stored in this memory. The data transmission/reception unit 21 includes either or all of an analog input/output port and a digital input/output port.

The lightning strike detection means 12 outputs an abnormality detection signal when lightning is detected. When the data transmitting/receiving unit 21 receives the abnormality detection signal, the imaging necessity determination unit 24 determines that imaging is necessary, and the imaging means 13 performs (starts) imaging of the blade. The reference data holding unit 22 holds the reference data of the normal blade. Here, "normal time" refers to an arbitrary point in time before the abnormality detection signal is output.

The photographed data captured by the photographing means 13 is held in the photographed data holding unit 23 . The reference data and the photographed data respectively held in the reference data holding unit 22 and the photographed data holding unit 23 are transmitted from the data transmitting/receiving unit 21 to the monitoring means 15 .

FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the functions of the monitoring means 15 of this embodiment. The monitoring means 15 has at least a blade status display section 16 . The blade status display unit 16 displays at least the imaging data 32 . The monitoring means 15 is installed at a position geographically separated from the wind power generation system 50 . The monitoring means 15 has a wired and/or wireless communication function, and transmits/receives data to/from other functions constituting the blade inspection system 51 via this communication function.

By configuring the monitoring means 15 in this way, the person in charge can visually confirm the state of the blade 1 after being hit by lightning through the monitoring means 15 . For example, if there is a lightning strike mark 6 in the photographed data 32, the person in charge can determine that there is an abnormality. Moreover, the person in charge does not need to go to the place where the wind power generation system 50 is installed for inspection. As a result, the shutdown time of the wind power generator can be shortened, and the facility utilization rate can be improved.

More preferably, the blade status display unit 16 displays the reference data 31 together with the imaging data 32 . By doing so, the person in charge can visually compare the state of the blade 1 before the lightning strike and the state of the blade 1 after the lightning strike. For example, if there is no noticeable difference between the reference data 31 and the photographed data 32, the person in charge can determine that there is no abnormality. , the person in charge can determine that there is an abnormality. This allows the person in charge to more accurately determine the presence or absence of an abnormality.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the blade inspection system for a wind turbine generator can shorten the operation stop time of the wind turbine generator due to a blade abnormality caused by a lightning strike and accurately estimate the damage condition of the blade. , and a wind power generation system using the same.

In the above description, a lightning strike is used as an example of a blade abnormality, but blade abnormalities other than lightning strikes can also be dealt with. For example, the above-described lightning strike detection means can be replaced with vibration detection means, strain detection means, noise detection means, temperature detection means, etc., thereby detecting blade overvibration, overstrain, increased noise, and increased temperature. Even when an abnormality occurs, it is possible to suppress the extension of the shutdown time of the wind power generator and to accurately estimate the damage condition of the blades.

≪Installation position and specifications of lightning detection means and photography means≫
A blade inspection system and a blade inspection method according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 11. FIG. FIG. 4 is an overall schematic configuration diagram of the blade inspection system and the wind power generation system of this embodiment. Components similar to those of the first embodiment (FIG. 1) are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted below.

In this embodiment, the photographing means 13 is installed on the tower 4 using the support 10 . More specifically, the support 10 is installed on the outer surface of the tower 4 so as to protrude from the tower 4 , and the photographing means 13 is installed on the support 10 . By doing so, the photographing means 13 can be installed at a position closer to the tip of the blade 1 than the photographing means 13 is installed on the foundation 5 . Moreover, since the photographing means 13 can be placed on the support 10 and fixed, the installation is easy. This method is particularly suitable for a high tower type wind power generation system in which the longitudinal length of the tower 4 is designed to be long for the purpose of collecting high-altitude wind with good wind speed.

The lightning strike detection means 12 may be composed of a Rogowski coil or a current transformer (CT) capable of detecting current in a wide frequency band. The lightning current contains high-frequency components, and the lightning current can be detected with high precision by configuring the lightning detection means 12 with a Rogowski coil or a CT. As a result, the instantaneous value data of the lightning current can be obtained with high accuracy.

