阅读说明：本技术 水力发电装置和发电系统 (Hydroelectric power generation device and power generation system ) 是由 川合智哉 近藤博光 金村泰成 于 2019-07-30 设计创作，主要内容包括：水力发电装置(100)包括：包括水轮机(10)和发电机(20)的水力发电模块(M)、驱动部以及控制装置。驱动部构成为驱动水力发电模块(M)成为以下所示的第一状态和第二状态。第一状态是如下那样的状态：水轮机翼(11)的至少一部分存在于水路的水中,使水轮机翼(11)受到在水路中流动的水的力而旋转,从而通过发电机(20)进行发电。第二状态是如下那样的状态：水轮机翼(11)的至少一部分存在于水路的水面(Uw)的上方,并且水路的水面(Uw)相对于水轮机(10)的位置比第一状态低。若在水力发电模块(M)处于第一状态时规定的提升条件成立,则控制装置控制上述驱动部将水力发电模块(M)设为第二状态。(A hydroelectric power generation device (100) comprises: the hydraulic power generation system comprises a hydraulic power generation module (M) comprising a water turbine (10) and a generator (20), a driving part and a control device. The driving unit is configured to drive the hydroelectric power generation module (M) into a first state and a second state as described below. The first state is a state as follows: at least a part of the water turbine wing (11) is present in the water in the waterway, and the water turbine wing (11) is rotated by the force of the water flowing in the waterway, so that the power is generated by the generator (20). The second state is a state as follows: at least a portion of the water wheel wing (11) is present above the water surface (Uw) of the waterway, and the position of the water surface (Uw) of the waterway relative to the water turbine (10) is lower than the first state. When a predetermined lifting condition is satisfied when the hydraulic power generation module (M) is in the first state, the control device controls the drive unit to set the hydraulic power generation module (M) to the second state.)

1. A hydro-power generation device, comprising:

a hydro-power generation module including a water turbine including a water wheel wing rotated by a force of water flowing in a waterway, and a generator generating power by a rotational force of the water wheel wing;

a drive unit that drives the hydro-power generation module into a first state and a second state; and

a control device that controls the drive portion,

the first state is a state as follows: at least a portion of the paddlewheel wing is present in the water of the waterway, such that the paddlewheel wing is rotated by the force of the water flowing in the waterway, thereby generating electricity by the generator,

the second state is a state as follows: at least a portion of the turbine wing resides above the water surface of the waterway and the position of the water surface of the waterway relative to the turbine is lower than the first state,

the control device sets the hydro-power generation module to the second state if a predetermined lifting condition is satisfied when the hydro-power generation module is in the first state.

2. The hydro-power generation device of claim 1,

if the amount of the foreign matter attached to the turbine wing exceeds an allowable range when the hydro-power generation module is in the first state, the lifting condition is established.

3. The hydro-power generation device of claim 2,

the control device monitors the rotation speed of the water wheel wing when the hydro power generation module is in the first state, and determines that the amount of foreign matter adhering to the water wheel wing exceeds the allowable range when the amount of change in the rotation speed of the water wheel wing per unit time exceeds a threshold value.

4. Hydroelectric power generation apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 3,

also comprises a braking device for applying braking force to the rotation of the water wheel wing,

the control device is configured to control the brake device,

when the predetermined lifting condition is satisfied when the hydro-power generation module is in the first state, the control device sets the hydro-power generation module to the second state, and alternately repeats a braking rotation that rotates the turbine airfoil with the braking force applied by the braking device and a non-braking rotation that rotates the turbine airfoil without the braking force applied by the braking device.

5. Hydroelectric power generation apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 4,

when the hydro-power generation module is in the second state, the generator has a lower power generation load than the first state.

6. Hydroelectric power generation apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 5,

the control device sets the hydro-power generation module to the first state if a predetermined lowering condition is satisfied when the hydro-power generation module is in the second state.

7. Hydroelectric power generation apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 6,

the water turbine is a propeller water turbine formed by installing a plurality of water turbine wings around a rotating shaft,

the second state is a state in which a part of the water wheel wing is present in the water of the waterway, the water wheel wing is rotated by the force of the water flowing in the waterway,

the water surface of the waterway in the second state is positioned on the rotating shaft of the propeller turbine.

8. Hydroelectric power generation apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein said apparatus comprises a pump, a

The driving part includes:

a rotating beam;

an actuator that rotates the rotation beam; and

a support table fixed to the rotation beam in a state of supporting the hydro-power generation module so as to rotate together with the hydro-power generation module and the rotation beam,

the control device controls the actuator.

9. A power generation system is provided, which comprises a power generation unit,

a hydroelectric power generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, which is used for ocean current power generation, tidal power generation, or wave power generation for converting kinetic energy of running water into electric power.

Technical Field

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

Background

A hydroelectric power generation device is a device that uses kinetic energy of flowing water for power generation. The main structure of the hydroelectric power generation device comprises: the hydraulic power generation system includes a water turbine that rotates by the force of water flowing through a water channel, a generator that is connected to the water turbine and converts rotational energy into electric energy, and a control device that controls the output (and thus the amount of generated electric energy) of the generator.

When the above-described hydroelectric power generating apparatus is used in an agricultural waterway, foreign matter floating from the upstream (for example, waterweeds, branches, and string-like garbage) may become a factor of reducing the amount of power generation by being entangled with the water turbine. Therefore, in the hydraulic power generation apparatus, a countermeasure against foreign matters becomes important. For example, japanese patent laying-open No. 2013 and 189837 (patent document 1) disclose an example in which a dust removing device for removing foreign matter is provided in a water path upstream of a water turbine installation site.

Documents of the prior art

Patent document

Patent document 1: japanese patent laid-open publication No. 2013-189837

Disclosure of Invention

Technical problem to be solved by the invention

In a small hydroelectric power generation apparatus that is small and can be easily installed in a water channel, the use of a large-sized dust removal facility described in patent document 1 leads to an increase in cost. Therefore, it is considered to provide a simple dust collector in a small hydro-power generation device.

However, when a simple dust collector (e.g., a comb-type filter) is provided upstream of the hydraulic turbine, it is considered that some foreign substances (e.g., aquatic weeds and garbage) flow into the hydraulic turbine. Some of the foreign matters flowing to the water turbine directly pass without being left, and some are caught by blades (turbine wings) of the water turbine. The foreign matter hooked by the water wheel wing is in a state of being pressed to the water wheel wing by the water pressure of the water flow, and is difficult to fall off from the water wheel wing. Since the foreign matter drifts to the water turbine from the upstream side, the amount of the foreign matter attached to the wing of the water turbine increases as time passes. Further, as the amount of foreign matter adhering to the turbine blades increases, the rotational speed of the turbine blades decreases, resulting in a decrease in the power generation capacity (and hence the amount of power generation) of the hydro-power generation device. Therefore, a simple dust catcher cannot be a perfect countermeasure against foreign matters, and even when the dust catcher is provided upstream of the water turbine, it is considered that an operation of periodically removing foreign matters adhering to the water turbine is required. As described above, since the foreign matter pressed against the turbine blade is less likely to fall off the turbine blade, it is considered that the maintenance of the hydraulic power generating apparatus is not easy.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a hydroelectric power generation device and a power generation system that can easily perform a process for suppressing a reduction in power generation capacity due to foreign matter flowing in a water channel at low cost.

