JP2005016503A - Wind power generation device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make start of a windmill smooth in a wind power generation device generating electric power with using rotation of the windmill by wind power. <P>SOLUTION: This wind power generation device 10 is controlled to make start torque which the windmill needs to overcome to transfer from a stop state to a rotation state under a light wind condition that wind power is a set value or less smaller than start torque assumed under a strong wind condition that wind power is greater than a set value by using axial force generated with propeller type windmills 24, 26 by wind. Start torque is controlled by changing air gap between a rotor and a stator in generators 36, 38 by axial force. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a wind turbine generator that generates power using the rotation of a windmill by wind power, and more particularly, to a technique for controlling the starting torque of a windmill.

  There is already known a wind power generation apparatus that generates electric power by utilizing rotation of a windmill by wind power (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a wind power generator that should be referred to as a stationary type that is installed and used on the ground or a fixed object on the ground (for example, real estate), while Patent Document 2 discloses An example of a wind turbine generator that should be referred to as a mobile type mounted on a moving body including an automobile is disclosed.
JP 2000-60096 A JP 2000-125408 A

  This type of wind power generator is generally difficult to use in an environment where the windmill continues to rotate, regardless of whether it is a stationary type or a mobile type.

  For example, when using a stationary wind power generator, as long as the natural phenomenon of natural wind is used, it is unlikely that it will occur constantly, and the wind will blow or stop randomly. To do.

  On the other hand, the mobile wind power generator can be used in a mode in which power is generated using natural wind in a state in which the moving body on which the mobile wind turbine is mounted is stationary. Unlike a wind power generator, it can also be used in a mode in which power is generated using wind generated in the moving body as the moving body moves relative to the atmosphere. The wind generated in the moving body with the relative movement can be recognized as a relative wind or an artificial wind in order to be distinguished from a natural wind.

  Therefore, in this mobile wind power generator, it is possible to perform wind power generation without depending on natural wind when relative wind exists because the moving body is moving. However, in this case, since the wind force of the relative wind depends on the moving speed of the moving body, if the moving speed decreases, the wind force tends to decrease accordingly. Further, depending on the moving body, the stop and the movement are repeated, and accordingly, the relative wind stops and blows repeatedly.

  Therefore, when using any of the wind turbine generators, there is a phase of transition from the stopped state of the windmill to the rotating state, that is, the start of the windmill.

  In order for the windmill to start, for example, it is necessary to overcome the rotational resistance such as the inertia of the windmill and the rotating body that rotates with the windmill, the sliding resistance of these rotating elements, the magnetic force of the generator, etc. It is necessary to apply a starting torque large enough to overcome the rotational resistance. In the case of a wind turbine generator, this starting torque is generally generated by wind power, and thus a certain amount of wind power is required to start the windmill.

  Therefore, it is desirable to take special measures for smoothly starting the windmill in the wind turbine generator regardless of whether it is a stationary type or a mobile type.

  In response to this demand, Patent Document 1 discloses that in a stationary wind power generator, the arrangement of the stator coil and the rotor permanent magnet is devised to disperse the magnetic attractive force between the two, thereby starting the windmill. A mechanism for smoothly performing the above is disclosed. Further, Patent Document 2 does not disclose a mechanism for smooth start-up of a windmill in a mobile wind power generator, and does not disclose such a problem.

  With the background described above as a background, the present invention has been made in order to provide a novel technology for smooth start-up of a wind turbine in a wind turbine generator that generates power using wind turbine rotation by wind power. It is.

  The following aspects are obtained by the present invention. Each aspect is divided into sections, each section is given a number, and is described in a form that cites other section numbers as necessary. This is to facilitate understanding of some of the technical features described herein and some of their combinations. The technical features and combinations thereof described herein can be It should not be construed as limited.

(1) A wind power generator that generates power using wind power,
A propeller-type windmill rotated by wind power about a windmill axis generally parallel to the wind direction;
A generator that generates electricity by rotating the windmill,
Based on the axial force generated in the wind turbine in a direction parallel to the wind turbine axis by the wind power, a starting torque that the wind turbine needs to overcome in order for the wind turbine to transition from the stopped state to the rotating state is And a torque control mechanism that controls to be smaller than a starting torque assumed in a strong wind condition larger than the set value in a weak wind condition where is less than or equal to a set value.

  In this device, it is assumed that the starting torque necessary for the windmill to overcome in order to make the windmill transition from the stopped state to the rotating state is a strong wind state that is larger than the set value in a weak wind state where the wind force is equal to or less than the set value. The starting torque is controlled to be smaller than the starting torque.

  Therefore, according to this apparatus, it becomes possible to start a windmill smoothly in a light wind state.

  By the way, when a windmill is a propeller type, when the windmill receives wind force from the front, the wind force is mainly converted into rotational force by the windmill, but at the same time, it is also converted into axial force. This axial force is small in the low wind condition and large in the strong wind condition.

  By utilizing such a relationship between the axial force and the wind force, in the apparatus according to this section, the above-described starting torque is controlled by the axial force.

  That is, according to this device, in a weak wind state, the starting torque that the rotational force should overcome is reduced by the axial force out of the rotational force and the axial force converted by the wind turbine. In this way, the windmill is activated using both rotational force and axial force.

  The apparatus according to this section can be configured as a stationary type or a movable type. Further, when configured as a mobile type, for example, the device can be mounted on the roof of a passenger car, mounted on the roof of a freight vehicle, or mounted on the roof of a railway vehicle.