Note that the lightning strike detection means 12 may be composed of a magnetic field coil. Although the frequency band of the magnetic field coil is inferior to that of the Rogowski coil, the lightning strike detection means 12 can be constructed at a lower cost than the Rogowski coil.

It is preferable that the photographing means 13 includes at least the tip of the blade 1 and has a photographable range from the tip to the root. More preferably, the photographing means 13 has a zoom function, and it is preferable to zoom and photograph a range of 10 m from the tip of the blade 1 to the longitudinal direction of the blade 1 .

Non-Patent Document 1 discloses the results of observation of lightning strikes for about five years on a wind farm in which 508 wind power generators are installed. As a result of lightning observation, it is disclosed that 301 out of 304 cases of lightning damage occurred within a range of 10 m from the tip of the blade. Therefore, it can be assumed that almost all lightning strikes to the blade 1 can be photographed by photographing a range of at least 10 m in the longitudinal direction from the tip of the blade 1 . If the photographing means 13 photographs the blade 1 by making full use of the zoom function, it is possible to obtain a clearer image or moving image of a portion suspected of being damaged.

<<Modification 1>>
FIG. 5 shows Modification 1 of the blade inspection system and wind power generation system of FIG. Components similar to those in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted below.

The photographing means 13 in FIG. 5 is installed on the tower 4 by means of a band-like support 11. As shown in FIG. By doing so, the photographing means 13 can be installed at a position closer to the tip of the blade 1 than the photographing means 13 is installed on the foundation 5 . Further, by forming the support 11 into a band shape, bolt fastening to the tower 4 becomes unnecessary, and the photographing means 13 can be installed without impairing the strength of the tower 4 . This method is also particularly suitable for a high tower type wind power generation system in which the longitudinal length of the tower 4 is designed to be long for the purpose of collecting high-altitude wind with good wind speed.

<<Modification 2>>
FIG. 6 shows Modification 2 of the blade inspection system and wind power generation system of FIG. Components similar to those in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted below.

The photographing means 13 in FIG. 6 is installed on the top or side (outer surface) of the nacelle 3 . Also, the photographing means 13 is installed so that the photographing direction coincides with the yaw direction. By doing so, the probability that the blade 1 fits within the angle of view of the photographing means 13 increases. The photographing means 13 may be installed on the bottom surface of the nacelle 3 . By doing so, it is possible to reduce the possibility of a lightning strike occurring in the photographing means 13 and improve the long-term reliability of the blade inspection system 51 . Note that a support member may be provided on the outer surface of the nacelle 3, and the photographing means 13 may be installed via the support member.

<<Modification 3>>
FIG. 7 shows a modification 3 of the blade inspection system and wind power generation system of FIG. Components similar to those in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted below.

The photographing means 13 shown in FIG. 7 is normally stored inside the nacelle 3, and when the photographing necessity judgment unit 24 judges that photographing is necessary, a drive device such as a windable rope or wire (see FIG. 7) (not shown) lowers the photographing means 13 . By doing so, when there is no lightning strike, that is, in a normal operating state, the photographing means 13 is housed inside the nacelle 3 and is not directly exposed to the outside air. can be reduced. This method is particularly suitable for offshore wind power generation systems where salt damage is a concern. Similar effects can be expected when the imaging means 13 is housed inside the hub 2, inside the tower 4, or inside a housing provided on the outer surface of the nacelle 3 or tower 4. FIG.

<<Modification 4>>
FIG. 8 shows a modification 4 of the blade inspection system and wind power generation system of FIG. Components similar to those in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted below.

The photographing means 13 in FIG. 8 is installed in an unmanned aerial vehicle (unmanned aerial vehicle) 7, which is also called UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) or drone. When the photographing necessity determining unit 24 determines that photographing is necessary, the unmanned aerial vehicle 7 flies from a housing (not shown) at a predetermined position. While the unmanned aerial vehicle 7 is flying around the blade 1, the photographing means 13 photographs each part of the blade 1. - 特許庁By doing so, the photographing means 13 can easily approach each part of the blade 1, and a telephoto lens having a large magnification and a semiconductor image pickup device having a high resolution are not required. That is, an inexpensive imaging device can be applied as the imaging means 13 .

