KR20210044814A - Hydro power plant and power generation system - Google Patents

Abstract

The hydroelectric power generation device 100 includes a hydro power generation module M including a water wheel 10 and a generator 20, a drive unit, and a control device. The drive unit is configured to be able to move the hydroelectric power module M in a first state and a second state as shown below. The first state is a state in which at least a part of the water wheel blades 11 exist in the water of the waterway, and the water wheel blades 11 rotate under the force of water flowing through the waterway, and power generation is performed by the generator 20. In the second state, at least a part of the water wheel blade 11 is above the water surface Uw of the water channel, and the position of the water surface Uw of the water channel with respect to the water wheel 10 is lower than the first state. to be. When a predetermined raising condition is satisfied when the hydroelectric power module M is in the first state, the control device controls the above-described driving unit to put the hydroelectric power module M into the second state.

Description

Hydro power plant and power generation system

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 kinetic energy possessed by flowing water for power generation. The hydroelectric power generation device has a main structure, a water wheel that rotates under the power of water flowing through a water channel, a generator that is connected to the water wheel to convert rotational energy into electrical energy, and a control device that controls the output of the generator (total power generation amount). Includes.

When such a hydroelectric power generator is used in an agricultural waterway, foreign objects (e.g., aquatic plants, branches, and string-shaped garbage) that are deposited from the upstream are wrapped around the water wheel. It can be a factor that reduces the amount of power generation. For this reason, in a hydroelectric power generation device, countermeasures against foreign matters become important. For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-189837 (Patent Document 1) discloses an example in which a vibration suppression facility for removing foreign matter is installed in a waterway upstream of a location where a water wheel is installed.

Patent Document 1: Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-189837

In a small-sized small hydro power generator that can be easily installed in a waterway, the use of an enormous vibration suppression facility as described in Patent Document 1 leads to an increase in cost. For this reason, it is conceivable to provide a simple vibration damper in a small hydroelectric power generation device.

However, when a simple vibration damper (for example, a comb-type filter) is installed upstream of the aberration, it is considered that some foreign matter (for example, aquatic plants and garbage) flows into the aberration. Some foreign objects that have flowed into the aberrations may just pass by, and some get caught by the aberration's wing (aberration blade). The foreign matter caught on the aberration blade becomes a state pressed against the aberration blade by water pressure due to water flow, and it becomes difficult to peel off from the aberration blade. Since the foreign matter adheres to the aberration in sequence from the upstream, the amount of the foreign matter adhering to the aberration blade increases with the passage of time. In addition, when the amount of foreign matter attached to the aberration blade increases, the rotational speed of the aberration blade decreases, so that the power generation capability of the hydroelectric power generation device (and further, the amount of power generation) may decrease. Therefore, a simple vibration isolator is not a complete countermeasure against foreign matter, and even when such a vibration isolator is installed upstream of the aberration, it is considered that periodic removal of foreign matter adhering to the aberration is necessary. As described above, since the foreign matter pressed against the water wheel blades is difficult to peel off from the water wheel blades, it is considered that maintenance of the above-described hydroelectric power generator is not easy.

The present invention is to solve the above-described problems, the object is to provide a hydroelectric power generation device and a power generation system capable of easily performing a treatment for suppressing a decrease in power generation capacity due to foreign matter flowing through a waterway at low cost. will be.

The hydroelectric power generation apparatus according to the present invention includes a hydroelectric power generation module, a drive unit, and a control device. The hydroelectric power module includes a water wheel having a water wheel blade that rotates using the force of water flowing through a water channel, and a generator that generates power using the rotational force of the water wheel blade. The drive unit is configured to be able to move the hydroelectric power module in a first state and a second state as shown below.

The first state is a state in which at least a part of the water wheel blades exist in the water of the waterway, the water wheel blades rotate under the force of water flowing through the waterway, and power generation is performed by the generator. In the second state, at least a part of the aberration blade is above the water surface of the waterway, and the position of the water surface of the waterway with respect to the waterwheel is lower than that of the first state.

The control device is configured to control the above-described driving unit. Then, the control device is configured to put the hydroelectric power module into a second state when a predetermined lifting condition is satisfied when the hydroelectric power module is in the first state.

In addition, the water channel may be a spring channel (that is, an artificially created channel), may be a stream, or may be a sea.

The power generation system according to the present invention uses the above-described hydroelectric power generation device to perform ocean current generation, tidal power generation, or wave power generation that converts kinetic energy of flowing water into electric power. Is configured to do.

Advantageous Effects of Invention 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 treatment for suppressing a decrease in power generation capacity due to foreign matter flowing through a water channel at low cost.

1 is a perspective view showing a hydroelectric power generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 2 is a side view showing the structure of the hydroelectric power generation device shown in Fig. 1 in the vicinity of an aberration.
3 is a view showing a state in which the rotating beam is rotated so as to raise the aberration with respect to the water surface in the hydroelectric power generation device shown in FIG.
4 is a view for explaining the position of the water surface of the water channel with respect to the aberration.
Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a state in use of the hydroelectric generator shown in Fig. 1;
6 is a diagram showing a state in which the aberration angle is set to 0° in the hydroelectric power generation apparatus shown in FIG. 1;
Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a state in which the aberration angle is an acute angle in the hydroelectric power generation device shown in Fig. 1;
Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a state in which the aberration angle is set to 90° in the hydroelectric power generation device shown in Fig. 1;
Fig. 9 is a control block diagram showing a configuration for performing power generation control in the hydroelectric power generation apparatus shown in Fig. 1;
10 is a perspective view of the hydroelectric power generation device in the state shown in FIG. 7.
Fig. 11 is a flow chart showing pull-up control by the hydroelectric power generation device shown in Fig. 1;
Fig. 12 is a flow chart showing pull-down control by the hydroelectric power generation device shown in Fig. 1;
Fig. 13 is a flow chart showing a first modification example of the pull-down control by the hydroelectric power generation device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 14 is a flow chart showing a second modification example of pull-down control by the hydroelectric power generation device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
15 is a view for explaining a modified example of vibrating the aberration blade in a second state.
16 is a view for explaining an underwater floating ocean current power generation system according to a modification of the embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 17 is a diagram showing a modified example of a hydroelectric power module employing a vertical axis type aberration.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, in the following drawings, the same reference numerals are attached to the same or corresponding parts, and the description is not repeated.