  Furthermore, when the apparatus according to this section is configured as a mobile type, the apparatus may be used to generate power using relative wind only when the moving body on which the apparatus is mounted is moving. It is not indispensable, and can be used to generate power using natural wind when the moving body is stopped.

(2) The generator is
A stator,
A rotor that rotates together with the windmill, and is opposed to the stator across an air gap, and is rotatable relative to the stator around a common generator axis; and The torque control mechanism supports the rotor so as to be movable relative to the stator in the axial direction of the generator axis, and the axial position of the rotor is caused by the axial force so that the air gap is The wind power generator according to (1), wherein the wind power generator is changed so as to be larger in the weak wind state than in the strong wind state.

  As a result of research on the generator, the present inventor has obtained the following knowledge. That is, if the air gap between the rotor and the stator is reduced in the generator, the magnetic force between the rotor and the stator increases, and accordingly, the starting torque of the rotor increases while the power generation efficiency increases. On the contrary, when the air gap is increased, the magnetic force between the rotor and the stator is reduced, and accordingly, the starting torque of the rotor is reduced while the power generation efficiency is reduced. .

  Furthermore, the inventor of the present invention pays attention to this phenomenon, and in a wind power generator equipped with such a generator, it is possible to change the starting torque of the windmill by changing the air gap. Knowledge was also obtained. Furthermore, the present inventor has also noticed that the air gap changes if the rotor is moved in the axial direction with respect to the stator.

  Based on the knowledge of the present inventor described above, in the apparatus according to this section, the rotor is supported so as to be movable relative to the stator in the axial direction, and the axial position of the rotor is the axial force of the windmill. Thus, the air gap is changed to be larger in the low wind condition than in the strong wind condition.

  The generator in this section is designed in a form in which the stator has a coil and the rotor has a magnet for generating power in cooperation with the coil. Conversely, the rotor has a coil, and the stator has It is possible to design in a form having a magnet for generating power in cooperation with the coil.

(3) The rotor and the stator have a pair of peripheral surfaces facing each other with the air gap therebetween, and at least one of the pair of peripheral surfaces with respect to the generator axis. The wind turbine generator according to (2), which has a continuous or discontinuous inclined surface.

  In general, assuming an inclined surface inclined with respect to an axis and an orthogonal straight line (radial direction straight line) orthogonal to the axis, and when the inclined surface is translated along the axis, The intersection of the inclined surface and the orthogonal straight line moves with the parallel movement of the inclined surface on the orthogonal straight line. This is the effect of an inclined surface that converts axial motion into radial motion.

  Specifically, a situation is assumed in which a parallel surface B extending parallel to a certain axis A and an inclined surface C extending inclined with respect to the axis A overlap each other in the one radius direction of the axis A. To do. In this situation, when one of the parallel surface B and the inclined surface C is moved along the axis A with respect to the other, the position of the parallel surface B and the inclined surface C is about a certain position on the axis A. The radial distance between them changes. This change occurs similarly for all positions on the axis A. Furthermore, this change can also occur for combinations of inclined surfaces.

  When this fact is applied to the relationship between the rotor and the stator, if at least one peripheral surface of the rotor and the stator is an inclined surface inclined with respect to the axial direction, the radial direction between the rotor and the stator The distance changes according to the axial position of the rotor, and the air gap between them also changes.

  By utilizing such a fact, in the apparatus according to this section, at least one of the pair of peripheral surfaces where the rotor and the stator face each other with an air gap therebetween is continuous or discontinuous with respect to the generator axis. It has an inclined surface.

(4) The torque control mechanism is an elastic member provided between the stationary member and the rotor, and is elastically deformed by the axial force, whereby the magnitude of the axial force and the relative axial direction of the rotor The wind turbine generator according to any one of (2) and (3), including a device that defines a relationship with a position.

  In this apparatus, an elastic member is provided between the stationary member and the rotor, and the elastic member is elastically deformed by the axial force, whereby the relationship between the magnitude of the axial force and the relative position in the axial direction of the rotor is obtained. It is prescribed.

  Therefore, according to this apparatus, it becomes easy to appropriately associate the wind force and the air gap with each other for the control of the wind turbine starting torque.

(5) Further, the clutch includes a shaft that connects the wind turbine and the rotor to each other, and is divided into two parts in the axial direction thereof, and the clutch in which the torque control mechanism is interposed between the two parts. In the wind power generator according to (1), the two parts are disconnected from each other in the light wind state by the axial force and switched to a state of being connected to each other in the strong wind state.

  According to this device, it is possible to realize the control of the windmill starting torque by controlling the transmission state of the rotational force between the windmill and the rotor using the clutch.

  Furthermore, according to this device, it is possible to switch the clutch connection / disconnection state by utilizing the axial force of the windmill.

(6) A propeller-type windmill that is rotated by wind power around a windmill axis that is generally parallel to the wind direction in order to generate power using wind power, and a generator that generates power by rotation of the windmill, The generator is a stator and a rotor facing the stator across an air gap, the rotor rotating around the generator axis common to the stator and relative to the rotor. A wind power generator having
The rotor is movable relative to the stator in the axial direction of the generator axis, and the rotor force is generated by an axial force generated in the wind turbine by the wind force in a direction parallel to the wind turbine axis. A wind turbine generator that includes an air gap control mechanism that controls an axial position so that the air gap is larger in a weak wind state where the wind force is equal to or less than a set value, and in a strong wind state greater than the set value.

  According to this apparatus, it is possible to realize basically the same operation effect according to basically the same principle as the wind power generation apparatus according to the item (2).