In addition, when there is no lightning strike, that is, in a normal operating state, the unmanned aerial vehicle 7 and the photographing means 13 are housed in a housing at a predetermined position and are not directly exposed to the outside air. The probability of failure of the imaging means 13 can be reduced. This method is particularly suitable for offshore wind power generation systems where salt damage is a concern. Furthermore, since it is possible to monitor a plurality of wind power generation systems 50 using one unmanned aerial vehicle 7, it is particularly suitable for a wind power generation system that constitutes a wind farm.

<<Modification 5>>
FIG. 9 shows a modification 5 of the blade inspection system and wind power generation system of FIG. Components similar to those in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted below.

The photographing means 13 in FIG. 9 is installed at the tip of the movable arm 8 . When the photographing necessity determining unit 24 determines that photographing is necessary, the movable arm 8 operates so that the photographing means 13 approaches the blade 1 . By doing so, access to each part of the blade 1 is facilitated, and a telephoto lens with a large magnification and a semiconductor imaging device with high resolution are not required.

Further, by using the movable arm 8, it is possible to photograph the blade 1 even under strong winds where the unmanned aerial vehicle 7 cannot fly. Thus, this method is particularly suitable for wind power generation systems installed in areas where strong winds are expected.

<<Modification 6>>
FIG. 10 shows a modification 6 of the blade inspection system and wind power generation system of FIG. Components similar to those in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted below.

The tower 4 is provided with a door 9 having a window 9A. A worker can enter into the tower 4 by opening and closing the door 9 . When the blades 1 receive wind pressure, a load is generated in each part of the tower 4, so the tower 4 must have a suitable strength. Therefore, the window 9A is installed on the door 9 instead of on the side of the tower 4 in order to avoid the strength of the tower 4 from being lowered.

The photographing means 13 is installed at a position where the situation outside can be photographed through the window 9A inside the tower 4. - 特許庁By doing so, the photographing means 13 is less likely to come into direct contact with the outside air, so that the failure probability of the photographing means 13 can be reduced. In addition, the operator can easily approach the photographing means 13 and maintain the photographing means 13 easily.

<<Modification 7>>
FIG. 11 shows a modification 7 of the blade inspection system and wind power generation system of FIG. Components similar to those in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted below.

The blade 1 of FIG. 11 has a metallic receptor 65 at the tip for the purpose of inducing lightning strikes and a down conductor 66 electrically connected to the receptor 65 for the purpose of properly handling the lightning current. A lightning strike detection means 12 is installed around the down conductor 66 to measure the current flowing through the down conductor 66 . By doing so, it is possible to determine which blade the lightning strikes. For example, when the lightning strike detection device 12A detects a lightning strike, it can be determined that the blade 1A is struck by lightning. By doing so, the photographing means 13 only needs to photograph the blade 1A, and the shutdown time of the wind turbine generator can be further shortened.

In the above description, it is assumed that the lightning strike detection means 12 detects current, but other physical changes accompanying lightning strikes may also be detected. Other physical changes include, but are not limited to, changes in brightness (light), sound waves, ultrasonic waves, vibrations, temperature, ozone gas concentration, and the like. Further, the lightning strike detection means 12 may be composed of a plurality of devices that detect different physical quantities. By doing so, it is possible to improve the detection accuracy of lightning strikes and to estimate the intensity of lightning strikes and the position of lightning strikes.

≪Additional functions≫
A blade inspection system and a blade inspection method according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. FIG. FIG. 12 is a block diagram schematically showing the functions of the blade inspection system 51 of this embodiment. Components similar to those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted below.

The blade inspection system 51 of this embodiment includes, in addition to the components shown in FIG. .

The operation of the blade inspection system 51 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Descriptions of the functions that have already been described with reference to FIG. 2 in the first embodiment will be omitted.