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

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 aberration 10 of the hydroelectric power generation device 100 according to the present embodiment.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, the hydroelectric power generation device 100 is an axial flow type small-scale power generation device, and is configured to perform hydroelectric power generation of 1000 kW or less. The hydroelectric power generation apparatus 100 includes a hydroelectric power generation module M and a driving unit that moves the hydroelectric power generation module M. The attitude of the hydroelectric power module M can be changed by the drive unit. The hydroelectric power module M includes a water wheel 10, a generator 20, a post 21, a gear box 22, and a brake device 30. In addition, the driving unit includes a rotating beam 110, a motor 120 driving the rotating beam 110, a mount 23, a pedestal 24, 143, and a support member 25, 141, 142. Includes. In addition, the motor 120 according to the present embodiment corresponds to an example of the "actuator" according to the present invention. In addition, the mount 23, the base 24, and the support member 25 according to the present embodiment correspond to an example of the "support" according to the present invention.

The water wheel 10 includes a plurality of water wheel blades 11 (for example, five water wheel blades 11), and is installed in a water channel (for example, the water channel 200 shown in FIG. 5 to be described later). do. Each of the plurality of water wheel blades 11 is a horizontal shaft type propeller type rotating blade, and rotates by the force of water flowing through the water channel. The generator 20 is configured to generate electricity using the rotational force of the water wheel blades 11. The generator 20 is, for example, a three-phase synchronous generator. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and an arbitrary generator can be selected and employed from various known generators.

As the aberration blade 11 rotates, the rotation axis of the aberration 10 rotates. The rotation axis of the water wheel 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 is a portion to which the water wheel blades 11 are attached (generally referred to as ``propeller boss'') and a cap that is attached to the surface of the propeller boss to arrange water flow (generally also referred to as ``spinner''). ). The boss portion 12 and the rotation shaft 13 rotate integrally. The boss part 12 is provided at one end (tip) of the rotating shaft 13. In addition, the other end (base end) of the rotation shaft 13 is connected to the gear box 22.

The rotating shaft (rotating shaft) of the generator 20 is arranged parallel to the Z-axis (vertical direction), and passes through the inside of the post 21 (more specifically, a cylindrical cover), and a gear It is connected to the box 22. One end of the post 21 is fixed to the lower surface of the pedestal 24, and the other end of the post 21 is connected to the gear box 22. The rotation shaft 13 of the water wheel 10 and the rotation shaft of the generator 20 are connected to each other via a gear box 22. When the water wheel blade 11 rotates, the rotation shaft 13 of the water wheel 10 rotates. The rotation of the rotation shaft 13 is a rotation around the Y-axis (hereinafter, also referred to as "Y-axis rotation"). The rotational force of the rotational shaft 13 is transmitted to the rotational shaft of the generator 20 as the direction is changed by the gearbox 22. Thereby, the rotating shaft of the generator 20 rotates. The rotation of the rotating shaft of the generator 20 is a rotation around the Z-axis (hereinafter, also referred to as "Z-axis rotation"). As described above, the rotation axis of the generator 20 rotates the Z axis by the rotation of the water wheel blade 11 in the Y axis.

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

The rotating beams 110 are arranged parallel to the X-axis (the width direction of the channel) and are driven by the motor 120 to perform rotation around the X-axis (hereinafter, also referred to as “X-axis rotation”). A bearing 111 is attached to one end of the revolving beam 110 (hereinafter, also referred to as ``follower end''), and a bearing 112 is attached to the other end of the revolving beam 110 (hereinafter also referred to as ``drive end''). Has been. In addition, a coupling 130 is provided on the rotating shaft of the motor 120, and the driving end of the rotating beam 110 is connected to the rotating shaft of the motor 120 through a bearing 112 and a coupling 130. . As the motor 120, an electric motor capable of electronic control can be adopted.

The mount 23 includes mount members 231 and 232. The mount members 231 and 232 are a pair of L-shaped angles arranged parallel to the Y-axis (water flow direction) and facing each other with a predetermined distance vacated. Each of the mount members 231 and 232 is fixed (eg, welded) to the rotating beam 110.

The pedestal 24 is fixed to the upper surface of the pedestal 23 (that is, the pedestal members 231, 232. In addition, on the upper surface of the pedestal 24, a support member 25 for supporting the hydroelectric power module M) ) Is fixed In addition, the support member 25 is also fixed to the rotating beam 110.

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

The motor 120 is fixed to the upper surface of the pedestal 143. Moreover, the support member 142 which supports the bearing 112 is also fixed to the pedestal 143. The bearing 112 is fixed to the pedestal 143 through the support member 142. The driving end of the rotating beam 110 is supported by a bearing 112 so as to be rotatable in the X-axis.

The drive unit of the hydroelectric power generator 100 is fixed to the edge of the waterway in such a manner that the rotating beam 110 crosses the waterway. Therefore, the hydroelectric power generation device 100 further includes fixtures 151 and 152 and fixing beams 153. One end of the fixed beam 153 is connected to the fixture 151, and the other end of the fixed beam 153 is connected to the fixture 152.

A support member 141 supporting the bearing 111 is fixed to the fixture 151. The bearing 111 is fixed to the fixture 151 through the support member 141 in a state in which the driven end of the rotating beam 110 is supported so as to be X-axis rotatable. The support member 141 (going forward, the driven end of the rotating beam 110) is fixed to the first edge of the waterway (for example, the edge 201 shown in FIG. 5 to be described later) by the fixture 151. I can. In addition, a fastener 152 is attached to the lower surface of the pedestal 143. A second edge (e.g., an edge 202 shown in FIG. 5 to be described later) that faces the pedestal 143 (the driving end of the rotating beam 110) by the fixture 152 to the first edge of the waterway. )) can be fixed.