(7) The wind power generation apparatus includes an air duct that is mounted on the moving body and takes in the wind that is generated relative to the moving body with the movement from the inlet and discharges the wind from the outlet. The wind turbine generator according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the windmill is disposed in the air duct.

  Since this device is mounted on a moving body and used, as long as the moving body moves, it is possible to generate power without depending on natural wind.

  By the way, the direction of the wind generated in the moving body as the moving body moves does not change relative to the traveling direction of the moving body, and is always constant. Therefore, even if the air duct is mounted on the moving body and the direction of the air flow taken into the air duct is fixed relative to the moving body, the air duct can effectively use the wind force generated by the movement of the moving body.

  Based on such knowledge, the apparatus according to this section is equipped with an air duct that is mounted on a moving body and that actively takes in wind generated by movement and guides it to a generator. Yes.

(8) The plurality of wind turbines are arranged in the air duct side by side from the upstream side to the downstream side, and the generator is provided for each wind turbine. Wind power generator.

  According to this apparatus, a plurality of wind turbines are arranged in series in the air duct, so that the same air taken into the air duct is used to rotate at least one wind turbine on the upstream side and at least one wind turbine on the downstream side. It can be used for both of the rotation and the rotation.

  Therefore, according to this apparatus, it becomes easy to increase the total power generation amount by the same air.

(9) The flow path area in the air duct is larger than that in the position of the wind turbine located on the downstream side in the position of the wind turbine located on the upstream side in the air duct among the plurality of wind turbines. Wind power generator.

  According to this apparatus, in the air duct, the wind that has passed through the wind turbine located on the upstream side is sent to the downstream side having a flow passage area narrower than that position and accelerated to be guided to the wind turbine located on the downstream side. .

(10) The wind turbine generator according to (9), wherein the wind turbine located on the upstream side has a larger diameter than the wind turbine located on the downstream side.

(11) The outer diameter of the windmill is larger than the diameter of a projected circle when a portion of the flow path in the air duct where the windmill is located is projected along the flow path, and the air duct is (7) to (10) having an annular groove coaxially with the flow path for accommodating a portion of the outer peripheral end of the wind turbine located outside the projected circle in the portion forming the flow channel. The wind power generator according to any one of the items).

  According to this device, when the air duct is projected along the flow path, there is no gap between the portion of the air duct that forms the flow path and the outer peripheral end of the windmill.

  Therefore, according to this device, it is easier to perform power generation by effectively using the air taken into the air duct, compared to the case where power generation is performed using the device in a state where such a gap exists. Become.

(12) The wind power generator according to any one of (1) to (11), wherein the wind power generator is detachably mounted on the moving body.

  The wind power generator according to any one of (1) to (11) above, for example, in a situation where effective continuous power generation cannot be expected because long-time operation in a strong wind state cannot be expected, There is a possibility of temporarily removing it from the moving body. Furthermore, the user may wish to use the same wind power generator in another mobile unit.

  In view of these possibilities, the apparatus according to this section is detachably mounted on the moving body. Therefore, according to this apparatus, the usability of the wind power generator is improved.

  Hereinafter, some of more specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows an external view of a wind turbine generator 10 mounted on a moving body according to the first embodiment of the present invention in a state where it is mounted on an automobile 12, and FIG. ing. The wind power generator 10 is an example of the above-described mobile wind power generator, and the automobile 12 is an example of the above-described moving body.

  The wind power generator 10 is detachably mounted on the roof 14 of the automobile 12. This wind power generator 10 is designed to generate power by using relative wind generated relative to the automobile 12 as the automobile 12 travels.

  The wind power generator 10 is mounted on the roof 14 magnetically using, for example, a magnet that attracts the roof 14 or mechanically using a fastener that fastens the wind power generator 10 to the roof. It is possible.

  This wind power generator 10 is shown in a front view in FIG. 3 and in a partial side sectional view in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the wind power generator 10 includes a housing 16. An air duct 18 for taking in relative wind is formed in the housing 16.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the air duct 18 includes a cylindrical passage 20 that extends parallel to the front-rear direction of the automobile 12, that is, the direction from the upstream side to the downstream side of the relative wind (wind direction). The passage 20 basically extends straight with the same circular cross section, but in this embodiment, the flow passage area in the passage 20 is locally from the upstream side at the inlet portion 22 of the passage 20. The pressure is gradually decreased toward the downstream side, so that acceleration of relative wind is realized.

  As shown in FIG. 4, two propeller-type windmills 24 and 26 having the same diameter are arranged in series in the air duct 18. Each of the wind turbines 24 and 26 is configured such that a plurality of blades 32 and 34 extend radially outward from the hubs 28 and 30 located at the center thereof. The wind turbines 24 and 26 are arranged coaxially with the air duct 18.

  As shown in FIG. 4, generators 36 and 38 are coaxially connected to the wind turbines 24 and 26. In this embodiment, each windmill 24 and 26 is made into an upwind type. Each generator 36, 38 is supported by the housing 16 at a fixed position via a support (not shown). The structure of each generator 36, 38 will be described in detail later.

  FIG. 5 conceptually shows a block diagram of the electrical system of the wind power generator 10. In this electric system, two generators 36 and 38 are electrically connected to a capacitor 44 through a controller 40 and a regulator 42. Since each of the generators 36 and 38 is designed to generate an alternating current by relative wind, the controller 40 has a function of converting the generated alternating current into a direct current. On the other hand, the regulator 42 has a function of adjusting the supply voltage and supply current from the controller 40 to the battery 44.