The image analysis unit 28 compares the reference data and the photographed data held in the reference data holding unit 22 and the photographed data holding unit 23, respectively, and performs a process of highlighting a portion with a high possibility of damage. The image analysis unit 28 also creates analysis information necessary for the damage degree estimation unit 29 to estimate the damage degree.

The damage degree estimation unit 29 estimates the degree of damage to the blade based on the accumulated damage information and the analysis information of the image analysis unit 28 . Furthermore, based on the accumulated damage level information and the estimated damage degree, the damage degree estimation unit 29 performs emergency repair (damage level 3), repair at the next inspection (damage level 2), and follow-up observation (damage level 1). , No repair required (damage level 0).

Some or all of the reference data and photographed data held in the reference data holding unit 22 and the photographed data holding unit 23, and the image analysis information and damage degree information processed by the image analysis unit 28 and damage degree estimation unit 29, respectively is transmitted to the monitoring means 15 via the data transmitting/receiving section 21 .

In other words, the information processing means 14 has an image analysis section 28 that analyzes the difference between the photographed data 32 and the reference data 31 to create difference information, and displays the difference information to the blade status display section 16 of the monitoring means 15. Show more. It also has a damage degree estimating unit 29 that analyzes the difference information and creates damage degree information, and further displays the damage degree information on the blade status display unit 16 .

The operation stop unit 30 stops the operation of the wind power generation system 50 when the damage degree estimation unit 29 determines that urgent repair is required (damage level 3). If the wind power generation control system 52 that controls the operation of the wind power generation system 50 has a function to stop the operation of the wind power generation system 50 , the shutdown unit 30 transmits a shutdown signal to the wind power generation control system 52 . You can By doing so, it is possible to continue the operation without noticing that the blade is damaged, and prevent the damage from spreading.

The reference data update unit 22A transmits a reference data update signal to the imaging necessity determination unit 24 when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the reference data was updated last time. Upon receiving the reference data update signal, the imaging necessity determination unit 24 determines that imaging is necessary, and the imaging means 13 performs imaging of the blade.

That is, the information processing means 14 has a reference data update section 22A, the monitoring means 15 has an operation section 17 for outputting a reference data update signal, and when the wind turbine generator has passed a predetermined operation period, or When the data transmission/reception unit 21 receives the reference data update signal from the operation unit 17, the photographing necessity judgment unit 24 judges that photographing is necessary, the photographing means 13 starts photographing the blade 1, and the reference data holding unit 22 , the photographed data of the photographing means 13 is held as reference data.

Data photographed by the photographing means 13 is held in the reference data holding section 22 . The reference data holding unit 22 may hold a plurality of reference data, and when the reference data holding unit 22 holds a plurality of reference data, the image analysis unit 28 is held in the captured data holding unit 23. Since the captured data can be compared with a plurality of reference data, more advanced (higher accuracy) image analysis becomes possible.

The reference data updating unit 22A may move the imaging data held by the imaging data holding unit 23 to the reference data holding unit 22 . By doing so, the photographed data at the time of the previous lightning strike is automatically held in the reference data holding unit 22 . This eliminates the need to shoot just to update the reference data.

Lightning strikes can occur in the evening and into the night. If lightning strikes during these hours, it is difficult to inspect the blades until dawn. Therefore, the blade inspection system 51 has the light projecting means 25 . When the photographing necessity determination unit 24 determines that photographing is necessary and the time at that time is in the evening to morning, the light projecting means 25 projects light onto the blade 1 with the illumination device.

The light projecting means 25 may also project light to the blade 1 when the image analysis unit 28 analyzes the photographed data and determines that the visibility is poor. As a result, the blades 1 can be inspected even when the visibility is poor, such as at night or during the day.

FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically showing the functions of the monitoring means 15 of this embodiment. Components similar to those in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted below.

The imaging data 32 includes a highlighted portion 33 indicating a portion determined by the image analysis section 28 to be highly likely to be damaged. This reduces the possibility that the person in charge of viewing the blade status display section 16 will overlook an abnormality in the blade 1 .