Technical scheme for solving technical problem

The hydroelectric power generation device comprises a hydroelectric power generation module, a driving part and a control device. The hydro-power generation module includes a water turbine including a water turbine wing rotated by a force of water flowing in a waterway, and a generator generating power by a rotational force of the water turbine wing. The driving unit is configured to drive the hydro-power generation module to a first state and a second state shown below.

The first state is a state as follows: at least a portion of the turbine wing is present in the water in the waterway, and the turbine wing is rotated by the force of the water flowing in the waterway, thereby generating electricity by the generator. The second state is a state as follows: at least a portion of the turbine wing resides above the water surface of the waterway, and the water surface of the waterway is located lower relative to the turbine than in the first state.

The control device is configured to control the drive unit. The control device is configured to set the hydro-power generation module to the second state when a predetermined lifting condition is satisfied when the hydro-power generation module is in the first state.

The waterway may be a water use waterway (i.e., an artificial waterway), a river, or a sea.

The power generation system of the present invention is configured to perform ocean current power generation, tidal power generation, or wave power generation in which kinetic energy of flowing water is converted into electric power using the above-described hydroelectric power generation device.

Effects of the invention

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a hydraulic power generation device and a power generation system that can easily perform a process for suppressing a reduction in power generation capacity due to foreign matter flowing in a water channel at low cost.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a hydraulic power generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a side view showing a structure in the vicinity of a turbine of the hydro-power generation device shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a view showing a state in which the turning beam is turned to raise the water turbine with respect to the water surface in the hydro-power generation apparatus shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a diagram for explaining the position of the water surface of the waterway with respect to the turbine.

Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a state in use of the hydraulic power generation device shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a state in which the turbine angle is set to 0 ° in the hydro-power generation device shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 7 is a view showing a state where the turbine angle is set to an acute angle in the hydro-power generation device shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 8 is a view showing a state where the turbine angle is set to 90 ° in the hydro-power generation device shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 9 is a control block diagram showing a configuration for performing power generation control in the hydro-power generation device shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the hydraulic power generation device in the state shown in fig. 7.

Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing lift control performed by the hydraulic power generation device shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing the descent control performed by the hydraulic power generation device shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing a first modification of the descent control performed by the hydraulic power generation device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing a second modification of the descent control performed by the hydraulic power generation device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 15 is a diagram for explaining a modification example of vibrating the water turbine blade in the second state.

Fig. 16 is a diagram for explaining an underwater floating type ocean current power generation system according to a modification of the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 17 is a diagram showing a modification of the hydro-power generation module using a vertical shaft type water turbine.

Detailed Description

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following drawings, the same or corresponding portions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated.

In the drawings used below, among X, Y and Z axes orthogonal to each other, the X axis represents the width direction of the water 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".

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

Referring to fig. 1 and 2, the hydroelectric power generating apparatus 100 is an axial flow type small hydroelectric power generating apparatus, and is configured to generate hydroelectric power of 1000kW or less. The hydro-power generation device 100 includes a hydro-power generation module M and a driving portion that drives the hydro-power generation module M. The posture of the hydro-power generation module M can be changed by the driving portion. The hydro-power generation module M includes a water turbine 10, a generator 20, a strut 21, a gear box 22, and a brake device 30. The driving unit includes a rotation beam 110, a motor 120 for driving the rotation beam 110, a frame 23, bases 24 and 143, and support members 25, 141, and 142. The motor 120 of the present embodiment corresponds to an example of the "actuator" of the present invention. The mount 23, the base 24, and the support member 25 of the present embodiment correspond to an example of the "support stand" of the present invention.

The turbine 10 includes a plurality of turbine blades 11 (for example, five turbine blades 11) and is provided in a waterway (for example, a waterway 200 shown in fig. 5 described later). Each of the plurality of water turbine blades 11 is a horizontal shaft type propeller-type rotor, and is rotated by the force of water flowing through a waterway. The generator 20 is configured to generate electric power by using the rotational force of the water turbine blades 11. The generator 20 is, for example, a three-phase synchronous generator. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any generator may be selected from various well-known generators.

The rotation shaft of the water turbine 10 is rotated by rotating the water turbine wing 11. The rotation axis of the water turbine 10 is arranged parallel to the Y axis (water flow direction), and includes a boss portion 12 and a rotation axis portion 13. The boss portion 12 includes: a portion where the water wheel wing 11 is installed (also commonly referred to as "propeller boss"), and a cover (also commonly referred to as "spinner") which is installed on the surface of the propeller boss and regulates the water flow. The boss portion 12 and the rotation shaft portion 13 rotate integrally. The boss portion 12 is provided at one end (front end) of the rotation shaft portion 13. The other end (base end) of the rotary shaft 13 is connected to the gear case 22.

A rotation shaft portion (rotation shaft) of the generator 20 is arranged parallel to the Z axis (vertical direction), and is connected to the gear case 22 through the inside of the support column 21 (more specifically, a cylindrical cover). One end of the support column 21 is fixed to the lower surface of the base 24, and the other end of the support column 21 is connected to the gear case 22. The rotating shaft portion 13 of the water turbine 10 and the rotating shaft portion of the generator 20 are connected to each other via a gear box 22. When the turbine wing 11 rotates, the rotation shaft portion 13 of the turbine 10 rotates. The rotation of the rotation shaft 13 is rotation around the Y axis (hereinafter, also referred to as "Y axis rotation"). The rotational force of the rotating shaft portion 13 can be redirected by the gear box 22 and transmitted to the rotating shaft portion of the generator 20. Thereby, the rotation shaft of the generator 20 is rotated. The rotation of the rotation shaft of the generator 20 is rotation around the Z axis (hereinafter also referred to as "Z axis rotation"). As described above, by rotating the water wheel wings 11 about the Y axis, the rotation axis of the generator 20 is rotated about the Z axis.