  Therefore, according to this electrical system, the electric power generated by each of the generators 36 and 38 is stored in the capacitor 44 through appropriate processing by the controller 40 and the regulator 42.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the housing 16 is also formed with accommodating portions 46 and 48, in which the above-described controller 40, regulator 42 and capacitor 44 are accommodated. In the present embodiment, the battery 44 contains a plurality of storage batteries that are independent of each other and separable from the battery 44. Thereby, the user of this wind power generator 10 can take out a required number of storage batteries from the accommodating portions 46 and 48 and use it outside the automobile 12.

  Here, the structure of the generators 36 and 38 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. However, since the structures of the two generators 36 and 38 are common to each other, only one generator 36 will be representatively described.

  As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the generator 36 includes an entire housing 50. The entire housing 50 is divided into two divided housings 52 and 54 each having a bottomed cylindrical shape in the direction of the rotation axis of the generator 36. Of these divided housings 52 and 54, those located on the front side (left side in the figure) of the generator 36 are called front side divided housings 52, and those located on the rear side (right side in the figure) are called rear side divided housings 54, respectively.

  The front side divided housing 52 and the rear side divided housing 54 are screwed together so as to face each other at their openings. Thereby, the whole housing 50 is comprised in the form which has space inside.

  A stator 60 having a coil (not shown) and a rotor 62 that is rotated relative to and coaxially with the coil (not shown) are arranged in the entire housing 50 configured as described above. Both the stator 60 and the rotor 62 are arranged coaxially with the rotation axis of the generator 36.

  In the present embodiment, the rotor 62 has a hollow portion 64, and the stator 60 is disposed in the hollow portion 64. The rotor 62 is arranged outside the stator 60. Eventually, the generator 36 adopts an outer rotor system. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the air gap 70 is formed between the outer peripheral surface 66 of the stator 60 and the inner peripheral surface 68 of the rotor 62.

  The stator 60 includes a base end portion 72 and an action portion 74. The stator 60 is fixed to the rear divided housing 54 at the base end portion 72 with bolts 76. The outer peripheral surface 66 of the action portion 74, that is, the surface facing the rotor 62, has a tapered shape in which the diameter continuously increases from the front side to the rear side of the generator 36. That is, the stator 60 is opposed to the rotor 62 at its continuous tapered outer peripheral surface 66.

  On the other hand, the rotor 62 also includes a proximal end portion 78 and an action portion 80. A shaft 82 is fixed coaxially to the base end portion 78, and the windmill 24 is fixed coaxially at a distal end portion 84 of the shaft 82 at the hub 28 thereof. Therefore, if the windmill 24 rotates, the rotor 62 is rotated accordingly.

  The inner peripheral surface 68 of the action part 80 of the rotor 62, that is, the surface facing the stator 60, has a tapered shape that generally complements the outer peripheral surface 66 of the stator 60. Specifically, the inner peripheral surface 68 of the action part 80 has a tapered shape in which the diameter continuously increases from the front side to the rear side of the generator 36.

  A plurality of permanent magnets 86 are fixed to the inner peripheral surface 68 of the rotor 62 configured in this manner at regular intervals in the circumferential direction. In the generator 36, the permanent magnets 86 are opposed to the coils of the stator 60 with an air gap 70 therebetween, and as a result, power is generated by relative displacement between the permanent magnets 86 and the coils. Become. That is, this generator 36 employs a brushless system.

  An axial force transmission member 88 and a retainer 90 that are both hollow are further disposed in the entire housing 50. The axial force transmission member 88 and the retainer 90 are arranged in series with each other in the direction from the front side to the rear side of the generator 36 in that order.

  The axial force transmission member 88 supports the rotor 62 in relative rotation via an appropriate number (two in FIG. 6) of radial bearings 92 (an example of a bearing). On the other hand, the axial force transmission member 88 is fitted to the entire housing 50 so as to be slidable in the axial direction. Therefore, the rotor 62 can be moved not only relative to the stator 60 but also in the relative axial direction.

  The retainer 90 is also fitted to the entire housing 50 so as to be slidable in the axial direction. An elastic member 94 is disposed between the retainer 90 and the entire housing 50. The elastic member 94 constantly urges the axial force transmission member 88 toward the front side of the generator 36 via the retainer 90. On the other hand, the axial movement of the rotor 62 is performed integrally with the axial force transmission member 88.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the forward limit of the axial force transmission member 88 and the rotor 62 is such that the axial force transmission member 88 (an example of a member that moves integrally with the rotor 62) It is defined by contacting the formed rearward stopper 96. Even at the forward limit, the elastic member 94 biases the rotor 62 with a constant load. That is, the initial load of the elastic member 94 is set to a value greater than zero.

  An example of the elastic member 94 is configured such that a plurality of coil springs parallel to the rotation axis of the generator 36 are arranged along a circumference coaxial with the rotation axis. Another example is a coil spring that extends spirally along a cylindrical surface that is coaxial with its axis of rotation. Yet another example is a disc spring that is coaxial with its axis of rotation.

  As shown in FIG. 6B, the retraction limit of the axial force transmission member 88 and the rotor 62 is that the retainer 90 (an example of a member that moves integrally with the rotor 62) is formed in the entire housing 50. It is defined by contacting the forward-facing stopper 98.

  As shown to (a) and (b) of FIG. 6, the generator 36 is provided with the protector 100 which covers the whole housing 50 from the outer side. The protector 100 is fixed to the entire housing 50 by an appropriate number of bolts 102. The protector 100 has a waterproof function for the generator 36.