The blade status display unit 16 also displays the damage degree 34 output by the damage degree estimation unit 29 . As a result, it is possible to assist the person in charge in determining whether or not there is an abnormality in the blade 1 when it is difficult to determine with only the reference data 31, the photographed data 32, and the highlighted portion 33. FIG.

Furthermore, the blade status display section 16 displays the damage level 35 output by the damage degree estimation section 29 . As a result, the person in charge can instantly determine whether there is an abnormality in the blade 1 and whether repair is necessary.

The monitoring unit 15 has an operation unit 17 having a reference data update button 36 and an operation operation button 37 in addition to the blade status display unit 16 . When the person in charge presses the reference data update button 36 , a reference data update signal is transmitted to the imaging necessity determination section 24 via the data transmission/reception section 21 . This allows the person in charge to update the reference data 31 at any time, such as after updating the blade or after repairing the blade.

Further, the person in charge can stop and/or restart the operation of the wind power generation system 50 by pressing the operation operation button 37 while being away from the wind power generation system 50 . As a result, although the shutdown unit 30 does not determine that the operation of the wind power generation system 50 should be stopped, when the person in charge determines that the operation should be stopped, the person in charge uses the monitoring means 15 to stop the operation of the wind power generation system 50. can stop driving.

Further, after the shutdown unit 30 determines that the operation of the wind power generation system 50 should be stopped and the operation of the wind power generation system 50 is automatically stopped, the person in charge determines that there is no abnormality and should restart the operation. When the person in charge determines that, the operation of the wind power generation system 50 can be restarted by the monitoring means 15 .

As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a blade inspection system and a wind power generation system that can automatically or manually stop or restart the operation of the wind power generation system according to the damage status of the blades.

≪Details of the lightning strike detector≫
A blade inspection system and a blade inspection method according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15. FIG. FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing a blade inspection method from detection of a lightning strike to determination that photography is required according to this embodiment.

When the blade inspection system 51 is activated, the flow chart shown in FIG. 14 is started. In step S21, the lightning strike detection means 12 detects the occurrence of lightning strikes. In step S22, the lightning strike detecting means 12 acquires instantaneous lightning current value data. In step S23, the lightning strike detecting means 12 outputs instantaneous lightning current value data.

In step S24, the photographing necessity determination unit 24 calculates any or all of the peak current, charge amount, and specific energy, which can be regarded as lightning energy indicators, from the instantaneous value data of the lightning current. In step S25, the photographing necessity determination unit 24 compares the various parameters calculated in step S24 with predetermined threshold values. If it is determined that the various parameters are equal to or less than the predetermined threshold (No), the process returns to step S21. In step S26, the photographing necessity determination unit 24 determines that photographing is necessary, and the processing of FIG. 14 ends.

According to this embodiment, when the peak current, the amount of charge, and the specific energy are small, that is, when the lightning energy is small and it is expected that the blade will not be damaged, it is possible to avoid photographing the blade. As a result, the shutdown time of the wind turbine generator due to a lightning strike can be further shortened.

<<Modification>>
FIG. 15 shows a modification of the flowchart (blade inspection method) of FIG. When the blade inspection system 51 is activated, the flow chart shown in FIG. 15 is started. In step S31, the lightning strike detection means 12 detects the occurrence of lightning strikes. In step S32, the lightning strike detecting means 12 acquires instantaneous lightning current value data. In step S33, the lightning strike detecting means 12 calculates any or all of the peak current, the amount of charge, and the specific energy, which can be regarded as indicators of lightning energy, from the instantaneous value data of the lightning current.

In step S34, the lightning strike detection means 12 compares the various parameters calculated in step S33 with a predetermined threshold value, and if it determines that the various parameters are greater than the predetermined threshold value (Yes), performs the processing of step S35, and performs the processing of step S35. If it is determined that the parameter is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold (No), the process returns to step S31. In step S35, the lightning strike detection means 12 outputs an abnormality occurrence signal. In step S36, the photographing necessity determination unit 24 determines that photographing is necessary upon receipt of the abnormality occurrence signal, and terminates the processing of FIG.