3 is a view showing a state in which the rotating beam 110 is rotated so as to raise the aberration 10 with respect to the water surface. By rotating the rotating beam 110 as shown in FIG. 3, the mount members 231, 232 (and further, the rotation axis of the aberration 10) can be made parallel to the Z-axis (vertical direction).

Although it will be described later in detail, in the hydroelectric power generation apparatus 100, the position of the water surface of the water channel with respect to the aberration 10 (hereinafter, also referred to as "relative water surface position") changes according to the rotation angle of the rotating beam 110. 4 is a diagram for explaining a relative water surface position (that is, the position of the water surface of the water channel with respect to the aberration 10).

Referring to FIG. 4, the aberration 10 is a propeller aberration formed by attaching a plurality of aberration blades 11 around a rotating shaft (more specifically, the boss portion 12). In Fig. 4, a circular trajectory Rc represents a trajectory drawn by the tip end of the aberration blade 11 when the aberration 10 rotates once.

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 aberration 10 is above the water surface. When the aberration 10 exists apart from water and does not come into contact with water, it is assumed that the relative water surface position is in the range P1 (for example, see Fig. 8 described later). The range P5 is a range higher than the upper end of the circular orbit Rc. When the relative water position is in the range P5, it means that the entire aberration 10 is in water.

The range P3 is a range from the lower end of the boss portion 12 of the rotation shaft of the aberration 10 to the upper end. When the relative water surface position is in the range P3, it means that the water surface is located on the axis of rotation of the aberration 10. In addition, the range P2 is a range 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 the range P5 It is a range lower than the lower end of ).

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state (more specifically, a state shown in FIG. 6 to be described later) in use of the hydroelectric power generator 100. Referring to FIG. 5 along with FIG. 1, the hydroelectric power generation device 100 generates power in, for example, a waterway 200. The waterway 200 is, for example, an agricultural waterway, and the water W flows through the waterway 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 rotating beam 110 rides over the waterway 200. The fixture 151 is fixed to the edge 201 of the water channel 200, and the fixture 152 is fixed to the edge 202 of the water channel 200. Thereby, the rotating beam 110 is supported freely to rotate in a state over which it rides over the waterway 200. The rotation axis of the rotating beam 110 and the water flow direction Dw of the channel 200 are orthogonal to each other.

By rotating the rotating beam 110, the aberration 10 can be raised or lowered with respect to the water surface Uw. When the water wheel blade 11 (FIG. 1) of the water wheel 10 is below the water surface Uw of the water W, the water wheel blade 11 is received by the force of the water W flowing through the water channel 200. ) Rotates. In this embodiment, the rotating beam 110 is rotated in a range in which the angle between the rotation axis of the aberration 10 and the water flow direction Dw (hereinafter, also referred to as ``aberration angle'') is 0° or more and 90° or less. I can. However, it is not limited to this, and the movable range of the rotating beam 110 (by the way, the hydroelectric power module M) can be set arbitrarily.

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

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

8 is a diagram showing a state in which the aberration angle is set to 90° in the hydroelectric power generation device 100. Referring to FIG. 8, when the rotating beam 110 is rotated to make the aberration angle 90°, the rotation axis Ra and the water flow direction Dw of the aberration 10 are orthogonal. In this state, the aberration 10 exists apart from the water W, and does not contact the water W. That is, the water surface Uw is located in the range P1 shown in FIG. 4, and the entire aberration 10 is above the water surface Uw.

9 is a control block diagram showing a configuration for performing power generation control in the hydroelectric power generation device 100. Referring to FIG. 9, the hydroelectric power generation device 100 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. A speed detector 52 is further provided. In addition, each of the rectifier circuit 41, the DC/DC converter 42, and the DC/AC inverter 43 detects the state of the circuit (e.g., temperature, current, and voltage). Omitted) may be included. Further, the detection signals of each sensor may be output to the control device 50.

The rotational speed detector 52 is configured to detect the rotational speed of the aberration blade 11. More specifically, the rotational speed detector 52 outputs an electric signal corresponding to the rotational speed of the aberration blade 11 (hereinafter, also referred to as a “rotational speed signal”) to the control device 50. As a method of detecting the rotational speed, various methods are known, and any method can be adopted. For example, the rotational speed detector 52 may generate a rotational speed signal using the aberration 10 or an encoder (not shown) attached to the rotational shaft of 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 is configured to include a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as an arithmetic device, a storage device, and input/output ports (all not shown) for inputting and outputting various signals. The storage device includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) as a working memory, and a storage storage (for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a rewritable nonvolatile memory). The control device 50 receives signals from various devices connected to the input port (e.g., rotation speed detector 52 and various sensors), and based on the received signals, various devices connected to the output port (e.g. For example, the brake device 30, the motor 120, the DC/DC converter 42, and the DC/AC inverter 43 are controlled. Various controls are executed by the CPU executing the program stored in the storage device. However, with regard to various types of control, it is not limited to processing by software, and processing by dedicated hardware (electronic circuit) is also possible.

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

In the power generation operation by the hydroelectric power generation device 100, the generator 20 generates power as the water wheel 10 rotates. AC power generated by the generator 20 (for example, three-phase AC power) is output to the rectifier circuit 41 and is converted into DC power by the rectifier circuit 41.

The DC/DC converter 42 converts a predetermined power into an input power (more specifically, DC power) from the rectifier circuit 41 in accordance with a control signal from the control device 50 (for example, Transformation), and the DC power after power conversion is output to the DC/AC inverter 43. The amount of power output from the DC/DC converter 42 is controlled by the control device 50. The control device 50 may control the DC/DC converter 42 to limit power supplied to the DC/AC inverter 43. Further, the control device 50 may stop the output of the DC/DC converter 42 so that power is not supplied to the DC/AC inverter 43. As the power output from the DC/DC converter 42 decreases, the power generation load of the generator 20 decreases, and when the output of the DC/DC converter 42 stops, power generation by the generator 20 stops. .

In response to a control signal from the control device 50, the DC/AC inverter 43 converts the input power (more specifically, DC power) from the DC/DC converter 42 to alternating current of a predetermined size and frequency. It is configured to convert it into electric power and output it. The alternating current 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 business operator or used for power storage.