  In addition, the elastic member 94 is an example of a relationship defining mechanism that defines the relationship between the axial force of the rotor 62 and the amount of axial movement, that is, the size of the air gap 70. For example, this relationship defining mechanism defines the relationship between the axial force and the amount of axial movement as a linear one, defines it as a non-linear one, or if the axial force exceeds a certain value, It is possible to stipulate not to change.

  Next, the operation of the generator 36 will be described.

  In this generator 36, focusing on the rotor 62, the elastic member 94 always applies a forward axial force toward the front side of the generator 36, while when the wind turbine 24 receives relative wind, As a result, a backward axial force toward the rear side of the generator 36 is applied.

  Explaining the mechanism by which this backward axial force is generated, the wind turbine 24 is a propeller type as described above, and the relative wind force parallel to the rotational axis of the wind turbine 24 is converted into the rotational force of the wind turbine 24. Acts to convert to axial force. As a result, the axial force generated in the wind turbine 24 is transmitted to the rotor 62 of the generator 36 via the shaft 82.

  The backward axial force generated in the rotor 62 by such a mechanism is transmitted to the retainer 90 by the axial force transmission member 88, and further transmitted to the elastic member 94 by the retainer 90 in a direction against the elastic force. .

  When the wind turbine 24 does not receive any relative wind at all because the automobile 12 is stopped, or when the relative wind is weak because the traveling speed of the automobile 12 is low (wind power is below a set value). The backward axial force cannot overcome the forward axial force.

  In this state, as shown in FIG. 6A, the rotor 62 is at the forward limit. In this state, the air gap 70 is maximum, and therefore the magnetic force acting between the stator 60 and the rotor 62 is minimum. As a result, the starting torque of the rotor 62 of the generator 36, that is, the starting torque of the wind turbine 24 is minimized.

  If the relative wind force received by the windmill 24 increases as the traveling speed of the automobile 12 increases, the backward axial force increases accordingly, but the forward axial force does not change. Therefore, as the wind force increases, the magnitude of the backward axial force approaches the forward axial force, and eventually the backward axial force overcomes the forward axial force. Then, the rotor 62, the axial force transmission member 88, and the retainer 90 are integrally retracted against the elastic force of the elastic member 94, and eventually reach the retreat limit.

  That is, when the axial force (backward axial force) generated in the rotor 62 by the wind force overcomes the initial load (forward axial force) of the elastic member 94, the rotor 62 starts to retreat. Thus, the retreat timing of the rotor 62 is determined by the initial load (set load) of the elastic member 94.

  FIG. 6B shows the generator 36 in a state where the rotor 62 is at the retreat limit. In this state, the air gap 70 is minimum, and therefore the magnetic force acting between the stator 60 and the rotor 62 is maximum. As a result, the starting torque of the rotor 62 of the generator 36, that is, the starting torque of the wind turbine 24 is maximized.

  In general, as the air gap 70 increases, the starting torque of the rotor 62 decreases. Therefore, in the state where the air gap 70 is maximum, the starting torque of the rotor 62 is smaller than when the air gap 70 is minimum.

  In FIG. 7, the relationship between the wind speed of the relative wind and the rotational speed of the rotor 62 is set to the same value as the minimum value of the air gap 70 in the case where the wind power generator according to this embodiment is used and in this embodiment. The graphs are conceptually represented in contrast to the conventional wind power generators in which the gap is fixed.

  By the way, when using any of the wind turbine generators mounted on the automobile 12, the traveling speed of the automobile 12 (hereinafter referred to as "vehicle speed") changes with time, and the wind speed of the relative wind changes accordingly. It is necessary to assume a transient situation. Therefore, in FIG. 7, a transient situation is assumed in which the automobile 12 is accelerated at a constant acceleration from a stopped state. In such a transient situation, it is important to consider the response delay of the rotational speed of the rotor 62 to the change in the wind speed.

  In the present embodiment, the wind turbine 24 is activated when the rotational torque acting on the wind turbine 24 by the relative wind overcomes the first activation torque corresponding to the maximum air gap 70. In FIG. 7, the wind speed at this time is represented as the startup wind speed VST.

  In the present embodiment, when the vehicle speed increases and the wind speed increases, the rotor 62 moves from the forward limit to the reverse limit due to the axial force of the windmill 24 resulting from the increase, and then the air gap 70 is minimized. Regular power generation by the machine 36 is started. In FIG. 7, the wind speed at this time is represented as a cut-in wind speed VCI.

  On the other hand, in a normal wind power generator, if the rotational torque acting on the wind turbine by the relative wind overcomes the second starting torque (greater than the first starting torque) corresponding to the minimum air gap, the wind turbine Starts. FIG. 7 shows the wind speed at this time as the startup wind speed VST ′, which is higher than the startup wind speed VST in the present embodiment.

  In a normal wind power generator, the rotational speed of the rotor increases as the vehicle speed increases and the wind speed increases. In addition, the wind turbine is started at a later time VST ′ in the present embodiment, and the wind turbine and the wind turbine are integrated therewith. Due to the response delay caused by inertia of the rotating element, sliding resistance, etc., the time when the rotational speed of the rotor reaches a value necessary for normal power generation by the generator is slower than in this embodiment. For a normal wind power generator, the wind speed at the start of regular power generation by the generator is shown in FIG. 7 as a cut-in wind speed VCI ', which is also higher than the cut-in wind speed VCI in this embodiment.