The flowchart shown in FIG. 14 shows an example in which the lightning strike detecting means 12 can acquire instantaneous lightning current value data, but cannot calculate parameters and compare them with threshold values. On the other hand, the flowchart shown in FIG. 15 shows an example in which the lightning strike detection means 12 can acquire the instantaneous value data of the lightning current, calculate the parameters, and compare them with the threshold values.

As described above, by changing the function of the photographing necessity determination unit 24 according to the function of the lightning strike detection means 12, an existing lightning strike detection device can be used as the lightning strike detection means 12 of the present invention.

≪Remote Integrated Monitoring System≫
A remote integrated monitoring system for wind farms according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17. FIG. FIG. 16 is an overall schematic configuration diagram of the remote integrated monitoring system of this embodiment. A remote integrated monitoring system 53 is composed of a plurality of blade inspection systems 51 and integrated monitoring means 54 . The blade inspection system 51 transmits at least the photographing data 32 to the integrated monitoring means 54, and more preferably, further transmits reference data 31, degree of damage 34, and level 35 of damage.

FIG. 17 is a schematic configuration diagram of the integrated monitoring means 54. As shown in FIG. Components similar to those in FIG. 13 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted below.

The integrated monitoring means 54 includes a blade status display section 16 , a wind farm list display section 18 and an operation section 17 . The blade status display unit 16 displays at least photographing data 32, and more preferably includes reference data 31, degree of damage 34, and level 35 of damage. The operation unit 17 includes a reference data update button 36 and a driving operation button 37 .

The wind farm list display unit 18 displays information that allows the positions of the plurality of wind farms 55 to be identified. Here, the "information that can specify the position" is, for example, latitude and longitude, place names, wind farm names, and the like.

The wind power plant list display unit 18 has a function of displaying the wind power plant 55 in which an abnormality has occurred as the abnormal wind power plant 19 . When the wind power plant 55 is composed of a plurality of wind power generation systems 50, the wind power plant list display unit 18 displays the abnormal wind power plant 19 and also displays "No. 1" and "No. 2". , which wind power generation system 50 has an abnormality can be displayed.

In other words, the integrated remote monitoring system 53 of this embodiment includes a plurality of blade inspection systems 51 and integrated monitoring means 54. Each of the blade inspection systems 51 outputs an abnormality detection signal when an abnormality of the blade 1 is detected. Detecting means (lightning detecting means 12), photographing means 13 for photographing the blade 1, and information processing means 14 for processing an abnormality detection signal. a data transmission/reception unit 21 for transmitting/receiving data to/from the monitoring means 54; a photographing data holding unit 23 for holding photographing data of the photographing unit 13; , and the integrated monitoring means 54 displays the photographed data and the positional information at which the photographed data was photographed.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the blade inspection system and wind farm for a wind turbine generator can shorten the operation stop time of the wind turbine generator due to a lightning strike and accurately estimate the damage condition of the blade due to the lightning strike. can provide a remote integrated monitoring system.

In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and includes various modifications. For example, the above-described embodiments have been described in detail in order to explain the present invention in an easy-to-understand manner, and are not necessarily limited to those having all the configurations described. A part of the configuration of one embodiment can be replaced with the configuration of another embodiment, and it is also possible to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. Moreover, it is also possible to add, delete, or replace a part of the configuration of each embodiment with another configuration.

Moreover, each of the above-described configurations, processing units, and the like may be implemented partially or entirely by hardware such as an integrated circuit. Each of the above configurations, functions, etc. may be realized by software by a processor interpreting and executing a program for realizing each function. Information such as programs, tables, and files that implement each function can be stored in recording devices such as memory, hard disks, SSDs (Solid State Drives), or recording media such as flash memory cards and DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs). can.

In addition, in each embodiment, the control lines and information lines indicate those considered necessary for explanation, and not all control lines and information lines are necessarily indicated on the product. In fact, it may be considered that almost all configurations are interconnected.

In addition, the present invention also has features described in Appendix 1 to Appendix 8 below.

[Appendix 1]
The monitoring means 15 is installed at a position away from the photographing means 13 .