By the way, when the hydroelectric power generation device 100 is used in an agricultural waterway, foreign matters (for example, water plants, branches, and string-shaped garbage) deposited from the upstream are wound around the water wheel 10 to reduce the amount of power generation. Can be The foreign matter caught on the water wheel blade 11 is in a state pressed against the water wheel blade 11 by the water pressure caused by the water flow. These foreign substances are difficult to peel off from the aberration blade (11).

Therefore, in the hydroelectric power generation device 100 according to the present embodiment, at the time of normal power generation, while the hydraulic power generation module M is in the first state, when a foreign object adheres to the aberration blade 11, The hydroelectric power module M is pulled up, and the relative water surface position is set to a second state lower than that of the first state. In the second state, at least a part of the aberration blade 11 is above the water surface. When the water wheel blade 11 is above the water surface, the water wheel blade 11 does not receive water pressure from the water flow, so that foreign matters are liable to be peeled off from the water wheel blade 11. Using this, in the hydroelectric power generation apparatus 100, the foreign matter adhering to the water wheel blade 11 is removed with the hydroelectric power module M in a second state. In addition, in the hydroelectric power generation apparatus 100, after the foreign matter is removed in the second state, the hydroelectric power module M is pulled down to return it to the first state. Hereinafter, the first state and the second state will be described in detail.

During normal power generation, the control device 50 sets the hydroelectric power module M to a first state (hereinafter, also referred to as a "normal power generation state"). In a normal power generation state, at least a part of the water wheel blade 11 is present in the water of the water channel 200 and the water wheel blade 11 rotates by the force of the water flowing through the water channel 200, and power generation is stopped by the generator 20. It is a state of being done More specifically, during normal power generation, the control device 50 controls the motor 120 so that the rotation axis Ra of the aberration 10 becomes parallel to the water flow direction Dw (that is, the aberration angle is 0°) Adjust the rotation angle of the rotating beam 110. Thereby, the hydroelectric power module M is in a normal power generation state. The normal power generation state in this embodiment is the state shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. That is, in the normal power generation state, the water surface Uw of the waterway 200 is located above the waterwheel 10 (that is, the range P5 shown in FIG. 4 ), and the entire waterwheel 10 is It exists underwater. In the normal power generation state, a power conversion device (for example, the DC/DC converter 42 and the DC/AC inverter 43) is operated by the control device 50 so that the desired power is output from the hydroelectric power generation device 100. Is controlled. In addition, in the normal power generation state, braking by the brake device 30 is not performed. Accordingly, the water wheel 10 rotates in response to the flow velocity of the water channel 200. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the rotational speed of the generator 20 may be adjusted by the brake device 30 in order to increase power generation efficiency.

When a predetermined lifting condition (e.g., a condition that holds when the amount of foreign matter attached to the water wheel blade 11 exceeds the allowable range) is established when the hydroelectric power module M is in a normal power generation state, the control device 50 controls the motor 120, and the hydroelectric power module M is set to a second state (hereinafter, also referred to as a "pulling state"). In the raised state, at least a part of the water wheel 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 wheel 10 is normally developed. It is a state lower than the state. The lifting state in this embodiment is the state shown in FIG. 7. 10 is a perspective view of the hydroelectric power generation device 100 in the state shown in FIG. 7. 7 and 10, in the raised state, the water surface Uw is located in the rotation axis of the aberration 10 (that is, the range P3 shown in FIG. 4).

The higher the position of the water surface Uw of the channel 200 with respect to the aberration 10, the greater the ratio (eg, volume ratio) of the aberration blades 11 present in the water. And, as the number of the aberration blades 11 existing in the water increases, the force that the aberration 10 receives from the water flow increases, and the force to rotate the aberration 10 increases. As the force to rotate the aberration 10 increases, the amount of power generation increases. In the above-described normal power generation state, all of the water wheel blades 11 are present in the water of the water channel 200 and the water wheel blade 11 rotates under the force of water flowing through the water channel 200. For this reason, the amount of power generation in the normal power generation state can be increased.

On the other hand, as the position of the water surface Uw of the water channel 200 with respect to the water wheel 10 decreases, the ratio of the aberration blades 11 existing above the water surface Uw of the water channel 200 (for example, volume ratio) There are many. The aberration blade 11 existing above the water surface Uw does not receive water pressure from the water current. For this reason, when the aberration blade 11 exists above the water surface Uw, the foreign matter becomes easy to peel off from the aberration blade 11. In the hydroelectric power generation apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, when a predetermined lifting condition is satisfied while the hydroelectric power module M is in a normal power generation state, the hydroelectric power generation module M is brought into a raised state. More specifically, the position of the water surface Uw of the water channel 200 with respect to the aberration 10 is the position of the rotation axis of the aberration 10 (that is, the range P3 shown in FIG. 4 ). In such a raised state, each of the five aberration blades 11 provided by the aberration 10 is in a state in which the entire blade is in the water as the rotation of the aberration 10 and the entire blade is on the water surface (Uw The state that exists above) is alternately repeated. When the water wheel blade 11 is in water, the water wheel blade 11 is supplied with a force to rotate the water wheel 10 from the water stream. When the aberration blade 11 exists above the water surface Uw, the foreign matter is removed from the aberration blade 11 by rotational force (for example, centrifugal force due to rotation) and gravity. Foreign matter wrapped around the aberration blade 11 is released by the rotation of the aberration blade 10, and falls into the water from the root side of the aberration blade 11 when the aberration blade 11 is above the water surface Uw, It has been confirmed by the inventor's experiment. At this time, by inclining the aberration 10 in a raised state as shown in FIG. 7, foreign matters are easily removed from the aberration blade 11. It is preferable that the aberration angle θ in the raised state is 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.

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

Referring 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 set arbitrarily. In this embodiment, the control device 50 is a power conversion device so that the desired power is output from the hydroelectric power generation device 100 by power generation by the generator 20. (For example, DC/DC converter 42 and DC/AC inverter 43) are controlled.