  Assuming a situation where the relative wind is completely steady, the cut-in wind speed VCI is originally determined by the wind speed of the relative wind, but in a transient situation, the rotational speed of the rotor quickly increases with changes in the wind speed. Since the response cannot be made, as described above, the normal wind power generator cannot start regular power generation by the generator at an early stage.

  On the other hand, according to this embodiment, since the windmill 24 is started early, that is, smoothly, the power generation by the generator 36 can be started early.

  As is clear from the above description, in the present embodiment, by using the axial force generated in the wind turbines 24 and 26 by the relative wind, the air gap 70 of the generators 36 and 38 is in a strong wind state in a low wind state. To be larger. Thereby, it becomes possible to start the windmills 24 and 26 smoothly in a weak wind condition.

  In addition, as mentioned above, in the present embodiment, the generators 36 and 38 adopt the outer rotor system as described above. When this outer rotor method is adopted, a plurality of permanent magnets are arranged side by side for the external dimensions of the generator, compared to the case where the rotor 62 employs an inner rotor method that rotates inside the stator 60. It is easy to increase the diameter of the circumference being played. As the diameter increases, the overall surface area of the permanent magnets also increases, and the magnetic force that the permanent magnets can act on the stator coils increases.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is easy to improve the power generation efficiency of the generators 36 and 38 by adopting the outer rotor system.

  Generally, the generator has a higher starting torque as the power generation efficiency is higher. On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, by adopting a technology that makes the air gap variable, it is easy to achieve both a reduction in starting torque in a low wind condition and an improvement in power generation efficiency in a strong wind condition. .

  The inventor conducted an experiment in order to confirm the relationship between the size of the air gap 70 in the generators 36 and 38 and the magnitude of the magnetic force of the permanent magnet 86.

  In this experiment, an experimental permanent magnet that substitutes the permanent magnet 86 in the generators 36 and 38 was used, and a movable member that substituted the stator 60 was used.

  Specifically, in this experiment, the space between the permanent magnet and the movable member attracted by the permanent magnet is regarded as an air gap in a state where the experimental permanent magnet is held in place. The size of the air gap was changed sequentially. Furthermore, for each value of the air gap, the force by which the movable member was attracted by the permanent magnet was measured as the magnetic force.

  FIG. 8 is a graph showing the experimental results. The horizontal axis of this graph shows the size of the air gap, while the vertical axis shows the size of the magnetic force. However, the magnetic force is shown as a percentage calculated based on the magnetic force when the air gap is 0.075 mm. An air gap of 0.075 mm is considered to be an air gap sufficiently close to 0. Therefore, the magnetic force at that time is considered to be a magnetic force sufficiently close to its maximum value.

  As is apparent from this graph, the magnetic force changes greatly if the air gap is changed in a range between about 0.1 mm and about 0.9 mm. According to this experimental result, it can be understood that the order of the required moving distance of the rotor 62 does not deviate from the practical range when the generators 36 and 38 are designed. The problem that it is difficult to manufacture the generators 36 and 38 because the required moving distance of the rotor 62 is extremely small, and the generators 36 and 38 are excessively large because the required moving distance of the rotor 62 is extremely large. The problem of ending up can be avoided.

  FIG. 9 simply shows a representative relationship between the owner of the wind power generation apparatus 10 and its use.

  For example, when the owner of the wind power generation device 10 is an individual and the individual uses the wind power generation device 10 to generate electric power, as shown in the upper part of FIG. It is conceivable to use the electric power (used in the sense of electric energy) stored in the battery 44 for personal or home use or to sell it to a third party.

  Further, there is a case where the owner of the wind power generation device 10 is a transportation company as a business entity, and the transportation company mounts the wind power generation device 10 on a freight vehicle as an automobile and generates power during transportation. is there. In this case, as shown in the upper part of FIG. 9, the shipping company may use the electric power stored in the battery 44 for the shipping company or sell it to a third party.

  When the owner of the wind power generator 10 is a railway company as a business entity, and the railway company mounts the wind power generator 10 on a railway vehicle as a moving body and generates power during operation. There is also. In this case, as shown in the middle part of FIG. 9, the railway company uses the electric power stored in the capacitor 44 for traveling the railway vehicle or for other purposes in the railway vehicle. It can be used for or sold to a third party.

  The owner of the wind power generator 10 is a road management company as a business entity, and the road management company provides the wind power generator to a driver who uses a road (for example, a highway) managed by the road management company. 10 may be lent, and the driver may mount the wind power generator 10 on the automobile 12 as a moving body to generate power during traveling.

  In this case, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 9, the road management company removes the rented wind power generator 10 from the vehicle after the driving by the driver is completed, and also stores the electric power stored in the capacitor 44 thereof. Can be used for the road management company or sold to a third party. In this case, it is conceivable that the road management company discounts a road usage fee (for example, a high-speed fee) that the road user should pay as a price for receiving the power generated by the road user.

  As mentioned above, although some specific uses of this wind power generator 10 were explained, these are only examples of a use using this wind power generator 10, and various uses other than these are considered.

  As is clear from the above description, in the present embodiment, in the generators 36 and 38, the tapered outer peripheral surface 66 of the stator 60, the tapered inner peripheral surface 68 of the rotor 62, and the rotor 62 are fixed to the stator 60. The axial force transmission member 88, which is a portion that is supported so as to be relatively movable in the axial direction, cooperates with each other to constitute an example of the “torque control mechanism” in the above item (1) or (2), and (6 This constitutes an example of the “air gap control mechanism” in item (1).