[Appendix 2]
The abnormality detection means is the lightning strike detection means 12 for detecting lightning strikes.

[Appendix 3]
The photographing means 13 enlarges and photographs the tip of the blade 1 .

[Appendix 4]
The photographing means 13 expands and photographs a range of 10 m from the tip of the blade 1 in the longitudinal direction.

[Appendix 5]
The photographing means 13 is housed in a metal housing.

[Appendix 6]
The photographing means 13 is normally arranged at a predetermined standby position,
The predetermined standby position is the interior of the nacelle 3 , the interior of the tower 4 , or a storage box installed in the nacelle 3 or the tower 4 .

[Appendix 7]
The information processing means 14 has a shutdown unit 30,
The operation unit 17 of the monitoring means 15 further includes means for outputting an operation stop command signal,
When the operation stop unit 30 receives the operation stop command signal from the operation unit 17 of the monitoring means 15 via the data transmission/reception unit 21, the operation stop unit 30 outputs the operation stop signal,
The data transmission/reception unit 21 transmits the operation stop signal to the wind power generation operation control system 52 .

[Appendix 8]
When the operation stop unit 30 determines that the operation should be stopped based on the damage degree information 34, it outputs an operation stop signal, and the data transmission/reception unit 21 transmits the operation stop signal to the wind power generation operation control system 52. do.

1, 1A... Blade 2... Hub 3... Nacelle 4... Tower 5... Foundation 6... Lightning strike 7... Unmanned aerial vehicle (unmanned aerial vehicle)
8... Movable arm 9... Door 9A... Window 10... Support 11... (Band-like) support 12, 12A... Lightning strike detection means 13... Photographing means 14... Information processing means 15... Monitoring means 16... Blade status display unit 17 Operation unit 18 Wind power plant list display unit 19 Abnormal wind power plant 20 Data bus 21 Data transmission/reception unit 22 Reference data holding unit 22A Reference data updating unit 23 Photographed data holding unit 24 Photographing necessity Judgment part 25... Light projection means 28... Image analysis part 29... Damage degree estimation part 30... Operation stop part 31... Reference data 32... Photographing data 33... Emphasis display part 34... Damage degree (information)
35 Damage level 36 Reference data update button 37 Operation button 50 Wind power generation system 51 Blade inspection system 52 Wind power generation control system 53 Remote integrated monitoring system 54 Integrated monitoring means 55 Wind power plant 65 Receptor 66... Down conductor

Claims (14)