In S12, the control device 50 determines whether or not a predetermined lifting condition is satisfied. Although the lifting condition can be set arbitrarily, in this embodiment, when the amount of the foreign matter adhered to the aberration blade 11 exceeds the allowable range when the hydroelectric power module M is in the first state, the lifting condition Let this be established. It is arbitrary how much foreign matter is allowed.

The control device 50 in this embodiment monitors the rotational speed of the aberration blade 11 by the rotational speed detector 52 when the hydroelectric power module M is in the first state, and When the amount of change in the rotational speed of the aberration blade 11 (hereinafter, simply referred to as "speed fluctuation amount") exceeds the threshold value, it is determined that the amount of foreign matter adhered to the aberration blade 11 exceeds the allowable range. If the amount of foreign matter adhered to the aberration blade 11 increases, the rotational speed of the aberration blade 11 decreases, so whether the amount of the foreign matter adhered to the aberration blade 11 exceeds the allowable range based on the above-described speed fluctuation amount. It can be determined whether or not.

The detection interval of the rotational speed of the aberration blade 11 and the unit time of the speed fluctuation amount can be arbitrarily set.In this embodiment, the rotational speed of the aberration blade 11 is detected every second, and the unit time of the speed fluctuation amount is determined. Make it for 5 seconds. That is, when the amount of change in the rotational speed of the aberration blade 11 per 5 seconds exceeds the threshold value, it is determined that the amount of the foreign matter adhering to the aberration blade 11 exceeds the allowable range. However, it is not limited to this, and only when multiple types of speed fluctuations with different unit times (e.g., speed fluctuations in which the unit time is 1 second, 5 seconds, and 1 minute) is calculated and all speed fluctuations exceed the threshold Also, it may be determined that the amount of the foreign matter adhering to the aberration blade 11 exceeds the allowable range.

It is preferable that the threshold value used for the above determination is set in consideration of fluctuations in the flow velocity of the channel 200 (FIG. 5). For example, the waterway 200 in which the hydroelectric power generation device 100 is installed in the present embodiment is an agricultural waterway. The flow velocity of the channel 200 pulsates due to natural fluctuations. When the flow rate of the water channel 200 changes, the rotational speed of the water wheel blade 11 also changes. Although the amount of foreign matter adhering to the water wheel blade 11 does not exceed the allowable range, it is preferable to set an appropriate threshold value so that the speed fluctuation amount does not exceed the threshold value due to the fluctuation of the flow speed of the water channel 200. The fluctuation range of the flow velocity of the water channel is roughly determined for each channel, and can be obtained in advance by experiment or simulation. In one example of an agricultural channel, the range of fluctuations in flow rate was about ±4% of the average flow rate. It is possible to grasp the range of fluctuations in the rotational speed of the aberration blade 11 that may occur due to fluctuations in the flow rate from the range of fluctuations in the flow speed of the channel 200 obtained in advance. For example, when the rotational speed of the aberration blade 11 changes by a predetermined ratio (e.g., 5%) or more with respect to the average rotational speed, the amount of foreign matter adhered to the aberration blade 11 exceeds the allowable range. You may decide that you did it. Further, the flow velocity of the water channel 200 may be detected, and the threshold value may be varied in accordance with the detected flow velocity.

In addition, the method of determining whether the amount of the foreign matter adhering to the aberration blade 11 exceeds the allowable range is not limited to the method based on the speed fluctuation amount. For example, the control device 50 is attached to the aberration blade 11 based on at least one of the rotation torque of the aberration 10 or the generator 20 and the current value of the electric power output from the generator 20. It may be configured to determine whether the amount of foreign matter exceeds the allowable range. The rotation torque can be detected by, for example, a torque meter (not shown). In addition, the control device 50, based on the output of the optical sensor (not shown) that detects the foreign matter adhered to the aberration blade 11, whether the amount of the foreign matter adhered to the aberration blade 11 exceeds the allowable range. It may be configured to determine whether or not.

When the lifting condition is not satisfied (NO in S12), the process returns to S11. The power generation control in S11 is continuously performed while it is determined in S12 that the lifting condition is not satisfied. On the other hand, when the lifting condition is satisfied (YES in S12), in S13, the control device 50 controls the motor 120 to rotate the rotating beam 110, and thus the hydroelectric power module M Is set to the second state (see Figs. 7 and 10). The aberration angle θ in the second state is adjusted so that the water surface Uw of the water channel 200 is positioned on the rotation axis of the aberration 10, and is 45° in one example. Thereby, the hydroelectric power module M is not in the first state, and the lifting control in Fig. 11 is ended.

12 is a flow chart showing pull-down control by the hydroelectric power generation device 100. The processing shown in this flowchart is called from the main routine every predetermined time period when the hydroelectric power 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.

Referring to FIG. 12 together 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 set arbitrarily. In this embodiment, the control device 50 controls the DC/DC converter 42 to control the power taken out from the hydroelectric power generation device 100 to the first. Make it smaller than the state of. As a result, the power generation load of the generator 20 becomes smaller than in the first state.

As described above, in the second state (refer to FIGS. 7 and 10), foreign matter is removed from the water wheel blade 11 (that is, the water wheel blade 11 not receiving water pressure from the water flow) above the water surface Uw. It becomes easy to fall off. In addition, when the power generation load of the generator 20 becomes small, the aberration 10 becomes easier to rotate, and therefore, the foreign matter is liable to fall from the aberration blade 11 due to the rotation of the aberration 10. For this reason, 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 matters more reliably (or in a short time).

In this embodiment, in the second state, power generation by the generator 20 is performed with a power generation load smaller than that in the first state. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and in the second state, the control device 50 stops the output of the DC/DC converter 42 (and, in turn, the output of the hydroelectric power generator 100), and the generator 20 is turned off. It is also possible to leave no power generation load. Power generation by the generator 20 is stopped by making the generator 20 a state in which there is no power generation load. As a result, the force of rotation of the aberration 10 increases, and the foreign matter is liable to fall from the aberration blade 11 due to the rotation of the aberration 10, and it is possible to remove the foreign matter more reliably (or in a short time). It becomes.