The brake 30 is fixed to the upper surface of the base 24. The brake device 30 is provided on a rotating shaft (rotating shaft) of the generator 20, and is configured to apply a braking force to the rotation of the generator 20 (and thus the rotation of the water turbine wing 11). The brake device 30 is, for example, an electromagnetic brake. The brake device 30 applies a force, for example, by friction, to the rotation shaft of the generator 20, which is opposite to the rotation direction of the generator 20. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the type of the brake device 30 is arbitrary. The brake device 30 may be any one of a mechanical brake, a fluid brake, and a short-circuit brake. The brake device 30 of the present embodiment corresponds to an example of the "brake device" of the present invention.

The rotation beam 110 is arranged parallel to the X axis (the width direction of the water path), and is driven by the motor 120 to rotate around the X axis (hereinafter also referred to as "X axis rotation"). The bearing 111 is attached to one end (hereinafter, also referred to as a "driven end") of the rotation beam 110, and the bearing 112 is attached to the other end (hereinafter, also referred to as a "driving end") of the rotation beam 110. Further, a coupling 130 is provided on the rotation shaft of the motor 120, and the driving end of the rotation beam 110 is connected to the rotation shaft of the motor 120 via the bearing 112 and the coupling 130. An electrically controllable electric motor may be used as the electric motor 120.

The stage 23 includes stage members 231, 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 gap therebetween. The stage members 231 and 232 are fixed (e.g., welded) to the rotary beam 110, respectively.

The base 24 is fixed to an upper surface of the stage 23 (i.e., the stage members 231 and 232). Further, a support member 25 for supporting the hydro-power generation module M is fixed to the upper surface of the base 24. Further, the support member 25 is also fixed to the rotation beam 110.

The hydro-power generation module M is fixed to the rotation beam 110 via the mount 23, the base 24, and the support member 25. The mount 23 is fixed to the rotation beam 110, supports the hydro-power generation module M, and rotates together with the hydro-power generation module M and the rotation beam 110.

The motor 120 is fixed to the upper surface of the base 143. Further, a support member 142 that supports the bearing 112 is fixed to the base 143. The bearing 112 is fixed to the base 143 via a support member 142. The drive end of the rotating beam 110 is supported by a bearing 112 to be rotatable about the X-axis.

The drive unit of the hydraulic power generator 100 is fixed to the edge of the water channel such that the rotation beam 110 straddles the water channel. Thus, the hydro-power generation device 100 further includes mounts 151, 152 and a mount beam 153. One end of the fixing beam 153 is connected to the fixing member 151, and the other end of the fixing beam 153 is connected to the fixing member 152.

A support member 141 for supporting the bearing 111 is fixed to the fixing member 151. The bearing 111 is fixed to the stator 151 via the support member 141 in a state in which the driven end of the rotation beam 110 is supported to be rotatable about the X axis. The support member 141 (and thus the driven end of the rotation beam 110) may be fixed to a first edge portion (e.g., an edge portion 201 shown in fig. 5, which will be described later) of the waterway by a fixing member 151. Further, a fixing member 152 is attached to a lower surface of the base 143. The base 143 (and thus the driving end of the rotation beam 110) may be fixed to a second edge (e.g., an edge 202 shown in fig. 5, which will be described later) of the water channel opposite the first edge by a fixing member 152.

Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a state in which the turning beam 110 is turned so as to raise the water turbine 10 with respect to the water surface. By rotating the rotation beam 110 as shown in fig. 3, the mount members 231 and 232 (and hence the rotation axis of the water turbine 10) can be made parallel to the Z axis (vertical direction).

Although described in detail later, in the hydro-power generation device 100, the position of the water surface of the waterway with respect to the water turbine 10 (hereinafter, also referred to as "relative water surface position") changes according to the rotation angle of the rotation beam 110. Fig. 4 is a diagram for explaining the relative water surface position (i.e., the position of the water surface of the waterway relative to the turbine 10).

Referring to fig. 4, the water turbine 10 is a propeller turbine in which a plurality of turbine blades 11 are attached around a rotating shaft (more specifically, a boss portion 12). In fig. 4, the circular orbit Rc represents an orbit which the front end of the water wheel wing 11 describes when the water turbine 10 rotates one turn.

The range P1 is a range lower than the lower end of the circular orbit Rc. The range P1 of the relative surface position means that the turbine 10 as a whole exists above the water surface. When the turbine 10 is present far from water and is not in contact with water, the relative water surface position is considered to be in a range P1 (see fig. 8 described later, for example). The range P5 is a range higher than the upper end of the circular orbit Rc. The location in the range P5 relative to the surface location means that the turbine 10 as a whole is present in the water.

The range P3 is a range from the lower end to the upper end of the boss portion 12 of the rotation shaft of the water turbine 10. The position at the range P3 with respect to the water surface means that the water surface is located at the rotation axis of the turbine 10. The range P2 is higher than the upper end of the range P1 and lower than the lower end of the range P3, and the range P4 is higher than the upper end of the range P3 and lower than the lower end of the range P5.

Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a state in which the hydraulic power generation apparatus 100 is used (more specifically, a state shown in fig. 6 described later). Referring to fig. 1 and 5, the hydroelectric power generation apparatus 100 generates power in, for example, a water circuit 200. The water passage 200 is, for example, an agricultural water passage, and water W flows in the water passage 200 in the water flow direction Dw. The water bottom Bw corresponds to the bottom surface of the waterway 200.

The hydro-power generation device 100 is positioned such that the rotating beam 110 spans the waterway 200. The fixing member 151 is fixed to the rim 201 of the water channel 200, and the fixing member 152 is fixed to the rim 202 of the water channel 200. Thus, the rotation beam 110 is rotatably supported in a state of crossing the water path 200. The rotation axis of the rotation beam 110 and the water flow direction Dw of the water channel 200 are orthogonal to each other.

By rotating the rotary beam 110, the water turbine 10 can be raised or lowered with respect to the water surface Uw. When the water wheel wing 11 (fig. 1) of the water turbine 10 exists below the water surface Uw of the water W, the water wheel wing 11 is rotated by the force of the water W flowing in the waterway 200. In the present embodiment, the turning beam 110 may be turned in a range in which an angle between the rotation axis of the water turbine 10 and the water flow direction Dw (hereinafter, also referred to as "turbine angle") is 0 ° to 90 °. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the movable range of the rotation beam 110 (and thus the hydro-power generation module M) may be arbitrarily set.

Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a state in which the turbine angle is set to 0 ° in the hydro-power generation device 100. Referring to fig. 6, when the rotation beam 110 is rotated and the turbine angle is set to 0 °, the rotation axis Ra of the turbine 10 is parallel to the water flow direction Dw. In this state, the water surface Uw is located above the hydraulic turbine 10 (i.e., the range P5 shown in fig. 4), and the hydraulic turbine 10 is entirely present in the water.

Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a state in which the turbine angle is set to an acute angle (higher than 0 ° and lower than 90 °) in the hydro-power generation device 100. Referring to fig. 7, the relative water surface position may be adjusted by rotating the rotary beam 110. The larger the turbine angle θ, the lower the relative surface position. In the example shown in fig. 7, the water surface Uw is located at the rotational axis of the water turbine 10 (i.e., the range P3 shown in fig. 4).

Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a state in which the turbine angle is set to 90 ° in the hydro-power generation device 100. Referring to fig. 8, when the rotation beam 110 is rotated to set the turbine angle to 90 °, the rotation axis Ra of the turbine 10 is orthogonal to the water flow direction Dw. In this state, the water turbine 10 exists far from the water W and is not in contact with the water W. That is, the water surface Uw is located in a range P1 shown in fig. 4, and the entire turbine 10 is located above the water surface Uw.

Fig. 9 is a control block diagram showing a configuration for performing power generation control in the hydro-power generation device 100. Referring to fig. 9, the hydro-power generation device 100 further includes: a rectifier circuit 41, a DC/DC converter 42, a DC/AC inverter 43, a control device 50, an input device 51, and a rotational speed detector 52. The rectifier circuit 41, the DC/DC converter 42, and the DC/AC inverter 43 may include various sensors (not shown) for detecting circuit states (e.g., temperature, current, and voltage). Further, detection signals of the respective sensors may be output to the control device 50.

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

The control device 50 includes: a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as an arithmetic Unit, a memory device, and input/output ports (not shown) for inputting and outputting various signals. The storage device includes: a RAM (Random Access Memory) as a working Memory, and a storage unit (for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a rewritable nonvolatile Memory) for storage. The control device 50 receives signals from various devices (e.g., the rotational speed detector 52 and various sensors) connected to the input port, and controls various devices (e.g., the brake device 30, the motor 120, the DC/DC converter 42, and the DC/AC inverter 43) connected to the output port based on the received signals. The CPU executes the program stored in the storage device to execute various controls. However, the various controls are not limited to processing by software, and may be processed by dedicated hardware (electronic circuit).

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

When the hydroelectric power generation device 100 performs the power generation operation, the generator 20 generates power as the turbine 10 rotates. The ac power (for example, three-phase ac power) generated by the generator 20 is output to the rectifier circuit 41, and is converted into dc power by the rectifier circuit 41.

The DC/DC converter 42 performs predetermined power conversion (for example, voltage transformation) on the input power (more specifically, DC power) from the rectifier circuit 41 in accordance with a control signal from the control device 50, and outputs the power-converted DC power to the DC/AC inverter 43. The magnitude of the electric 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 the electric power supplied to the DC/AC inverter 43. Further, the controller 50 may stop the output of the DC/DC converter 42 and may not supply power to the DC/AC inverter 43. The power generation load of the generator 20 is reduced as the power output from the DC/DC converter 42 is reduced, and when the output of the DC/DC converter 42 is stopped, the generator 20 does not generate any more power.

The DC/AC inverter 43 is configured to convert input power (more specifically, direct-current power) from the DC/DC converter 42 into alternating-current power of a predetermined magnitude and frequency in accordance with a control signal from the control device 50 and output the alternating-current power. The AC power output from the DC/AC inverter 43 corresponds to the output of the hydro-power generation device 100, and is supplied to, for example, an electric power system. However, the output of the hydraulic power generation device 100 may be supplied to a retail electric power company or may be used for power storage.

When the hydroelectric power generation apparatus 100 is used in an agricultural waterway, foreign matter floating from the upstream (for example, waterweeds, branches, and string-like garbage) is entangled with the water turbine 10 and becomes a factor of reducing the amount of power generation. The foreign matter caught by the water wheel wing 11 is in a state of being pressed toward the water wheel wing 11 by the water pressure of the water current. The foreign matter is hard to fall off the water turbine wing 11.

Therefore, in the hydroelectric power generation apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the hydroelectric power generation modules M are set to the first state during normal power generation, and when foreign matter adheres to the turbine blades 11, the hydroelectric power generation modules M are lifted to the second state in which the water surface position is lower than the first state. In the second state, at least a part of the water wheel airfoil 11 is present above the water surface. When the water turbine wing 11 exists above the water surface, since the water turbine wing 11 is no longer subjected to the water pressure from the water flow, foreign matters are easily detached from the water turbine wing 11. With the above, in the hydroelectric power generation apparatus 100, the hydroelectric power generation module M is set to the second state to remove foreign matter adhering to the turbine blades 11. In the hydraulic power generation device 100, after the foreign matter is removed in the second state, the hydraulic power generation module M is lowered and returned to the first state. Hereinafter, the first state and the second state are described in detail.

During normal power generation, the control device 50 sets the hydro-power generation module M to a first state (hereinafter also referred to as a "normal power generation state"). The normal power generation state is as follows: at least a part of the water turbine blade 11 is present in the water channel 200, and the water turbine blade 11 is rotated by the force of the water flowing in the water channel 200, and the power is generated by the generator 20. More specifically, at the time of normal power generation, the control device 50 controls the motor 120 to adjust the rotation angle of the rotary beam 110 so that the rotation axis Ra of the water turbine 10 is parallel to the water flow direction Dw (i.e., sets the turbine angle to 0 °). Thereby, the hydro-power generation module M is in a normal power generation state. The normal power generation state of the present embodiment is the state shown in fig. 5 and 6. That is, in the normal power generation state, the water surface Uw of the water channel 200 is located above the water turbine 10 (i.e., the range P5 shown in fig. 4), and the entire water turbine 10 is present in the water channel 200. In the normal power generation state, the power conversion device (for example, the DC/DC converter 42 and the DC/AC inverter 43) is controlled by the control device 50 to output desired power from the hydro-power generation device 100. In the normal power generation state, braking is not performed by the braking device 30. Thereby, the water turbine 10 rotates according to the flow rate of the waterway 200. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the rotational speed of the generator 20 may be adjusted by the brake device 30 in order to improve the power generation efficiency.

When a predetermined lifting condition (for example, a condition that is satisfied when the amount of foreign matter adhering to the water turbine wing 11 exceeds the allowable range) is satisfied when the hydro-power generation module M is in the normal power generation state, the control device 50 controls the motor 120 to set the hydro-power generation module M to the second state (hereinafter, also referred to as "lifting state"). The lifting state is as follows: at least a part of the water turbine wing 11 is located above the water surface Uw of the waterway 200, and the position of the water surface Uw of the waterway 200 with respect to the water turbine 10 is lower than the normal power generation state. The lifted state in the present embodiment is the state shown in fig. 7. Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the hydro-power generation device 100 in the state shown in fig. 7. As shown in fig. 7 and 10, in the lifted state, the water surface Uw is located at the rotation axis of the water turbine 10 (i.e., the range P3 shown in fig. 4).