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. However, this embodiment is different from the first embodiment regarding the air duct and the windmill, and the other elements are common to the first embodiment. Therefore, the air duct and the windmill will be described in detail, and the common elements The detailed description is omitted by quoting using the name.

  In the first embodiment, the flow passage area of the passage 20 in the air duct 18 is the same from the upstream side to the downstream side, and the wind turbines 24 and 26 have the outer diameters on the upstream side and the wind turbines on the downstream side. 26 is the same.

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, the flow path areas of the passages in the air duct are different from each other on the upstream side and the downstream side. Further, accordingly, the outer diameter of the windmill is also different between the upstream side and the downstream side.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, the passage 120 is formed with a large diameter portion 122 on the upstream side and a small diameter portion 124 on the downstream side. Accordingly, a large-diameter windmill 126 is disposed on the upstream side, and a small-diameter windmill 128 is disposed on the downstream side.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the wind that has passed through the wind turbine 126 positioned on the upstream side in the air duct 130 is weaker than that before passing, but the weak wind has a narrower flow area than the position on the downstream side. After being accelerated and at least partially restored by being fed into the wind turbine, it is guided to the wind turbine 128 located downstream.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, by reducing the size of the wind turbine 128 located on the downstream side, it is possible to achieve high-speed rotation of the rotor 62 of the generator 38 even in a weak wind, and the power generation of the generator 38 It becomes easy to improve efficiency.

  Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. However, this embodiment is different from the first and second embodiments regarding the air duct and the windmill, and the other elements are common to the first and second embodiments. Therefore, the air duct and the windmill will be described in detail and common elements will be described. The detailed description is omitted by quoting using the same reference numerals or names.

  In the first and second embodiments, the outer diameter of the wind turbine is set to be slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the passages 20 and 120 in the air ducts 18 and 130. On the other hand, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the outer diameter of the windmill 150 is set to be larger than the inner diameter of the passage 154 in the air duct 152.

  However, in this embodiment, an annular groove 158 is formed at a position facing the windmill 150 locally on the inner peripheral surface 156 of the passage 154 in the air duct 152. The diameter of the circumference followed by the bottom surface 160 of the groove 158 is set such that a gap remains between the tip of the blade 162 of the windmill 150. Further, the width of the groove 158 is set to the projected width of the blade 162 when the blade 162 is projected in a direction parallel to the rotation surface of the blade 162 in consideration of the distance that the windmill 150 can move in the axial direction. In FIG. 11, the broken line indicates that the rotor 62 of the generator 36 is at the retreat limit.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, when the air duct 152 is projected along its flow path, there is no gap that allows air leakage between the tip of the blade 162 of the windmill 150 and the passage 154. Therefore, power can be generated by effectively using the air taken into the air duct 152.

  Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, since the gap between the tip of the blade 162 of the windmill 150 and the passage 154 in the air duct 152 does not require a very high accuracy, the windmill 150 and the air duct 152 can be manufactured and assembled. It becomes easy.

  Next, a wind turbine generator according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. However, since this embodiment has many elements in common with the first embodiment, the detailed description of the common elements is omitted by quoting using the same name or symbol, and the details of the different elements are omitted. Explained.

  In the first embodiment, the air gap 70 between the rotor 62 and the stator 60 of the generators 36 and 38 is changed by the axial force of the rotor 62 in order to make the wind turbines 24 and 26 start smoothly.

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, smooth start-up of the windmill is realized regardless of the generator. Specifically, a clutch is provided between the windmill and the rotor, and the clutch is connected / disconnected by the axial force of the windmill so that the windmill can be started smoothly.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, a shaft 185 that connects the windmill 180 and the rotor 184 of the generator 182 to each other is divided into two parts. It is divided into a windmill side shaft 186 and a generator side shaft 188, and a clutch 190 is installed between them.

  The clutch 190 includes a hollow housing 192, and a pair of engaging members 194 and 195 are opposed to each other in the housing 192. The pair of engaging members 194 and 195 are prevented from rotating relative to each other in an engaged state where they are engaged with each other, and are allowed to rotate relative to each other in a separated state where they are separated from each other. That is, the engaged state is the clutch 190 connected state, and the separated state is the clutch 190 disconnected state.

  The engagement member 194 that is one of the pair of engagement members 194 and 195 is prevented from moving in the axial direction relative to the housing 192, and is one of the generator side shaft 188 and the windmill side shaft 186 (FIG. 12). In this example, it is fixed to the generator side shaft 188). On the other hand, the other engaging member 195 can be rotated relative to the housing 192 and moved in the axial direction, and the other of the generator side shaft 188 and the windmill side shaft 186 (in the example of FIG. 12). It is fixed to the windmill side shaft 186).

  An axial force transmission member 196 is attached to the windmill side shaft 186 (an example of a member that moves in the axial direction together with the windmill 180) in a state in which relative axial movement is prevented. An elastic member 198 is disposed between the axial force transmission member 196 and the housing 192 in such a state that the pair of engaging members 194 and 195 are always urged in directions to separate from each other.

  In the present embodiment, the generator 182 has a normal structure. Specifically, the stator 202 and the rotor 184 are disposed in the housing 200 so as to be rotatable relative to each other. In this embodiment, an inner rotor system in which the rotor 184 rotates inside the stator 202 is adopted. In the generator 182, the rotor 184 is prevented from moving in the axial direction relative to the stator 202.