In S22, the control device 50 determines whether or not a predetermined pull-down condition is satisfied. Although the pull-down condition can be set arbitrarily, in this embodiment, when a predetermined time (hereinafter, also referred to as ``holding time'') elapses after the hydroelectric power module M enters the second state, the pull-down condition is established. Do it. The holding time is set long enough to remove foreign matter from the aberration blade 11 and short enough so as not to reduce the amount of power generation excessively. It is preferable that the holding time is set in consideration of the amount of foreign matter flowing in the waterway 200 (FIG. 10). For example, the amount of foreign matter that has surfaced on the aberration 10 per unit time may be determined in advance by experiment or simulation, and an appropriate holding time may be set. It is preferable that the holding time is 5 seconds or more and 30 seconds or less, for example. In this embodiment, the holding time is set to 10 seconds.

When the pull-down condition is not satisfied (NO in S22), the process returns to S21. While it is determined in S22 that the pull-down condition is not satisfied, the power generation limitation in S21 is continuously performed while the hydroelectric power module M is held in the second state. On the other hand, when the pull-down condition is satisfied (YES in S22), in S23, the control device 50 controls the motor 120 to rotate the rotating beam 110, so that the hydraulic power generation module M Is set to the first state (see Figs. 5 and 6). Thereby, the hydroelectric power module M is not in the second state, and the pull-down control in Fig. 12 is ended. Then, the lifting control in Fig. 11 is started.

As described above, in the hydroelectric power generation apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, when a predetermined lifting condition is satisfied when the hydroelectric power module M is in the first state (YES in S12 in FIG. 11), the hydraulic power With the power generation module M in the second state (S13 in Fig. 11), removal of the attachment to the water wheel blade 11 (that is, the foreign substance attached to the water wheel blade 11) in the raised state (S21 in Fig. 12). And after performing S22), the hydroelectric power module M is returned to the first state again (S23 in Fig. 12). By appropriately removing the foreign matter in the second state (lifting state), a decrease in the power generation capability of the hydroelectric power generation device 100 due to the foreign matter is suppressed. In addition, since foreign matter is removed each time the lifting condition is satisfied, the hydroelectric power generator 100 can maintain a high power generation capability over a long period of time. In this way, in the hydroelectric power generation apparatus 100, a process for suppressing a decrease in power generation capability due to foreign matter flowing through the water channel 200 can be easily performed. In addition, since the above method does not require enormous vibration suppression equipment, foreign matter can be removed at low cost.

In the above embodiment, the control device 50, when a predetermined power generation stop condition is satisfied, stops the above-described pull-up control and pull-down control (more, power generation by the generator 20), and the motor By controlling 120 and rotating the rotating beam 110, the water wheel 10 may be pulled up from the waterway 200, and the hydroelectric power module M may be configured to be in the state shown in FIG. 8. In addition, the control device 50 may be configured to resume the above-described pull-up control and pull-down control (in turn, power generation by the generator 20) when a predetermined power generation resume condition is satisfied. For example, a power generation stop condition may be established in predetermined weather (for example, when at least one of precipitation, snowfall, and wind speed exceeds an allowable range). Further, the power generation restart condition may be established when a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the power generation stop condition has ceased to be established.

In the above embodiment, the lifting 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 module M enters the first state, the lifting condition may be established. By doing so, the removal of foreign matters in the second state (pulling state) is performed regularly. 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 pull-down condition (S22 in Fig. 12) can be arbitrarily changed. For example, when the amount of the foreign matter adhering to the aberration blade 11 falls within the allowable range, the condition for pulling down may be satisfied. Whether or not the amount of the foreign matter adhering to the aberration blade 11 falls within the allowable range can be determined based on, for example, the rotational speed of the aberration blade 11.

In the above embodiment, the predetermined control in the second state (S21 in Fig. 12) may be variable depending on the situation. For example, depending on the source of the electric power generated by the hydroelectric power generation apparatus 100, it may be undesirable to limit power generation in the hydroelectric power generation apparatus 100 (ie, reduce the power generation load). Therefore, it may be possible for the user to set the power generation limitation in the control device 50 via the input device 51 so that the user can select whether or not the power generation is restricted for each situation. In addition, the control device 50 may perform the pull-down control in Fig. 13 described below.

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

Referring 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 restriction permission flag may be prepared in the storage device of the control device 50, and it may be determined whether or not power generation restriction 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 the first state, for example, as in S21 of FIG. 12 described above. The control device 50 may perform power generation 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 pull-down control in 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. Accordingly, it is possible to achieve both the securing of the amount of power required for each situation and the removal of foreign matters.

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

Referring to Fig. 14 along with Fig. 9, in this pull-down control, as a predetermined control in the second state, instead of S21 in Fig. 12, steps S111 to S115 (hereinafter, simply referred to as "S111" to "S115" Is called). When the hydroelectric power module M is in the first state, a predetermined lifting condition is satisfied, and the hydroelectric power module M is in the first state to the second state by the processing of S13 in FIG. 11 (FIG. 7 and 10), the process of S111 is executed. In addition, the counter used hereinafter is stored in the storage device of the control device 50, for example, and the initial value of the counter is 0.

In S111, the control device 50 controls the brake device 30 to give a braking force to the rotation of the generator 20 (and further, the rotation of the water wheel blade 11). Thereby, a state in which a braking force is applied to the rotation of the aberration blade 11 (hereinafter, also referred to as a "brake on state") is obtained. In the brake-on state, the water wheel 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") as it is in the brake-on state (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, in S113, the control device 50 stops the braking operation by the brake device 30, and the rotating shaft of the generator 20 (going forward, the aberration blade 11) The rotation shaft of) is released (hereinafter, also referred to as a "brake off state"). In the brake off state, the aberration blade 11 rotates in a state in which 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") as it is in the brake-off state (S114). It is preferable that the release time is, for example, 1 second or more and 30 seconds or less, and in one example, it is 3 seconds.

When the release time elapses after the break-off state has elapsed, the control device 50 ink-requires the counter in S115, and the counter value is a predetermined threshold Th (hereinafter, also referred to as "braking frequency") in step S120. ) Is reached or not. This judgment corresponds to judgment as to whether or not a pull-down condition is satisfied. The number of braking can be arbitrarily set. In one example, the number of braking is set to three.