The higher the position of the water surface Uw of the waterway 200 with respect to the turbine 10, the larger the proportion (e.g., volume proportion) of the turbine wing 11 existing in the water. Furthermore, the more water turbine wings 11 are present in the water, the greater the force that the water turbine 10 receives from the water flow, and thus the greater the force that rotates the water turbine 10. Since the force for rotating the hydraulic turbine 10 becomes large, the amount of generated electricity becomes large. In the normal power generation state, the entire water turbine blade 11 is present in the water channel 200, and the water turbine blade 11 is rotated by the force of the water flowing through the water channel 200. Therefore, the amount of power generation in the normal power generation state can be increased.

On the other hand, the lower the position of the water surface Uw of the water channel 200 with respect to the turbine 10, the greater the proportion (for example, the volume proportion) of the turbine wing 11 existing above the water surface Uw of the water channel 200. The water wheel wings 11 existing above the water surface Uw are not subjected to the water pressure from the water flow. Therefore, when the water turbine wing 11 exists above the water surface Uw, the foreign matter is easily detached from the water turbine wing 11. In the hydraulic power generation device 100 of the present embodiment, when a predetermined lifting condition is satisfied when the hydraulic power generation module M is in the normal power generation state, the hydraulic power generation module M is brought into the lifting state. More specifically, the position of the water surface Uw of the water channel 200 with respect to the water turbine 10 is set as the position of the rotation axis of the water turbine 10 (i.e., the range P3 shown in fig. 4). In the above-described lifting state, the five turbine wings 11 included in the hydraulic turbine 10 alternately repeat a state in which the entire wing exists in the water and a state in which the entire wing exists above the water surface Uw, respectively, with the rotation of the hydraulic turbine 10. When the water turbine wing 11 exists in the water, the water turbine wing 11 is supplied with a force to rotate the water turbine 10 from the water flow. When the water wheel wing 11 exists above the water surface Uw, foreign substances are removed from the water wheel wing 11 due to the impulsive force of rotation (e.g., the centrifugal force generated due to the rotation) and the gravity. According to the experiment of the inventor, it was confirmed that the foreign matter entangled with the water wheel wing 11 is unwound by the rotation of the water turbine 10, and when the water wheel wing 11 exists above the water surface Uw, the foreign matter falls into the water from the root side of the water wheel wing 11. At this time, as shown in fig. 7, foreign matters are easily removed from the turbine blades 11 by tilting the turbine 10 in the lifted state. The turbine angle θ in the lifted state is preferably 20 ° to 60 °.

Hereinafter, the lifting control and the lowering control performed by the hydraulic power generation apparatus 100 will be described with reference to fig. 11 and 12.

Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the lifting control performed by the hydro-power generation device 100. When the hydro-power generation module M is in the first state (see fig. 5 and 6), the processing shown in the above-described flowchart is called from the main routine and repeatedly executed every time a predetermined time elapses. 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. 9 and 11, in S11, control device 50 executes predetermined control in the first state. Although the control in the first state may be arbitrarily set, in the present embodiment, the control device 50 controls the power conversion device (e.g., the DC/DC converter 42 and the DC/AC inverter 43) to output desired power from the hydro-power generation device 100 by the power generation performed by the generator 20.

In S12, the control device 50 determines whether or not a predetermined lift condition is satisfied. Although the lifting condition may be set arbitrarily, in the present embodiment, the lifting condition is established if the amount of the foreign matter adhering to the water turbine wing 11 exceeds the allowable range when the hydro-power generation module M is in the first state. The amount of the foreign matter allowed is arbitrary.

In the control device 50 of the present embodiment, when the hydro-power generation module M is in the first state, the rotation speed detector 52 monitors the rotation speed of the water turbine blade 11, and when the amount of change in the rotation speed of the water turbine blade 11 per unit time (hereinafter simply referred to as "speed fluctuation amount") exceeds a threshold value, it is determined that the amount of foreign matter adhering to the water turbine blade 11 exceeds the allowable range. When the amount of the foreign matter attached to the water wheel wing 11 increases, the rotation speed of the water wheel wing 11 decreases, and thus it is possible to determine whether the amount of the foreign matter attached to the water wheel wing 11 exceeds the allowable range based on the above-described speed fluctuation amount.

Although the detection interval of the rotational speed of the water turbine blade 11 and the unit time of the speed fluctuation amount may be arbitrarily set, in the present embodiment, the rotational speed of the water turbine blade 11 is detected every one second, and the unit time of the speed fluctuation amount is set to five seconds. That is, when the amount of change in the rotational speed of the water turbine wing 11 per five seconds exceeds the threshold value, it is determined that the amount of foreign matter adhering to the water turbine wing 11 exceeds the allowable range. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of speed fluctuation amounts (for example, speed fluctuation amounts of one second, five seconds, and one minute per unit time) different from each other per unit time may be calculated, and only when all the speed fluctuation amounts exceed the threshold value, it may be determined that the amount of foreign matter adhering to the water turbine blade 11 exceeds the allowable range.

The threshold value for the above determination is preferably set in consideration of the flow rate fluctuation of the water circuit 200 (fig. 5). For example, in the present embodiment, the water path 200 in which the hydro-power generation device 100 is installed is an agricultural water path. The flow rate of the water path 200 is pulsated according to natural fluctuation. When the flow rate of the waterway 200 is changed, the rotation speed of the water wheel wing 11 is also changed. It is preferable to set an appropriate threshold value so that the velocity fluctuation amount does not exceed the threshold value due to the flow velocity fluctuation of the waterway 200 even if the amount of the foreign matter attached to the water wheel wing 11 does not exceed the allowable range. The flow rate fluctuation range of the water path is roughly determined for each water path, and may be obtained in advance through experiments or simulations. In one example of an agricultural waterway, the range of flow rate fluctuation is about ± 4% with respect to the average flow rate. The fluctuation range of the rotation speed of the water wheel wings 11, which would be generated by the fluctuation of the flow rate, can be grasped from the previously obtained fluctuation range of the flow rate of the water path 200. For example, when the rotation speed of the water turbine wing 11 is changed by a predetermined ratio (for example, 5%) or more with respect to the average rotation speed, it may be determined that the amount of the foreign matter adhering to the water turbine wing 11 exceeds the allowable range. Alternatively, the flow rate of the water path 200 may be detected, and the threshold value may be changed according to the detected flow rate.