  In the wind power generator 204 according to the present embodiment, when an axial force is generated in the windmill 180, the axial force is transmitted to the elastic member 198 via the windmill-side shaft 186 and the axial force transmission member 196, and a pair of engagement members 194, 195 is provided. It is transmitted in directions approaching each other. In a state where this axial force cannot overcome the initial load of the elastic member 198, that is, in a state where the relative wind is weak, the pair of engaging members 194 and 195 are separated as shown in FIG. Is in a state.

  In this separated state, the clutch 190 is disengaged, and the engaging member 194 connected to the wind turbine side shaft 186 is allowed to rotate relative to the engaging member 195 connected to the generator side shaft 188. Is done. Therefore, the starting torque of the windmill 180 does not depend on the generator 182 and the startup of the windmill 180 is smoothed.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the windmill 180 and the generator 182 are disconnected from each other in the low wind state, and the windmill 180 is allowed to idle, whereby the windmill 180 is smoothly started.

  On the other hand, when the axial force of the windmill 150 overcomes the initial load of the elastic member 198, the pair of engaging members 194 and 195 approach each other against the elastic force of the elastic member 198 and eventually engage with each other. . Due to this engagement, the clutch 190 shifts from the disconnected state to the connected state. As a result, the windmill 180 and the generator 182 are connected to each other, the starting torque of the windmill 180 depends on the generator 182, and the rotation of the windmill 180 The power is transmitted to the generator 182 to generate power.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the torque transmission state between the windmill 180 and the rotor 184 is controlled using the clutch 190, whereby the starting torque of the windmill 180 is controlled.

  Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the connection / disconnection state of the clutch 190 is mechanically and automatically performed by using the axial force of the windmill 180.

  As is clear from the above description, in the present embodiment, the clutch 190 constitutes an example of the “torque control mechanism” in (1), and constitutes an example of the “clutch” in the item (5). -ing

  As mentioned above, although several embodiment of this invention was described in detail based on drawing, these are illustrations and those skilled in the art including the aspect as described in the above-mentioned section of [Means for Solving the Problem] are described. The present invention can be implemented in other forms in which various modifications and improvements are made based on knowledge.

It is a front view showing the appearance of wind power generator 10 according to a 1st embodiment of the present invention mounted in car 12. FIG. 2 is a side view showing the appearance of the wind turbine generator 10 of FIG. It is a front view which shows the wind power generator 10 of FIG. It is a partial side sectional view showing the wind power generator 10 of FIG. It is a block diagram which represents notionally the electric system of the wind power generator 10 of FIG. It is side surface sectional drawing which shows the generator 36 of the wind power generator 10 of FIG. 1 in detail. The relationship between the wind speed of the relative wind and the rotational speed of the rotor of the generator is set so that the generator air gap is fixed to the same value as the minimum value of the air gap when using the wind power generator 10 of FIG. It is a graph which represents conceptually with respect to each wind power generation apparatus. The graph which shows the experimental result for confirming the relationship between the magnitude | size of the air gap 70 between the rotor 62 and the stator 60 of the generator 36 in FIG. 1, and the magnitude | size of the magnetic force which acts between these rotor 62 and the stator 60 in FIG. It is. It is for demonstrating some usage examples of the electrical energy stored by the wind power generator 10 of FIG. It is a partial side sectional view showing a wind power generator according to a second embodiment of the present invention. It is a fragmentary sectional side view which shows a part of air duct 152 among the wind power generators according to 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a side view which shows the wind power generator 204 according to 4th Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10,204 Wind power generator 12 Car 24,26,150,180 Windmill 36,38,182 Generator 60 Stator 62 Rotor 70 Air gap 82,150 Shaft 190 Clutch

Claims (4)

A wind power generator that generates power using wind power,
A propeller-type windmill rotated by wind power about a windmill axis generally parallel to the wind direction;
A generator that generates electricity by rotating the windmill,
Based on the axial force generated by the wind power in the direction parallel to the wind turbine axis, the wind turbine generates a starting torque that the wind turbine needs to overcome in order to shift the wind turbine from the stopped state to the rotating state. And a torque control mechanism that controls to be smaller than a starting torque assumed in a strong wind condition larger than the set value in a weak wind condition where is less than or equal to a set value. The generator is
A stator,
A rotor that rotates together with the windmill, and is opposed to the stator across an air gap, and is rotatable relative to the stator around a common generator axis; and The torque control mechanism supports the rotor so as to be movable relative to the stator in the axial direction of the generator axis, and the axial position of the rotor is caused by the axial force so that the air gap is The wind power generator according to claim 1, wherein the wind power generator is changed so as to be larger in the weak wind state than in the strong wind state.   The rotor and the stator have a pair of peripheral surfaces facing each other across the air gap and coaxial with the generator axis, and at least one of the pair of peripheral surfaces is continuous with respect to the generator axis or The wind power generator according to claim 2 which has a discontinuous inclined surface. In order to generate power using wind power, a propeller-type windmill that is rotated by wind power around a wind turbine axis generally parallel to the wind direction, and a generator that generates power by rotation of the wind turbine, and A generator and a rotor facing the stator across an air gap, the generator rotating around the generator axis common to the stator and rotating with the wind turbine; A wind power generator having
The rotor is movable relative to the stator in the axial direction of the generator axis, and the rotor force is generated by an axial force generated in the wind turbine by the wind force in a direction parallel to the wind turbine axis. A wind turbine generator that includes an air gap control mechanism that controls an axial position so that the air gap is larger in a weak wind state where the wind force is equal to or less than a set value, and in a strong wind state greater than the set value.

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