When the counter value does not reach the threshold Th (NO in S120), it is determined that the pull-down condition does not hold, and the process returns to S111. While it is determined in S120 that the counter value does not reach the threshold Th, the processes of S111 to S115 are repeatedly performed. On the other hand, when the counter value reaches the threshold Th (YES in S120), it is determined that the pulling down condition is satisfied, and in S23, the control device 50 controls the motor 120 to control the rotating beam 110 The hydroelectric power module M is set to the first state by rotating. Thereby, the hydroelectric power module M is not in the second state, and the pull-down control in Fig. 14 is ended.

As described above, in the pull-down control of FIG. 14, when the hydraulic 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 aberration blade 11 in the state where this is applied, and the non-braking rotation that rotates the aberration blade 11 in a state in which the braking force is not applied by the brake device 30, the pull-down condition is satisfied. Repeat alternately until. In the second state, by intermittently applying a braking force to the rotation of the aberration blade 11 (brake on) and repeating the increase or decrease of the braking force, the rotation of the aberration blade 11 repeats deceleration and acceleration. Thereby, the foreign matter is liable to fall from the aberration blade 11, and it becomes possible to remove the foreign matter more reliably (or in a short time). In addition, the braking time and release time are preferably set in consideration of the time required for acceleration/deceleration of the rotation of the aberration blade 11.

The processing of S111 to S115 in Fig. 14 may be performed in a state in which power generation is restricted (that is, a state in which the power generation load of the generator 20 is smaller than the first state). In the case of restricting power generation in S111 to S115, the control device 50 may perform power generation while the power generation load is small, or may stop power generation.

The first state (normal power generation state) and the second state (lifting 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. 8. In the state shown in FIG. 8, since the water surface Uw is located in the range P1 shown in FIG. 4, the relative sleeping position is lower than that in the state shown in each of FIGS. 6 and 7.

In the state shown in FIG. 8, all of the water wheel blades 11 are above the water surface Uw of the water channel 200, and each water wheel blade 11 is not subjected to the force of water flowing through the water channel 200. However, when the state shown in Fig. 8 is adopted as the second state, in the state before being pulled up (for example, the state shown in Fig. 6 or 7), the aberration is received by the force of the water flowing through the waterway 200. Since the blade 11 is rotating, the aberration blade 11 rotates by inertia even in a state after being pulled up (that is, a state shown in Fig. 8). Even in such a second state (that is, the state shown in Fig. 8), since the water wheel blade 11 does not receive water pressure from the water flow, foreign matters are liable to be peeled off from the water wheel blade 11.

The removal of foreign matter may be promoted by vibrating the aberration blade 11 in the second state. 15 is a diagram for explaining such a modified example.

Referring 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 alternately repeat the forward and reverse of the rotating beam 110 with a predetermined amount of rotation, and the aberration blade 11 Is vibrating. By properly vibrating the aberration blade 11, it is possible to promote the removal of foreign matter. Further, 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 aberration blade 11 in the second state.

The actuator for rotating the rotating beam 110 is not limited to the motor 120 and is arbitrary, and may be an actuator using, for example, an air cylinder. In addition, the driving unit for moving the hydroelectric power module M to be in the first state and the second state, a driving unit that rotates the hydroelectric power module M (for example, the aforementioned rotating beam 110 and the motor 120 ), but may be a drive unit (for example, a lifting type crane device) that raises and lowers the hydroelectric power module M in the vertical direction. By raising and lowering the hydroelectric power module M (including the water wheel 10), the relative water surface position (that is, the position of the water surface of the water channel 200 with respect to the water wheel 10) can be changed.

The hydroelectric power generation apparatus to which the above-described control is applied is not limited to a small hydroelectric power generation apparatus that performs hydroelectric power generation of 1000 kW or less, and may be a hydroelectric power generation apparatus having a higher power generation output. Further, the above-described control may be applied to a power generation system that converts kinetic energy possessed by flowing water into electric power or a power generation system that performs tidal power or wave power. 16 is a diagram for explaining an underwater floating ocean current power generation system according to a modification of the embodiment.

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

The underwater power generation device 300 includes a water wheel 10A and a power generation unit 301. The water wheel 10A includes a water wheel blade 11A, a boss portion 12A, and a rotating shaft 13A. The power generation unit 301 includes a generator 20A, buoyancy adjustment devices 302 and 303, and a control device 50A. The power generation unit 301 is fixed (moored) to the spoon Bw by being connected to the anchor 310 via the mooring line 320. The rotation shaft of the generator 20A is connected to the rotation shaft 13A of the water wheel 10A. Power generation by the generator 20A is performed by rotating the aberration blade 11A by receiving the force of water (more specifically, seawater) flowing in the water flow direction Dw. The electric power generated by the generator 20A may be supplied to a power system or a retail electric business operator through an unillustrated power line (for example, a submarine cable), or may be accumulated in a power storage device (not shown) in the power generation unit 301. . In addition, a power conversion device (for example, a rectifier circuit, a DC/DC converter, and a DC/AC inverter) not shown is provided in the power generation unit 301 to convert predetermined power to the output of the generator 20A. You may do it.

The control device 50A is configured to control the buoyancy adjustment devices 302 and 303. The buoyancy adjustment devices 302 and 303 function as a drive unit that moves the hydroelectric power module (including the aberration 10A and the generator 20A) so as to be in a first state and a second state. The buoyancy adjustment devices 302 and 303 are configured to adjust the buoyancy of the underwater power generation device 300 by injecting/discharging ballast water in response to a control signal from the control device 50A.

The control device 50A controls the buoyancy adjustment devices 302, 303, and injects ballast water into the buoyancy adjustment devices 302, 303, thereby reducing the buoyancy of the underwater power generation device 300 to reduce the buoyancy of the underwater power generation device 300. ) Can be subsided. For example, the state in which the whole underwater power generation device 300 shown in FIG. 16 exists underwater (more specifically, underwater) can be made into the 1st state (normal power generation state).