The method of determining whether or not the amount of the foreign matter adhering to the water turbine blade 11 exceeds the allowable range is not limited to the method based on the above-described speed fluctuation amount. For example, the controller 50 may be configured to determine whether or not the amount of the foreign matter adhering to the water turbine blade 11 exceeds the allowable range based on at least one of the rotational torque of the water turbine 10 or the generator 20 and the current value of the electric power output from the generator 20. The rotational torque may be detected by, for example, a torque meter (not shown). Further, the controller 50 may be configured to determine whether or not the amount of the foreign matter adhering to the water turbine wing 11 exceeds the allowable range based on an output of an optical sensor (not shown) that detects the foreign matter adhering to the water turbine wing 11.

When the lifting condition is not established (no in S12), the process returns to S11. While it is determined in S12 that the lifting condition is not satisfied, the power generation control in S11 is continued. On the other hand, when the lifting condition is satisfied (yes in S12), in S13, the controller 50 controls the motor 120 to rotate the rotation beam 110, thereby bringing the hydro-power generation module M into the second state (see fig. 7 and 10). The turbine angle θ in the second state is adjusted such that the water surface Uw of the water channel 200 is positioned at the rotation axis of the turbine 10, and θ is 45 ° in one example. As a result, the hydro-power generation module M is no longer in the first state, and the lift control of fig. 11 ends.

Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing the descent control performed by the hydro-power generation device 100. When the hydro-power generation module M is in the second state, the processing shown in the above-described flowchart is called from the main routine and repeatedly executed every predetermined time. 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. 9 and 12, in S21, control device 50 executes predetermined control in the second state. Although the control in the second state may be arbitrarily set, in the present embodiment, the control device 50 controls the DC/DC converter 42 so that the electric power output from the hydro-power generation device 100 is smaller than that in the first state. Thereby, the power generation load of the generator 20 is smaller than in the first state.

As described above, in the second state (see fig. 7 and 10), the foreign matter is easily detached from the water wheel wing 11 existing above the water surface Uw (i.e., the water wheel wing 11 that is not subjected to the water pressure from the water flow). Further, since the water turbine 10 is easily rotated when the power generation load of the generator 20 becomes small, foreign matter is easily detached from the water turbine wing 11 by the rotation of the water turbine 10. Therefore, by making the power generation load of the generator 20 in the second state smaller than that in the first state, the foreign matter can be removed more reliably (or in a short time).

In the present embodiment, in the second state, the generator 20 generates power with a smaller power generation load than in the first state. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the controller 50 may stop the output of the DC/DC converter 42 (and further stop the output of the hydro-power generation device 100) in the second state to set the generator 20 in a state without a power generation load. Since the generator 20 is in a state of no power generation load, the generator 20 stops generating power. This increases the momentum of the rotation of the water turbine 10, and the foreign matter is easily detached from the water turbine wing 11 by the rotation of the water turbine 10, so that the foreign matter can be removed more reliably (or in a short time).

In S22, the control device 50 determines whether or not a predetermined lowering condition is satisfied. Although the lowering condition may be set arbitrarily, in the present embodiment, the lowering condition is established when a predetermined time (hereinafter, also referred to as "holding time") has elapsed after the hydraulic power generation module M is changed to the second state. The holding time is set to be long enough to remove foreign matter from the water wheel wing 11 and short to such an extent that the power generation amount is not excessively decreased. The holding time is preferably set in consideration of the amount of foreign matter flowing through the water path 200 (fig. 10). For example, the amount of foreign matter drifting to the turbine 10 per unit time may be obtained in advance through experiments or simulations, and an appropriate holding time may be set. The holding time is preferably five seconds to thirty seconds, for example. In the present embodiment, the holding time is ten seconds.

When the falling condition is not established (no in S22), the process returns to S21. While it is determined in S22 that the lowering condition is not satisfied, the power generation limitation in S21 is continued while the hydro-power generation module M is maintained in the second state. On the other hand, when the descent condition is satisfied (yes in S22), in S23, the controller 50 controls the motor 120 to rotate the rotation beam 110, thereby bringing the hydro-power generation module M into the first state (see fig. 5 and 6). Thereby, the hydro-power generation module M is no longer in the second state, and the descent control of fig. 12 is ended. Then, the lifting control of fig. 11 is started.

As described above, in the hydroelectric power generation apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, when the predetermined lifting condition is satisfied when the hydroelectric power generation modules M are in the first state (yes in S12 of fig. 11), the hydroelectric power generation modules M are set to the second state (S13 of fig. 11), and after the attachments attached to the water turbine blades 11 (i.e., the foreign matter attached to the water turbine blades 11) are removed in the lifted state (S21 and S22 of fig. 12), the hydroelectric power generation modules M are returned to the first state again (S23 of fig. 12). The foreign matter is appropriately removed in the second state (lifted state), whereby the reduction in the power generation capacity of the hydro-power generation device 100 caused by the foreign matter is suppressed. Further, since the foreign matter is removed every time the lifting condition is established, the hydraulic power generation device 100 can maintain a high power generation capability for a long period of time. In this way, in the hydroelectric power generation apparatus 100, it is possible to easily perform a process for suppressing a reduction in power generation capacity due to foreign matter flowing through the water channel 200. In addition, since the above method does not require a large dust removing apparatus, foreign substances can be removed at low cost.

In the above embodiment, when the predetermined power generation stop condition is satisfied, the controller 50 is configured to stop the above-described lift control and lowering control (and further stop the power generation by the generator 20), and to control the motor 120 to rotate the rotation beam 110, thereby lifting the water turbine 10 from the water channel 200 and bringing the hydro-power generation module M into the state shown in fig. 8. Further, the control device 50 may be configured to resume the above-described lift control and descent control (and further resume the power generation by the power generator 20) when a predetermined power generation resumption condition is satisfied. For example, the power generation stop condition may be satisfied during a predetermined weather (for example, when at least one of the precipitation amount, the snow accumulation amount, and the wind speed exceeds an allowable range). The power generation recovery condition may be satisfied when a predetermined time has elapsed since the power generation stop condition was not satisfied.

In the above embodiment, the lifting condition (S12 in fig. 11) may be arbitrarily changed. For example, the raising condition may be satisfied when a predetermined time (hereinafter, also referred to as "power generation time") has elapsed since the hydraulic power generation module M is in the first state. Thus, the foreign matter can be removed periodically in the second state (lifted state). The power generation time is preferably, for example, thirty minutes to three hours, and in one example, one hour.

In the above embodiment, the falling condition (S22 in fig. 12) may be arbitrarily changed. For example, the lowering condition may be satisfied when the amount of the foreign matter adhering to the water turbine wing 11 is within an allowable range. For example, it may be judged whether the amount of foreign matter adhering to the water wheel wing 11 is within the allowable range based on the rotation speed of the water wheel wing 11.