an abnormality detection means for outputting an abnormality detection signal when an abnormality of the blade is detected;
a photographing means for photographing the blade;
information processing means for processing the abnormality detection signal;
monitoring means for monitoring the blade based on the output data of the information processing means;
The information processing means includes a data transmission/reception unit that transmits/receives data to/from the abnormality detection means and the monitoring means;
a photographed data holding unit that holds the photographed data of the photographing means;
an imaging necessity determination unit that determines whether imaging of the blade is necessary;
The monitoring means has a display section for displaying the photographed data ,
A blade inspection system for a wind turbine generator , wherein when the data transmitting/receiving unit receives an abnormality detection signal and the photographing necessity determining unit determines that photographing is necessary, the photographing means starts photographing the blade. . A blade inspection system for a wind turbine generator according to claim 1 ,
The information processing means has a reference data holding unit that holds reference data indicating the normal state of the blade,
The blade inspection system for a wind power generator, wherein the display unit further displays the reference data. A blade inspection system for a wind turbine generator according to claim 2 ,
The information processing means has a reference data updating unit,
The monitoring means has an operation unit that outputs a reference data update signal,
When the wind power generator has passed a predetermined operating period, or when the data transmission/reception unit receives the reference data update signal from the operation unit, the photography necessity determination unit determines that photography is necessary,
The photographing means starts photographing the blade,
The blade inspection system for a wind power generator, wherein the reference data holding unit holds the photographed data of the photographing means as the reference data. A blade inspection system for a wind turbine generator according to claim 1,
A blade inspection system for a wind turbine generator, wherein the abnormality detection means is installed near a base of a tower of the wind turbine generator or around a down conductor installed inside the blade. A blade inspection system for a wind turbine generator according to claim 1,
A blade inspection system for a wind power generator, wherein the abnormality detection means is any one of a magnetic field coil, a Rogowski coil, and a current transformer. A blade inspection system for a wind turbine generator according to claim 1,
When the abnormality detection means outputs instantaneous lightning current value data and the data transmission/reception unit receives the instantaneous lightning current value data,
The photographing necessity determination unit calculates at least one of a peak current, an amount of charge, and a specific energy from the instantaneous value data of the lightning current, and calculates at least one of the peak current, the amount of charge, and the specific energy. A blade inspection system for a wind power generator, wherein when a predetermined threshold value is exceeded, it is determined that photography is required, and the photography means starts photography of the blade. A blade inspection system for a wind turbine generator according to claim 1,
The wind power generator, wherein the photographing means is supported by either a support member installed on the outer surface of the foundation or tower of the wind turbine generator, or a support member installed on the outer surface of the nacelle of the wind turbine generator. Generator set blade inspection system. A blade inspection system for a wind turbine generator according to claim 1,
The photographing means is normally arranged at a predetermined standby position,
A blade inspection system for a wind power generator, wherein, when the photographing necessity determining unit determines that photographing is necessary, the photographing means approaches the vicinity of the tip of the blade from the predetermined waiting position by a predetermined moving means. . A blade inspection system for a wind turbine generator according to claim 8 ,
A blade inspection system for a wind turbine generator, wherein the predetermined moving means is any one of an unmanned aircraft, a movable arm installed on the wind turbine generator, and a windable rope or wire. A blade inspection system for a wind turbine generator according to claim 1,
A light projecting means for projecting light onto the blade,
A blade inspection system for a wind power generator, wherein the light projecting means projects light onto the blade when the photographing necessity determination unit determines that the photographing is necessary. A blade inspection system for a wind turbine generator according to claim 2 ,
the information processing means has an image analysis unit that analyzes a difference between the photographed data and the reference data to create difference information;
The blade inspection system for a wind power generator, wherein the display unit further displays the difference information. A blade inspection system for a wind turbine generator according to claim 11 ,
The information processing means has a damage degree estimation unit that analyzes the difference information and creates damage degree information,
The blade inspection system for a wind power generator, wherein the display unit further displays the damage degree information. a rotor having a plurality of blades and rotating in response to the wind;
a nacelle housing a generator that generates electricity using the rotational energy of the rotor;
an abnormality detection means for outputting an abnormality detection signal when an abnormality of the blade is detected;
a photographing means for photographing the blade;
information processing means for processing the abnormality detection signal;
monitoring means for monitoring the blade based on the output data of the information processing means;
The information processing means includes a data transmission/reception unit that transmits/receives data to/from the abnormality detection means and the monitoring means;
a photographed data holding unit that holds the photographed data of the photographing means;
an imaging necessity determination unit that determines whether imaging of the blade is necessary;
The monitoring means has a display section for displaying the photographed data ,
The wind power generation system according to claim 1, wherein when the data transmitting/receiving unit receives an abnormality detection signal and the photographing necessity determining unit determines that photographing is necessary, the photographing means starts photographing the blade . A wind farm remote integrated monitoring system comprising a plurality of blade inspection systems and integrated monitoring means,
The blade inspection system includes:
an abnormality detection means for outputting an abnormality detection signal when an abnormality of the blade is detected;
a photographing means for photographing the blade;
Information processing means for processing the abnormality detection signal,
The information processing means includes a data transmission/reception section that transmits/receives data to/from the abnormality detection means and the integrated monitoring means;
a photographed data holding unit that holds the photographed data of the photographing means;
an imaging necessity determination unit that determines whether imaging of the blade is necessary;
The integrated monitoring means has a display unit that displays the photographed data and position information at which the photographed data was photographed,
When the data transmitting/receiving unit receives an abnormality detection signal and the photographing necessity determining unit determines that photographing is necessary, the photographing means starts photographing the blade. .

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