And, when a predetermined raising condition is satisfied when the underwater power generation device 300 (in the future, the hydro power generation module) is in the first state, the control device 50A controls the buoyancy adjustment devices 302 and 303. By controlling and discharging the ballast water from the buoyancy adjustment 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 floated. With such control, the underwater power generation apparatus 300 (in the future, the hydroelectric power module) can be set from a first state to a second state (a pulled-up state). For example, the state shown by the dashed-dotted line in FIG. 16 can be made into the second state. In the state indicated by the dashed-dotted line in FIG. 16, the water surface Uw is located on the rotation axis of the aberration 10A.

As described above, even in an underwater floating ocean current power generation system, it is possible to put the hydroelectric power module in the first state and the second state, and by performing the above-described lifting control and lowering control, the waterway (more specific In this case, treatment for suppressing a decrease in power generation capacity due to foreign matter flowing through the sea can be easily performed at low cost. Further, in the above-described underwater floating ocean current power generation system, a sinker may be used instead of the anchor. In addition, the number and arrangement of buoyancy adjustment devices can be arbitrarily changed.

The type of aberration is not limited to a horizontal shaft type propeller aberration and can be arbitrarily changed. 17 is a diagram showing a modified example of a hydroelectric power module employing a vertical axis type aberration. Referring to Fig. 17, this hydroelectric power module includes a vertical shaft type aberration 10B. Then, the aberration 10B includes an aberration blade 11B and a rotating shaft 13B connected to the aberration blade 11B. The rotation shaft 13B corresponds to the rotation axis of the aberration 10B. The aberration blade 11B is a straight blade type, and has a shape in which the upper and lower ends of the blade are bent toward a rotation axis. Such aberration blade 11B rotates by water flow in the Y-axis direction. As the water wheel blade 11B rotates, the rotating shaft of the generator 20B connected to the rotating shaft 13B via the gear box 22B (more specifically, the rotating shaft disposed in the post 21B) rotates. Thus, power generation is performed by the generator 20B.

By attaching the hydroelectric power module as described above to the above-described driving unit (that is, the driving unit including the rotating beam 110, the motor 120, and the mount 23), by the rotational operation of the rotating beam 110 The hydroelectric power module can be in a first state and a second state. Even in such a hydroelectric power generation apparatus, by performing the above-described pull-up control and pull-down control, it becomes possible to easily perform a process for suppressing a decrease in power generation capability due to foreign matter flowing through a water channel at low cost.

The various modifications described above may be implemented in combination. In addition, the configurations shown in the above embodiments and modifications can be appropriately changed. For example, when the setting required for the control device 50 is completed, the input device 51 may be allocated. 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 allocated.

It should be considered that the embodiment disclosed this time is an illustration and is not restrictive in all points. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than the description of the above-described embodiments, and it is intended that the meanings equivalent to the claims and all changes within the scope are included.

10, 10A, 10B: aberration
11, 11A, 11B: water wheel blade
12, 12A: Boss section
13, 13A, 13B: rotating shaft
20, 20A, 20B: generator
21, 21B: holding
22, 22B: gear box
23: trestle
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 unit
51: input device
52: rotation speed detector
100: hydropower device
110: rotating beam
111, 112: bearing
120: motor
130: coupling
151, 152: fixture
153: fixed beam
200: channel
201, 202: seniority
231, 232: no trestle
300: underwater power generation device
301: power generation unit
302, 303: buoyancy adjustment device
310: anchor
320: mooring line
M: Hydro power module

Claims (9)

A hydroelectric power generation module including a water wheel having a water wheel blade that rotates using the force of water flowing through the waterway, and a generator that generates electricity using the rotational force of the water wheel blade,
A driving unit that moves the hydroelectric power module to be in a first state and a second state,
And a control device for controlling the driving unit,
The first state is a state in which at least a part of the water wheel blades exist in the water of the waterway, the water wheel blades rotate under the force of water flowing through the waterway, and power generation is performed by the generator,
The second state is a state in which at least a part of the aberration blade is above the water surface of the waterway, and the position of the water surface of the waterway with respect to the waterwheel is lower than that of the first state,
And the control device puts the hydroelectric power module into the second state when a predetermined lifting condition is satisfied while the hydroelectric power module is in the first state. The method of claim 1,
When the hydroelectric power module is in the first state, when the amount of the foreign matter adhered to the water wheel blade exceeds an allowable range, the lifting condition is satisfied. The method of claim 2,
The control device monitors the rotational speed of the waterwheel blades when the hydroelectric power module is in the first state, and when a change in the rotational speed of the waterwheel blades per unit time exceeds a threshold value, the waterwheel blades A hydroelectric power generation device, characterized in that it is determined that the amount of foreign matter adhered exceeds the allowable range. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
Further comprising a braking device that gives a braking force to the rotation of the aberration blade,
The control device is configured to control the braking device,
When the predetermined lifting condition is satisfied when the hydroelectric power module is in the first state, the control device puts the hydroelectric power module into the second state, and the braking force is reduced by the braking device. A hydroelectric power generation apparatus, characterized in that a braking rotation for rotating the aberration blade in an applied state and a non-braking rotation for rotating the aberration blade in a state in which the braking force is not applied by the braking device are alternately repeated. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
When the hydroelectric power module is in the second state, the power generation load of the generator is made smaller than the first state. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
And the control device sets the hydroelectric power module to the first state when a predetermined pull-down condition is satisfied when the hydroelectric power module is in the second state. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The aberration is a propeller aberration configured by attaching a plurality of the aberration blades around a rotating shaft,
The second state is a state in which a part of the water wheel blade is present in the water of the water channel and the water wheel blade rotates under the force of water flowing through the water channel,
Hydroelectric power generation apparatus, characterized in that the water surface of the waterway in the second state is located on the rotation shaft of the propeller aberration. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The driving unit,
With rotating beams,
An actuator that rotates the rotating beam,
And a support fixed to the rotating beam while supporting the hydroelectric power module so as to rotate together with the rotating beam together with the hydroelectric power module,
The control device controls the actuator. A power generation system characterized by performing ocean current generation, tidal power generation, or wave power generation that converts kinetic energy possessed by flowing water into electric power by using the hydroelectric power generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

Images