In the above embodiment, the predetermined control in the second state (S21 in fig. 12) may be changed according to the situation. For example, depending on the destination of the electric power generated by the hydro-power generation device 100, it may not be preferable to limit the electric power generation in the hydro-power generation device 100 (i.e., reduce the power generation load). Therefore, the user may set whether or not to permit power generation restriction to the control device 50 through the input device 51 so that the user can select whether or not to perform power generation restriction according to each situation. The control device 50 may perform the lowering control of fig. 13 described below.

Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing a first modification of the descent control performed by the hydro-power generation device 100. The lowering control of fig. 13 is the same as the lowering control of fig. 12 except that steps S101 to S103 (hereinafter simply referred to as "S101" to "S103") are employed instead of S21 of fig. 12. Therefore, only S101 to S103 will be described below.

Referring to fig. 9 and 13, in S101, the control device 50 determines whether or not the power generation restriction has been permitted. For example, a power generation restriction permission flag may be prepared in the storage device of the control device 50, and whether or not power generation restriction is permitted may be determined based on the values (0: prohibited, 1: permitted) of the flag.

When the power generation restriction has been permitted (yes in S101), in S102, the control device 50 executes the power generation restriction. For example, the control device 50 reduces the power generation load of the generator 20 to be smaller than the first state, as in S21 of fig. 12. The control device 50 may generate power in a state where the power generation load is small, or may stop generating power.

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

As described above, in the lowering control of fig. 13, it is determined whether or not the power generation restriction is permitted, and the power generation restriction is performed only when the power generation restriction is permitted. This ensures the amount of power generation required for each situation and removes foreign matter at the same time.

In the above embodiment, the removal of foreign matter is facilitated by the power generation restriction in the second state (S21 of fig. 12). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the removal of foreign matter in the second state may be promoted by another method. Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing a second modification of the descent control performed by the hydro-power generation device 100.

Referring to fig. 9 and 14, in the lowering control, the processes of steps S111 to S115 (hereinafter simply referred to as "S111" to "S115") are executed as predetermined control in the second state, instead of S21 of fig. 12. When a predetermined lifting condition is satisfied when the hydro-power generation module M is in the first state and the hydro-power generation module M is changed from the first state to the second state (see fig. 7 and 10) by the process of S13 in fig. 11, the process of S111 is executed. Note that, a counter used below is stored in, for example, a storage device of the control device 50, and an initial value of the counter is 0.

In S111, the control device 50 controls the braking device 30 to apply a braking force to the rotation of the generator 20 (and thus the rotation of the water turbine wing 11). As a result, a braking force is applied to the rotation of the water turbine blade 11 (hereinafter, also referred to as a "brake on state"). In the brake-on state, the water turbine wing 11 is rotated with a braking force applied by the brake device 30. Then, the control device 50 waits for a predetermined time (hereinafter also referred to as "brake time") in the brake on state (S112). The braking time is preferably, for example, one second to thirty seconds, and in one example, three seconds.

When the braking time has elapsed since the brake-on state is reached, in S113, the control device 50 stops the braking operation by the braking device 30 and sets the rotary shaft of the generator 20 (and thus the rotary shaft of the water turbine wing 11) in a released state (hereinafter also referred to as a "brake-off state"). In the brake-off state, the water turbine wing 11 is rotated in a state where no braking force is applied by the brake device 30. Then, the control device 50 waits for a predetermined time (hereinafter also referred to as "release time") in the brake off state (S114). The release time is preferably, for example, one second to thirty seconds, and in one example, three seconds.

When the release time has elapsed since the brake off state was established, the control device 50 increments the counter in S115, and determines whether or not the count value has reached a predetermined threshold Th (hereinafter also referred to as "number of times of braking") in step S120. This determination corresponds to a determination as to whether or not a lowering condition is satisfied. Although the number of times of braking can be arbitrarily set, in one example, the number of times of braking is set to three.

If the count value does not reach the threshold Th (no in S120), it is determined that the lowering condition is not satisfied, and the process returns to S111. While it is determined in S120 that the count value has not reached the threshold Th, the processes in S111 to S115 are repeated. On the other hand, when the count value reaches the threshold Th (yes in S120), it is determined that the descent condition is satisfied, and in S23, the control device 50 controls the motor 120 to rotate the rotation beam 110, thereby bringing the hydro-power generation module M into the first state. Thereby, the hydro-power generation module M is no longer in the second state, and the descent control of fig. 14 is ended.

As described above, in the descent control of fig. 14, when the hydro-power generation module M is in the second state, the control device 50 controls the brake device 30 to alternately repeat the braking rotation of rotating the water turbine wing 11 with the braking force applied by the brake device 30 and the non-braking rotation of rotating the water turbine wing 11 with the braking force not applied by the brake device 30 until the descent condition is satisfied. In the second state, the rotation of the water turbine wing 11 is repeatedly decelerated and accelerated by intermittently applying a braking force (brake on) to the rotation of the water turbine wing 11 and repeatedly increasing and decreasing the braking force. This makes it easy for the foreign matter to fall off the water turbine blade 11, and makes it possible to remove the foreign matter more reliably (or in a short time). In addition, the braking time and the release time are preferably set in consideration of the time required for acceleration and deceleration of the rotation of the water turbine wing 11.

The processing of S111 to S115 in fig. 14 may be performed in a state in which the power generation is restricted (i.e., in a state in which the power generation load of the power generator 20 is smaller than the first state). When the power generation is limited in steps S111 to S115, the control device 50 may generate power with a small power generation load or may stop generating power.

The first state (normal power generation state) and the second state (lifting state) are not limited to the states shown in fig. 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, the water surface Uw is located in the range P1 shown in fig. 4, and therefore, the relative water surface position is lower than the states shown in fig. 6 and 7, respectively.

In the state shown in fig. 8, the entire water turbine wing 11 is located above the water surface Uw of the waterway 200, and the water turbine wing 11 is not subjected to the force of the water flowing through the waterway 200. However, when the state shown in fig. 8 is adopted as the second state, the water wheel wing 11 is rotated by the force of the water flowing in the waterway 200 in the state before the lift (for example, the state shown in fig. 6 or 7), and therefore, the water wheel wing 11 is also rotated by inertia in the state after the lift (that is, the state shown in fig. 8). In the second state (i.e., the state shown in fig. 8), since the water turbine wing 11 is no longer subjected to the water pressure from the water flow, the foreign matter is easily detached from the water turbine wing 11.

The removal of foreign matter can also be promoted by vibrating the water wheel wings 11 in the second state. Fig. 15 is a diagram for explaining the above modification.

Referring to fig. 15, in this example, the state shown in fig. 8 is adopted as the second state. In S21 of fig. 12, the controller 50 controls the motor 120 to alternately repeat the normal rotation and the reverse rotation of the rotation beam 110 by a predetermined rotation amount, thereby vibrating the water turbine wing 11. The removal of foreign matter can be promoted by appropriately vibrating the water turbine wing 11. In addition, even in the case where the state shown in fig. 7 is adopted as the second state, the removal of foreign matter can be promoted by appropriately vibrating the water turbine wing 11 in the second state.

The actuator for rotating the rotation beam 110 is not limited to the motor 120, and may be an actuator using an air cylinder, for example. The driving unit that drives the hydro-power generation module M to the first state and the second state is not limited to the driving unit that rotates the hydro-power generation module M (for example, the driving unit including the rotation beam 110 and the motor 120), and may be a driving unit that vertically moves the hydro-power generation module M up and down (for example, a crane device). By raising and lowering the hydro-power generation module M (including the water turbine 10), the relative water surface position (i.e., the position of the water surface of the waterway 200 relative to the water turbine 10) may be changed.

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

Referring to fig. 16, the power generation system includes: an anchor 310 provided on the water bottom Bw (more specifically, the sea bottom), a mooring cable 320 installed to the anchor 310, and the underwater power generation apparatus 300.

The underwater power generation device 300 includes a water turbine 10A and a power generation unit 301. The turbine 10A includes a turbine wing 11A, a boss portion 12A, and a rotation shaft portion 13A. The power generation unit 301 includes a generator 20A, buoyancy adjusting devices 302, 303, and a control device 50A. The power generation unit 301 is connected to the anchor 310 via the mooring cable 320 so as to be fixed (moored) to the water bottom Bw. The rotation shaft of the generator 20A is connected to the rotation shaft 13A of the turbine 10A. The turbine wing 11A is rotated by the force of water (more specifically, seawater) flowing in the water flow direction Dw, thereby generating electricity by the generator 20A. The electric power generated by the generator 20A may be supplied to an electric power system or a retail power company via a power line (not shown) (e.g., a submarine cable), or may be stored in an electric storage device (not shown) in the power generation unit 301. The power generation unit 301 may be provided with a power conversion device (not shown) (for example, a rectifier circuit, a DC/DC converter, and a DC/AC inverter) to perform predetermined power conversion on the output of the generator 20A.

The control device 50A is configured to control the buoyancy adjusting devices 302 and 303. The buoyancy adjusting devices 302 and 303 function as a driving unit that drives the hydro-power generation module (including the water turbine 10A and the generator 20A) to the first state and the second state. The buoyancy adjusting devices 302 and 303 are configured to adjust the buoyancy of the underwater power generation device 300 by injecting and discharging ballast water in accordance with a control signal from the control device 50A.

The control device 50A controls the buoyancy adjusting devices 302 and 303 to inject ballast water into the buoyancy adjusting devices 302 and 303, thereby reducing the buoyancy of the underwater power generation device 300 and submerging the underwater power generation device 300 into water. For example, the state in which the entire underwater power generation device 300 shown in fig. 16 is present in water (more specifically, in the sea) may be set as the first state (normal power generation state).

When the predetermined lifting condition is satisfied when the underwater power generation device 300 (and hence the hydro-power generation module) is in the first state, the control device 50A controls the buoyancy adjusting devices 302 and 303 to discharge the ballast water from the buoyancy adjusting devices 302 and 303, thereby increasing the buoyancy of the underwater power generation device 300 and floating the underwater power generation device 300. By the above control, the in-water power generation device 300 (and thus the hydro-power generation module) can be changed from the first state to the second state (lifted state). For example, the state indicated by the chain line in fig. 16 may be the second state. In a state shown by a chain line in fig. 16, the water surface Uw is located at the rotation axis of the turbine 10A.

As described above, in the floating-in-water type ocean current power generation system, the hydroelectric power generation modules may be set to the first state and the second state, and the above-described lift control and descent control are performed, so that the treatment for suppressing the reduction in power generation capacity due to foreign matter flowing in the water channel (more specifically, the sea) can be easily performed at low cost. In the above-described floating-in-water type ocean current power generation system, the sinker may be used instead of the anchor. In addition, the number and configuration of the buoyancy adjusting devices may be arbitrarily changed.

The type of the water turbine is not limited to the horizontal shaft propeller turbine, and may be changed arbitrarily. Fig. 17 is a diagram showing a modification of the hydro-power generation module using a vertical shaft type water turbine. Referring to fig. 17, the hydro-power generation module includes a vertical shaft type water turbine 10B. Further, the water turbine 10B includes a water wheel wing 11B and a rotating shaft portion 13B coupled to the water wheel wing 11B. The rotating shaft 13B corresponds to a rotating shaft of the hydraulic turbine 10B. The turbine blade 11B is of a linear blade type, and has a shape in which the tip end of the blade in the vertical direction is bent toward the rotation axis. The turbine wing 11B rotates due to the water flow in the Y-axis direction. By rotating the turbine wing 11B, a rotation shaft portion of the generator 20B (more specifically, a rotation shaft portion disposed in the strut 21B) coupled to the rotation shaft portion 13B via the gear box 22B is rotated, and power is generated by the generator 20B.

By attaching the hydro-power generation module as described above to the driving unit (i.e., the driving unit including the rotation beam 110, the motor 120, and the mount 23), the hydro-power generation module can be set to the first state and the second state by the rotation operation of the rotation beam 110. In the above-described hydroelectric power generation apparatus, by performing the lift control and the descent control, it is possible to easily perform a process for suppressing a reduction in power generation capacity due to foreign matter flowing in the water channel at low cost.

The various modifications described above may also be implemented in combination. The configurations shown in the above embodiments and modifications may be modified as appropriate. For example, the input device 51 may be omitted when the setting required for the control device 50 is completed. For example, in the case where the brake device 30 is not used in the lifting control and the lowering control, the brake device 30 may be omitted.

It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is shown by the claims rather than the description of the above embodiments, and it is intended to include all modifications equivalent in meaning and scope to the scope of the claims.

(symbol description)

10. 10A, 10B water turbine

11. 11A, 11B water wheel wing

12. 12A axle sleeve part

13. 13A, 13B rotation shaft part

20. 20A, 20B generator

21. 21B support

22. 22B gear box

23 stand

24. 143 base

25. 141, 142 support member

30 brake device

41 rectification circuit

42 DC/DC converter

43 DC/AC inverter

50. 50A control device

51 input device

52 rotation speed detector

100 hydroelectric power generation device

110 rotating beam

111. 112 bearing

120 motor

130 coupler

151. 152 fixing member

153 fixed beam

200 waterway

201. 202 edge portion

231. 232 stand component

300 underwater power generation device

301 power generation unit

302. 303 buoyancy adjusting device

310 anchor assembly

320 mooring cable

M hydroelectric power generation module.